1 February 2025 – Four years since the military’s failed coup in February 2021, the people of Myanmar’s resistance against the junta’s brutal rule has not only persisted but intensified. The Transitional Justice Asia Network (TJAN), a regional hub of transitional justice experts which includes the Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma (ND-Burma) as one of the founding members, unequivocally condemns the junta’s continued and escalating violence. We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the people’s resistance as they bravely fight for freedom and democracy.
As documented in joint report by ND-Burma and the National Unity Government (NUG) of the government-in-waiting, the past four years have been a display of horrors: arbitrary arrests, indiscriminate airstrikes, systematic burning of homes and villages, and the use of heavy weaponry against civilian populations. “The situation in Myanmar is rapidly deteriorating and beyond critical,” states Han Gyi, Coordinator of ND-Burma. “The people urgently need support to protect their rights and ensure their safety. It is essential to recognise and commend the resilience of individuals from all walks of life who have united in their collective struggle to dismantle the dictatorship.”
Various diplomatic approaches have failed to stop the atrocities as the military junta continues to demonstrate a complete disregard for international norms and agreements. The ASEAN 5-Point Consensus, agreed upon in April 2021, has proven ineffective due to the junta’s blatant disregard, leaving the Myanmar crisis without a people-led and people-centered solution. The 2022 executions of pro-democracy activists, the ongoing forced conscriptions, and the relentless persecution of the Rohingya – including their forced recruitment into the junta’s army – all underscore their contempt for human rights and the rule of law. A recent report by Asia Justice and Rights and partners CSOs in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand details the appalling conditions faced by the Rohingya refugees in the region, highlighting their vulnerability to exploitation, discrimination, and the constant threat or violence.
This year marking a critical juncture, where accountability for the junta’s atrocity crimes is of utmost important. The ICC Prosecutor’s application for an arrest warrant for junta leader Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity against the Rohingya—committed in Myanmar and, in part, in Bangladesh—is a welcome step, but it must be followed by concrete action. The international community must pursue all avenues for justice, including strengthening support for the ICC investigation, exploring universal jurisdiction initiatives in national court, and imposing targeted sanctions against those responsible for atrocities.
With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chair in 2025, there is a timely opportunity for regional leadership in mitigating the crisis. We urge Malaysia to take decisive action immediately by cutting diplomatic ties with the junta, implementing robust targeted sanctions, and actively engaging with the National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate representation of the Myanmar people. Malaysia must leverage its chairmanship to ensure full ASEAN cooperation with the ICC and to explore all available international and regional mechanisms to hold the junta accountable. Hence, ASEAN must take decisive action to elevate its dialogue and forge a stronger, more strategic partnership with civil society across the region.
“The people of Myanmar are demonstrating incredible courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable violations,” emphasises Galuh Wandita, Executive Director of AJAR. “As human rights defenders across Asia, we must amplify their voices and redouble our efforts to advocating for genuine accountability and dismantle the systemic violence endured by its ethnic minorities. The international community must move beyond statements of concern and take concrete action to protect the people of Myanmar and support their aspirations for a just and democratic future.”
Transitional Justice Asia Network (TJAN)
Asia Justice and Rights — KontraS Aceh (Indonesia) — Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma (Myanmar) — Suriya Women’s Development Centre (Sri Lanka) — Alternative Law Groups (Philippines) — Cross-Cultural Foundation (Thailand) — May 18 Memorial Foundation (South Korea) — Advocacy Forum-Nepal (Nepal) — Asosiasaun Chega! Ba Ita (Timor-Leste)