On the third anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, a joint statement from the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States condemned the ongoing violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by the military regime. The statement released by Global Affairs Canada highlighted the devastating impact of the coup. Thousands of civilians have been jailed, tortured, and killed. Its military rule has caused the widespread destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of millions of people, it said.
“Under the military regime, violence against civilians has escalated, with thousands jailed, tortured and killed. Airstrikes, shelling and arson have been used to destroy civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship…. The military’s actions have fuelled a growing humanitarian crisis with 2.6 million people displaced from their homes and more than 18 million people in need,” the statement from Global Affairs Canada stated.
The statement urged the military to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders and implement the Five-Point Consensus adopted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It also called on the UN Security Council to strengthen its efforts and urged all member states to support humanitarian needs in Myanmar and neighbouring countries.
Three years ago, on February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s military overthrew the democratically elected government, detaining Aung San SuuKyi and other leaders. The coup plunged the country into an ongoing conflict with significant humanitarian consequences.
On February 1, 2024, many Myanmar citizens participated in a nationwide silent protest, expressing their opposition to the military regime despite the risk of repression. This unity follows intense fighting by pro-democracy armed groups in various regions, highlighting continued resistance to the junta.
A Myanmar fan of pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi paid tribute to her on Twitter by posting one of her famous quotes: “The only real prison is FEAR, and the only real freedom is FREEDOM from fear – Aung San SuuKyi” With thousands killed and imprisoned in the last three years, Suu Kyi remains a big inspiration for the pro-democracy fighters.
Multiple ethnic armed groups, including the Arakan Army and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), continue to engage in armed conflict with the military. This includes incidents like the reported shooting down of a junta helicopter by the KNLA, demonstrating the ongoing challenges to the junta’s control. The Rohingya population continues to face significant hardship, as highlighted by the Rohingya Union for Women Education & Development. Their plight remains a major concern within the broader conflict.
Ugandan Member of Parliament Suuna King James has raised the alarm over 450 Ugandans allegedly held hostage by rebels near the Chinese border in Myanmar. “This is the area where 450 Ugandans are being held hostage by Myanmar rebels near the border with China. The town was seized by rebels 2wks ago; China evacuated its nationals, leaving their employees behind. We wait to see if Uganda will send its commandos on a rescue mission,” his tweet, accompanied by a video from a Myanmar site on February 1.
European Parliament in ASEAN on February 1, 2024, tweeted, “Three years ago, Myanmar’s military overthrew by force a democratically elected government. Today, the EU Parliament welcomes @NUGMyanmar Minister @ZawWaiSoe4 and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Myanmar people in their quest for a free, peaceful and democratic future.”
The junta’s extension of emergency rule underscores its intention to maintain control and disregard for democratic aspirations. This move has been met with international condemnation, including calls by figures like UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to end the dictatorship and sever ties with the junta. Despite international pressure and ongoing resistance within Myanmar, the military junta retains control. The situation remains volatile, characterized by armed conflict, human rights abuses, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Finding a path towards peace and democracy in Myanmar requires sustained pressure on the junta, coupled with support for the democratic movement and efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people. This necessitates comprehensive and inclusive solutions that address the root causes of the conflict and respect the will of the Myanmar people.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the military regime’s ongoing atrocities and human rights violations,” the statement by Global Affairs Canada said, calling for an immediate end to the violence and the release of all political prisoners. (IPA Service)
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