In a joint statement on Friday 24 May, the European Union, Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States expressed their deep concern at the escalation of the conflict in Myanmar, which has led to a serious humanitarian and human rights crisis since the coup d'état in February 2021.
These countries deplore the fact that since this event, the number of people in need of humanitarian aid has risen from 1 million to 18.6 million, and that civilians are victims of widespread abuses, including air strikes, torture and sexual violence.
The military regime is also restricting access to humanitarian aid, which is causing shortages of food and water, and hindering access to healthcare.
“We are deeply concerned by the military regime’s implementation of the 2010 conscription law, which is increasing the number of displaced people. This measure continues to attempt to divide communities and fuel identity-based violence across Myanmar”, say the signatories.
They are particularly concerned about recent reports that have been received about high levels of displacement in Rakhine State.
The EU and the other signatory countries are calling for responsibility to be established and for the decisions of the International Court of Justice to be respected.
They support the efforts of the United Nations and ASEAN to bring about a peaceful resolution, and are urging a halt to arms supplies to the Myanmar army and the promotion of an inclusive dialogue with a view to restoring democracy. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)