In a joint statement issued three years after the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, foreign ministers from several nations, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, expressed strong condemnation of the military regime’s actions. The statement highlighted the military’s use of sexual and gender-based violence and the severe restrictions imposed on fundamental freedoms, urging an immediate change in course.
The international leaders called for an end to violence against civilians, the release of political prisoners, full humanitarian access, and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. The statement emphasized the alarming escalation of violence, including airstrikes, shelling, and arson, causing widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure such as homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship.
The joint declaration also pointed out systematic discrimination against religious and ethnic groups, particularly the Rohingya. Thousands have been displaced, facing dire conditions, while others have fled across borders. The military’s actions have led to a growing humanitarian crisis, with 2.6 million people displaced and over 18 million in need.
Expressing concern for the displaced and vulnerable communities, the statement called on the international community to support efforts compelling the Myanmar military to cease violence and engage in genuinely inclusive dialogue. It urged nations to refrain from providing arms and equipment to the military regime, emphasizing the need for a peaceful democratic future for Myanmar.
The international community applauded the efforts of ASEAN in resolving the crisis and called for the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. The United States, in response to ongoing atrocities, imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s military regime, targeting sources of revenue supporting military activities against civilians.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the pervasive discrimination against religious and ethnic groups, citing the displacement of millions and the unjust imprisonment of political figures. The US reiterated its call for the military to change course, create space for inclusive dialogue, and urged increased international support for a credible and inclusive democratic process in Myanmar.
In solidarity with the condemnation, the Australian Government imposed additional targeted sanctions on entities directly linked to the Myanmar military regime. As the international community intensifies efforts to address the crisis, the focus remains on ending violence, ensuring human rights, and supporting the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy.
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