Myanmar: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the upcoming elections

On today’s International Human Rights Day, the European Union reiterates its steadfast support for the people of Myanmar in their aspiration to live in dignity, peace and freedom.

We condemn continuing grave human rights violations including torture, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the persecution of civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists. These abuses persist alongside widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms and a climate of fear.

The European Union is closely following developments surrounding the electoral process announced by the State Security and Peace Commission in Myanmar. While the Myanmar military regime presents these polls as a step in its political roadmap, the prevailing context makes clear that the essential conditions for free and fair elections, namely a credible, transparent, inclusive process, in line with international standards, are not in place, and that these elections are only pursuing bolstering legitimacy objectives for the junta.

Widespread violence, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, mass detentions, and the exclusion of key political actors severely undermine the credibility of the process. Many areas of the country remain affected by active conflict, humanitarian needs continue to rise, forced internal displacements of people are intensifying, and civic space is tightly constrained.

Large segments of the population and political spectrum — including persons belonging to many minorities, or parties with significant popular support — are prevented from participating in the elections. Despite the recent amnesty, many thousands of citizens remain arbitrarily detained. At the same time, new laws criminalising any criticism of the electoral process further erode the possibility of free expression. The environment in which electoral preparations are taking place is therefore neither conducive to public trust nor compatible with the international standards to which Myanmar has committed.

The EU urges all stakeholders to prioritise an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence, an inclusive political dialogue, and unhindered humanitarian access. A sustainable political solution cannot be reached through a process that lacks legitimacy in the eyes of the population or that risks entrenching division. We emphasise that addressing the underlying discrimination and human rights violations faced by persons belonging to all ethnic minorities must be a part of a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar.

In this context, the European Union, in support of ASEAN’s Centrality, calls once again for the full and effective implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, which remains the adequate pathway to de-escalate the crisis and lay the groundwork for a peaceful and inclusive future for Myanmar. The EU stands ready to support genuine efforts that lead to a sustainable and just end of violence and an inclusive dialogue process.

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