‘Crimes against humanity are also committed in Myanmar’

The human rights activist explains to that the elections with which the military junta threatens “are just propaganda, how can the same people who did not respect the 2020 elections supervise them?” He calls for “concrete actions” from the international community: “The army must be held accountable for the violence it has committed with impunity.” Hopes for a democratic country and unity among ethnic groups: “It is time to show that we are not divided.”

Rome () – It is an “old strategy”, but now “people are no longer as naive as before.” The elections proposed by the military junta that should be held next year are nothing more than “military propaganda to legitimize itself, to continue in power,” he explains to Aung Myo Min, Human Rights Minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government-in-exile (NUG), which was formed after the 2021 coup to “return democracy to the people.” We were with him in Rome at an event organized by the “Italy-Burma Insieme” association. “Sadly, it is funny to see the military, which did not respect the result of the last elections (in 2020, when Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy won, ed.), organizing new elections.”

“On the ground they are losing because they do not have the support of the people.” At this time, when the Burmese army is facing numerous difficulties and is losing battles and territories at the hands of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), supported by the NUG, and the other militias, the repression is becoming increasingly fierce. . “Above all, in recent times the army has resorted more and more frequently to air strikes, because that is where it has more power,” explains Aung Myo Min. A power supported and backed by China, which continues to supply it with weapons. Last month they attacked the city of Lashio, capital of Shan State, with aircraft. The hostilities are of such magnitude that they go beyond the “violation of rights.” What is happening is a “criminal crisis” because “crimes against humanity, war crimes, are being intentionally committed.” “An uninterrupted genocide is being carried out against the Burmese people,” says the minister.

These types of crimes have been committed for years in a climate of total impunity. “There is no justice,” denounces Aung Myo Min, advocating for the restoration of the rule of law. In his itinerant mandate – today he is in Italy, in the next few days he will be in New York, where he will attend the UN general assembly for the presentation of the new report by special rapporteur Tom Andrews on the situation of human rights in Burma – Try to get international support. “Through the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court or universal jurisdiction, individual states could take measures in this regard,” he explains. -. “To hold our military accountable for all crimes committed.”

Regarding the possibility of peace that is also called for by the international community – Pope Francis has often mentioned Myanmar in his numerous appeals – Aung Myo Min sends a clear message. “We need concrete actions,” he says, insisting that the first step is to cut any form of support for the dictatorship. “And then encourage a lasting and peaceful solution to be reached through dialogue.” As for desirable actions, first are economic sanctions, “to prevent the military from using money to kill people and buy fuel for planes and supplies for the armed forces.” Furthermore, it is essential to listen to the will of the Burmese people, “who have already expressed a clear position: we do not want the military anymore. The peaceful solution is a good solution, but it is impossible if the military kills people every day and forces the young generations to do forced labor in the army.

Last February, the military junta introduced compulsory military service for men from 18 to 35 years old and for women from 18 to 27 years old. The younger generations are the first to suffer the consequences of instability. “They leave the country or find a way to escape conscription laws by paying large sums of money,” he tells . “They flee to neighboring countries by all possible means, both legal and illegal.” But those who remain resist the military “in spirit and also in other ways.” It is through them that the dream of a future federal and democratic country is nourished, which has its roots in the steps taken by Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1991, and her Spring Revolution. “Federalism is the dream of ethnic populations – he adds -. “Now it is important that the Government of National Unity and the leaders of all groups come together to talk about a common position: what we want, the strategies with which we work together and the international positions to support our fight.”

A common position that is not easy to establish in the mosaic of territories and ethnic groups that make up Myanmar. But it must be based on shared values ​​and actions, such as “humanitarian assistance after Typhoon Yagi (which left hundreds dead, especially in the capital, Naypyidaw, ed.). And then a future common Constitution that we would like to create,” he adds. “The time has come to be united. To take a very strong position so that the world knows that we are not divided.”

Aung Myo Min is in Italy to collect the 2024 Ludovic Trarieux Prize (which in 1985 went to Nelson Mandela) awarded this year to lawyer Ywet Nu Aung, a human rights defender sentenced by the military junta to 15 years in prison in 2022 “This recognition also represents many other lawyers and activists, inside and outside of prisons, who contribute to supporting the democratic movement,” he comments. It also represents an opportunity to draw international attention to Myanmar. “What is happening in other parts of the world such as Lebanon, Ukraine and the Middle East is terrible – he concludes -. But Myanmar is also suffering crime and violence at the hands of the military. “We need you to pay attention to us.”