Your excellencies, leaders of Asean,
We are concerned about the direction of engagement between Asean member states and the coup leaders on the situation in Myanmar.
We urge that this engagement remain tied to concrete political outcomes that reflect the democratic will and aspirations of the people of Myanmar.
In efforts to resolve the crisis in Myanmar, engagement should not become an end in itself – nor should it confer political legitimacy without meaningful and measurable progress.
Any engagement with the military coup leaders should be assessed by its actual contribution to ending violence, securing the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners, restoring democracy, and establishing an inclusive political process.
These objectives are consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2669 in 2022. That resolution recognises Asean’s central role. It also stresses the full implementation of the Asean five-point consensus and the promotion of inclusive and representative dialogue.
The air strike near a market in Kyauktaw township in Rakhine state on 28 September, which killed and injured many civilians, highlights the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations.
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Asean must take firmer action to promote respect for international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
Furthermore, engagement with individuals accused of responsibility for serious violations that may constitute war crimes must neither weaken accountability nor create the impression that they can act with impunity. Such a perception could undermine Asean’s credibility and institutional standing.
We therefore urge Asean leaders to ensure that their engagement is consistent with the objectives of Resolution 2669 and the full implementation of the five-point consensus.
This engagement should strengthen efforts to restore democracy and protect human rights in Myanmar, and must not undermine these objectives.
Myanmar’s future must be shaped by the will of its people. Lasting peace, stability and development can be achieved only when Asean member states’ engagement helps translate the democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar into concrete political progress towards a genuine federal union.
- National League for Democracy
- Committee representing the three Kayah State Hluttaw
- Committee representing Karen State Hluttaw
- Chinland Hluttaw
- Chinland government
- Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw
- Sagaing federal unit interim government
- Tanintharyi Region Hluttaw
- Bago Federal Unit Hluttaw
- Committee representing Mon State Hluttaw
- Magway Federal Unit Hluttaw
- Interim Magway federal unit government
- Mandalay Regional Hluttaw
- Mandalay region interim administrative council
- Yangon Federal Unit Hluttaw
- Committee representing Shan State Hluttaw
- Ayeyarwady Federal Unit Parliament
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
