Myanmar Spring Chronicle – January 7 Highlights
Mizzima, January 8, 2025
EU and Nine Nations Issue Statement on Myanmar’s Crisis
On January 7, the European Union, together with nine countries—the United States, Norway, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—released a joint statement addressing the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
The statement highlighted the worsening human rights violations, escalating violence, and increasing tensions between communities, compounded by continued repression by the authoritarian regime against the people of Myanmar.
Notably, the statement referred to the “authoritarian regime” without explicitly naming the military junta. It also mentioned the growing tensions among communities. The joint statement condemned the regime’s continued use of violence against civilians and emphasized that there are substantial reports documenting violations of human rights, acts of torture, and breaches of international humanitarian law.
The reports include egregious acts such as forced recruitment of children and minorities, indiscriminate airstrikes by the military, gender-based violence, destruction of homes, and attacks on humanitarian workers and infrastructure. Additionally, restrictions imposed by both the military junta and armed groups on humanitarian aid were also highlighted.
The statement primarily criticized the junta but also alluded to armed groups opposing the junta, reflecting a nuanced perspective. It called for all armed actors, including the junta and other armed groups, to de-escalate violence, respect international humanitarian and human rights laws, protect civilians, and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to those in need.
Regarding the situation in Rakhine State, the statement expressed grave concern over the ongoing conflict and the plight of all communities, including the Rohingya. It stressed that addressing the discrimination and atrocities faced by the Rohingya is crucial for resolving Myanmar’s political crisis.
The statement also called for adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022) and expressed full support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and the role of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar.
Interestingly, the inclusion of three Asian nations—Timor-Leste, South Korea, and Australia—alongside Western countries such as the US, Canada, and European nations, reflects a broad coalition. The statement emphasized peaceful resolution through inclusive dialogue and reiterated the need for Myanmar to return to a democratic path that allows for inclusive participation.
The joint declaration appeared to spotlight Myanmar’s human rights violations and the urgent need for humanitarian aid while steering clear of directly addressing the broader armed conflict or political negotiations.
Lastly, while the statement endorsed ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and the UN Security Council resolution, it made no mention of China’s role in Myanmar’s crisis. Instead, it maintained a focus on the pressing need for human rights, minority rights, and humanitarian aid access, leaving broader discussions on political transitions unaddressed.