Foreign ministers encourage the international community to support the Burmese people two years after the coup

Feb. 1 (EUROPA PRESS) –

More than twenty foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, have encouraged the international community on Wednesday to support the Burmese people after the effects of two years of coup d’état.

“Once again, we call on all members of the international community to support all efforts to hold those responsible for human rights violations and abuses to account; cease the sale and transfer of weapons and equipment that facilitate the atrocities; and to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Burma, including its most vulnerable communities,” read a joint statement.

Thus, the foreign ministers of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, South Korea, Ghana or New Zealand have shown their “decision” in supporting “all those who work peacefully for an inclusive and democratic future for the people of Burma”.

“Over the past two years, the people of Burma have courageously demonstrated their commitment to a democratic country, demanding respect for Human Rights and fundamental freedoms and demonstrating determined resilience in the face of unspeakable atrocities,” the ministers stressed.

Despite this, since the coup d’état by the Burmese Army on February 1, 2021, the country has been plunged into a deep political, economic and humanitarian crisis, which has been added to the violent repression of all forms of opposition, including peaceful protests.

“The military annulled the democratic wishes of the people of Burma expressed in the November 2020 general elections, when they took power (…) We reiterate our call for Burma to return to a democratic path,” the letter read.

“There are increasing reports that airstrikes, bombings and the massive burning of towns and places of worship have targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure,” they lamented, adding that torture and sexual violence by security forces are widespread.

Likewise, according to the statement, the ministers have welcomed the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in addressing the crisis in the country, as well as the first resolution of the United Nations Security Council approved in December and that demands the immediate cessation of violence and the defense of Human Rights.