Mister Vice-President,
FIDH and its member organisations ALTSEAN-Burma and Women’s Peace Network are saddened by the mounting civilian casualties of the junta’s war on Myanmar’s people.
So far this year, civilian casualties killed in airstrikes in Myanmar are double that of Ukraine.
Myanmar’s neighbors must act decisively now to ensure these human rights and humanitarian crises do not become a greater threat to regional peace and security.
In Thailand, the incoming government needs a new and bold foreign policy that should include: official recognition of the National Unity Government; 2) suspension of all business relationships with the illegal junta; and 3) allowing assistance to IDPs and refugees fleeing junta attacks without the threat of refoulement.
In Bangladesh, it is imperative to halt all attempts to repatriate Rohingya refugees to camps or settlements in Arakan State. No safe, voluntary, and dignified return is possible without Rohingya citizenship and all other human rights without discrimination.
The governments of India and China must immediately stop providing political, economic, and military support to the criminal junta and halt all planned infrastructure and investment projects in Myanmar.
We also urge ASEAN member states to vocally demand the immediate release of the more than 19,000 political prisoners in Myanmar.
Thank you.