International Leaders Condemn Myanmar Military's Atrocities on Third Anniversary of Coup

A joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and Foreign Ministers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States marks the grim three-year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar. Since February 1, 2021, when the military overthrew the democratically elected government, Myanmar has witnessed a distressing surge in violence against civilians, leading to thousands being jailed, tortured, and killed. Airstrikes, arson, and shelling have ravaged civilian infrastructure, displacing 2.6 million people and pushing more than 18 million into dire need.

The statement strongly condemns the ongoing atrocities by the military regime, including sexual and gender-based violence, and the suppression of fundamental freedoms like freedom of expression. It calls for an immediate end to violence, the release of political prisoners, humanitarian access, and inclusive dialogue with stakeholders. The international community supports ASEAN's efforts to resolve the crisis and calls for the implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus. They also urge the UN to appoint a Special Envoy and provide humanitarian aid while discontinuing arms support to the Myanmar military. Despite three years of turmoil, solidarity with Myanmar's quest for an inclusive democracy remains steadfast.