2 August 2021 – London/Yangon – Burma Human Rights Network condemns attempts by the illegitimate State Administration Council (SAC) to rebrand itself as a caretaker government. The SAC chair and commander in chief of the Burmese Military, Min Aung Hlaing, has taken the position of Prime Minister in the so-called caretaker government. Efforts to rebrand themselves to the international community are designed to lure world governments into cooperation under the pretence that the military doesn’t intend to keep control of the country. BHRN documented in its most recent report Before Our Very Eyes that the junta has been conducting genocide since 2017 and has committed numerous crimes against humanity since the coup of 2021.

“A snake can shed its skin but that doesn’t change what it is. It would be deeply foolish for any government to put trust in the military’s caretaker government or to offer it any legitimacy. Since the military has usurped power from the Burmese people in February, they have killed, tortured, and starved the people of Burma and they have no intention of giving up the power they illegally seized from a democratically elected government. All efforts should be made to remove the military from power and to restore it to the people of Burma,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.

BHRN calls on the international to reject this superficial change in name by the SAC and redouble its efforts to sanction the Junta and prevent them from obtaining arms. The International Community must side with the National Unity Government, which legitimately represents the will of the people of Burma. This new attempt to pose as a transitional government shows desperation by the junta and pressure must continue to ensure they relinquish power once and for all.

Organisation’s Background
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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