Statement on the one-year anniversary of the February 1 coup in Myanmar
February 1, 2022
The coup in Myanmar is a direct result of the lack of accountability for crimes committed by the Tatmadaw and associated individuals and entities. When action is not taken to address this behavior, it only serves to embolden the Myanmar military. This is not only a huge step back for Myanmar and its path to genuine and inclusive democracy, it is a step back for all fledgling and fragile democracies. We can see this in the number of coups that have taken place since February 1 including Sudan, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
There is an undeniable attack on democracy, globally. The people of Myanmar are risking everything to restore the path to democracy that was so tragically interrupted one year ago. They are prepared to lead this work but they need the international community to stand with them. It is the collective responsibility of the world to uphold the basic rights of freedom and dignity to all people. The inaction by some countries and direct support by others continues to hinder this process. It is far past time for tangible action. It’s not too late to reverse the destructive trajectory that the Tatmadaw has set the country on.
These actions must be guided and led by civil society in Myanmar and include:
Multilateral action to cut of key revenue flows to the junta that is followed by thorough implementation
A universal and enforced arms embargo
Further and complete isolation of the junta through a commitment by all engaged actors to not take part in direct dialogue with the junta
Unilateral support for current and new accountability mechanisms to address the systemic human rights abuses through the country.
Delivery of humanitarian assistance and robust support to civil society
There is a long process ahead to bring about the needed changes in Myanmar that will allow all individuals in the country, and those that have been forced to flee, to live in peace, freedom and genuine democracy. We continue to be inspired by the people of Burma who have proven they won’t give up. With that in mind, we share these quotes:
“We are not calling on the world to save us. We are leading this fight for justice and freedom ourselves. But we are calling on the world to stop aiding and abetting this brutal regime.” Zau Maran from Fortify Rights in an op-ed.
“[T]he people of Burma, including all ethnic groups across the country, are fighting back to regain their rights. It is time for the international community to stand with us in our struggle instead of standing by. The people of Burma are not asking too much, only to hold the Burmese military accountable for the unspeakable crimes they have been committing. We ask the international community to help stop selling weapons to the Burmese military and to stop funding them.” writes Myra Dahgaypaw of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
Democracy activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi said, “It is not a year under Coup or Military Junta, Feb 1st is an anniversary of the People's Revolution for Democracy, Freedom, Justice & Accountability. We are commemorating the people's continued resistance & fighting spirit against the fascist military & its ideologies.”
“It is past time for the international community to hold the Myanmar military and security forces accountable for their heinous crimes. Countries must impose targeted economic sanctions and financial penalties on the military junta and its related businesses, and enable cross-border aid to be delivered to those forcibly displaced by the coup attempt. The UN Security Council and Secretary-General must uphold their mandate for peace and security, including by issuing a global arms embargo on Myanmar and referring the country’s situation to the International Criminal Court. In cooperation with Myanmar humanitarian organizations and civil society, governments and its leaders must urgently provide comprehensive psychosocial, economic, and livelihood support to victims and survivors of the junta’s atrocities, including sexual and gender-based violence. The people of Myanmar, including its women and girls, cannot bear another year of the junta’s reign of terror and the international community’s broken promises for peace.” from Women’s Peace Network’s statement on the anniversary of the coup.
“These days, I oscillate between pride and shame, hope and despair, optimism and pessimism. Yet I do remain hopeful. I see a big, transformative shift within Burmese society when it comes to finally acknowledging that minority groups have suffered systemic discrimination and oppression, and a new willingness to change this. Again this is led by young people who believe in diversity and inclusivity. All these herald good things for Myanmar’s future, if only we are allowed to have one,” says Thin Lei Win, founder of Kite Tales.