24 April 2021 — London/Yangon — Burma Human Rights Network calls on the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) to reject the illegitimate fascist military of Burma and to cooperate with the legitimate democratic representation of the people, the National Unity Government (NUG). The call comes as the coup leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is expected to attend a special ASEAN summit on Burma on 24 April.

“By inviting the military leadership to attend this summit ASEAN is giving legitimacy to the illegitimate junta. The fascist military overthrow a democratically elected government and the coup is clearly failing so far. Since this time the people have risen up in mass protests against the military and the junta has been completely unable to force its authority. They have zero legitimacy or authority in Burma and inviting them to this summit undermines the will of the people of Burma and will likely prolong conflict in the country,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.

“ASEAN must collectively use this summit to reject the Tatmadaw’s leadership and commit to working with the democrat representation of the National Unity Government. They must also make clear that continued barbaric and undemocratic rule by the Tatmadaw will result in Burma losing its ASEAN membership,” Kyaw Win said.

Since 1 February 2021, the Burmese military has barbarically clung to power in defiance of the will of the Burmese people. Nearly 800 civilians have been killed brutally for peacefully protesting and countless more have been detained and tortured. The barbaric actions of the fascist Burmese military have no place in the modern world and ASEAN must make that clear.

BHRN calls on ASEAN to use the 24 April summit to reject the military coup and begin cooperation with the legitimate National Unity Government. The summit must make clear to the fascist military that their continued human rights abuses will result in significant consequences and removal from ASEAN. Similarly, the world must also recognize the NUG as the legitimate democratic representation of the Burmese people and end any cooperation with the fascist military dictatorship. These actions must be followed by a global arms embargo against the military, sanctions on all of the military’s business interests, and full support to the NUG and Civil Disobedience Movement in their pursuit of a democratic Burma with equal rights for all.

BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media Enquiries
Please contact:

Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: [email protected]
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378

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