International Community Condemns Myanmar Military Regime On Coup Anniversary

ISTANBUL, Feb 1 (Bernama-AA) -- A coalition of nations issued a statement on Saturday condemning the Myanmar military regime’s escalating violence and human rights abuses on the fourth anniversary of a military coup, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

A statement by Australia, Canada, the European Union (EU), South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) highlighted the dire consequences of the coup, which has plunged Myanmar into one of the "largest" crises in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Since the coup, the people of Myanmar remain subject to military rule that has deprived many of their rights, democratic aspirations and, for thousands, their liberty and their lives,” it said.

The coalition demanded an immediate end to the violence, urging the military regime to de-escalate hostilities, ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prioritise the protection of civilians.

It also called for the release of all political prisoners and "genuine and inclusive" dialogue with all stakeholders.

The statement emphasised the need for accountability for atrocities and stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The coalition also expressed concern about rising transnational crime, including narcotics production, human trafficking and scam centres, which harm Myanmar’s people and destabilise the region. "The current trajectory is not sustainable for Myanmar or the region," it said.

The statement welcomed collaboration between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and United Nations (UN) special envoys, and urged the international community to continue supporting efforts to address the crisis and resultant refugee situation.

It called on the international community to support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2669, which calls for an immediate end to all forms of violence in Myanmar, and reiterated support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, which includes building trust and confidence to bring about dialogue among all parties concerned to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of the population.

-- BERNAMA-AA