Today marks four years since the Myanmar military overthrew the country's democratically elected government, creating a significant crisis in the Indo-Pacific region. The situation remains dire as Myanmar's citizens continue to live under military rule, which has restricted their rights and democratic aspirations.
The spokesperson's office strongly condemned the escalating violence by Myanmar's military regime against civilians. "We condemn in the strongest terms the Myanmar military regime’s escalating violence harming civilians, including human rights violations, sexual and gender-based violence, and systematic persecution and discrimination against all religious and ethnic minorities," they stated.
There has been a notable increase in airstrikes by the military, with an almost 25-fold rise since 2021. These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to essential infrastructure such as schools and medical facilities. "The rise in airstrikes in areas with no active conflict has marked a clear escalation by the military," said the spokesperson.
Humanitarian needs have surged dramatically since the coup. Currently, more than one-third of Myanmar's population requires assistance to meet basic needs, with food assistance being crucial for an estimated 15.2 million people. The ongoing conflict has displaced up to 3.5 million people internally within Myanmar.
The statement highlighted concerns about transnational crime affecting both Myanmar and neighboring countries. Activities such as narcotics production, trafficking, scam centers, and human trafficking are contributing to regional instability.
The current situation is deemed unsustainable for both Myanmar and its surrounding region. The spokesperson urged immediate action from the Myanmar military regime: "Now is the time for the Myanmar military regime to immediately change course." This includes ceasing violence against civilians, releasing political prisoners, and engaging in inclusive dialogue towards a peaceful transition.
Support was reiterated for ASEAN's central role alongside UN efforts in addressing this crisis. The international community is encouraged to support UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022) while ensuring accountability for atrocities committed in Myanmar.
"We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and support their vision for an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future," concluded the statement from the Office of the Spokesperson.