Staff Reporter :
In a joint statement released on Friday, eight countries, including the United States and the European Union, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Myanmar and the increasing harm to civilians.
The statement highlighted the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis across the country.
The signatories—Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the
United States—urged for an immediate address of the ongoing conflict. Since the February 2021 coup d’état, the number of people in humanitarian need has risen from 1 million to 18.6 million.
The statement cited credible reports of violations against the civilian population, including airstrikes on homes, schools, places of worship, and hospitals.
Reports also included incidents of torture, the use of civilians as human shields, and sexual and gender-based violence against women and children.
The conflict’s escalation is causing further displacement of communities across Myanmar.
The military regime is systematically restricting access to life-saving humanitarian assistance, the statement noted.
Growing shortages of water and food, widespread denial of access to healthcare and medicines, and the continued blocking of roads and telecommunications in conflict areas are hindering humanitarian delivery and access to information.
In 2023 alone, more than 1,000 civilians were killed or maimed by landmines, with casualties rapidly increasing. The number of people being trafficked and held against their will is also on the rise. The statement emphasized that all parties must prioritize the protection of civilians.
Concerns were also raised about the military regime’s implementation of the 2010 conscription law, which is increasing the number of displaced people and fueling identity-based violence across Myanmar.
In Rakhine State, the military regime and armed groups have consistently targeted towns and villages, causing high levels of displacement in areas like Buthidaung.
The deliberate use of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech is exacerbating sectarian and inter-communal conflict.
Forced recruitment, including of the Rohingya, is further dividing communities and exploiting existing tensions.
The statement underscored the extreme levels of food insecurity faced by all populations, including Rakhine, Rohingya, and other ethnic communities.
It called for accountability for all atrocities committed in Myanmar and recalled the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures order for safeguarding human rights and preventing violations.
Referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2669 on Myanmar, the countries called for an immediate end to all forms of violence and urged all parties to respect human rights and allow full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access.
They welcomed the appointment of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar and supported unified efforts by ASEAN, UNSE, and regional actors to resolve the crisis.
The military regime was urged to release all those arbitrarily detained and fully implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus.
The statement concluded with a call for all parties to create space for meaningful and inclusive dialogue to restore democracy in Myanmar. The signatories reiterated their resolute support for those working peacefully towards an inclusive, non-violent, and democratic future for the people of Myanmar.
