Justice for Myanmar has requested a UN investigation into possible conflicts of interest involving Julie Bishop, the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar. Her ties to Chinese companies, particularly through Energy Transition Minerals, raise concerns about her impartiality and commitment to promoting democracy in Myanmar. Activists fear such associations could undermine her role in resolving the ongoing crisis.
Justice for Myanmar (JFM), an activist group, has urged the United Nations to investigate potential conflicts of interest involving its Special Envoy to Myanmar, Julie Bishop. Appointed as the UN special envoy in April 2024, Bishop previously served as Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2018 and currently leads her own consultancy, Julie Bishop and Partners. Concerns arise from her links to Chinese state-owned enterprises, particularly through her advisory role at Energy Transition Minerals (ETM).
A report by The Saturday Paper revealed that ETM, in which the state-owned Shenghe Resources has a 9 percent stake alongside China Communications Construction Company, has been embroiled in a controversial mining project in Kvanefjeld, Greenland. The project faced opposition from local communities due to environmental and health concerns and was halted by a government ban on uranium mining in 2021. ETM is currently contesting the ban legally, while Bishop’s role was engaged to provide strategic advice to advance the project despite these issues.
Activists, particularly JFM, express worries that Bishop’s affiliation with ETM might compromise her impartiality as the UN Special Envoy. Given that Myanmar is a significant supplier of rare minerals to China and that Shenghe Resources plays a considerable role in processing these minerals, there are implications that the revenues support the Myanmar military regime. This raises doubts about her capacity to fulfill her duties effectively, as her commitment to resolving the crisis in Myanmar relies on maintaining trust and integrity in her position.
In conclusion, Justice for Myanmar’s call for a UN investigation into Julie Bishop’s affiliations highlights significant concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. As a Special Envoy to Myanmar, her links to Chinese state-owned entities, particularly through her role at Energy Transition Minerals, could undermine her ability to act impartially in the pursuit of democratic resolutions in Myanmar. As the situation develops, the integrity of her position remains paramount for ensuring accountability and transparency.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
