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ASEAN People Forum/ASEAN Civil Society Conference (Jakarta; September 1-3, 2023)

September 3rd, 2023  •  Author:   ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People Forum  •  3 minute read
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Solidarity Actions for the people of Myanmar

We, the Southeast Asian people from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam, stand in resolute solidarity with the diverse people of Myanmar who are resisting the military junta’s oppression.

We acknowledge that the Myanmar Military’s 945-day-long brutal bid to seize control of the nation remains unsuccessful.

The People of Myanmar are rising against the culture of impunity.

The People of Myanmar are defending and organizing their own communities, protesting on streets, and advocating for genuine political change.

Their struggle serves as a beacon of inspiration for our entire Southeast Asia region.

Every day, the people of Myanmar endure the Myanmar’s Military terror-campaign of nationwide digital surveillance, internet shutdowns, gender-based violence, forced disappearances, aerial bombings, artillery shelling, massacres, beheadings, extrajudicial arrests, detention center torture, and prison executions.

As of September 1, 2023, 4,029 pro-democracy activists and civilians, among them 602 courageous women, have been murdered for their dissenting voices against the attempted coup in Myanmar.

We declare, in one thundering voice, “We are outraged!” Today, we designate the Myanmar Military as a terrorist organization that threatens the security and stability of the region because it is committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

We’d like to pay heartfelt tribute to the countless martyrs, spanning generations, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this ongoing battle for freedom and justice. (30 seconds of profound silence)

We’d like to call all ASEAN leaders and those who wield power to heed our collective cry:

Cut off the Junta’s legitimacy—DO NOT ASSOCIATE with the Myanmar junta financially or politically. REJECT the Military’s illegal elections plan.

Cut the Junta’s arms and cash flows—IMPOSE targeted sanctions and a global arms embargo, including aviation fuel, against the Myanmar military.

End Singapore and Thailand’s complicity with Junta’s crimes as the third and fifth-largest weapons suppliers to the Myanmar military respectively. PTT Group from Thailand is financing Myanmar Junta as nearly half of their revenues go to Myanmar military budget through the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).

Cut through impunity—Hold the military generals accountable for the crimes. Adopt the Five Counterpoints proposed by civil society organizations to address the Myanmar crisis effectively.

Support the revolution of the Myanmar People.

Establish official and formal relationships with legitimate stakeholders, including the NUG (National Unity Government), National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), EROs (Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations), and civil society.

Immediately provide direct emergency humanitarian assistance through local organizations in collaboration with the National Unity Government and EROs (Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations).

The revolution must prevail (Three Fingers Salute)
The revolution must prevail (Three Fingers Salute)
The revolution must prevail (Three Fingers Salute)