To the Public, Stakeholders, and International Community:
Today marks the fifth year of the military’s assumption of state power in Myanmar. Over these five years, the population has faced significant challenges, including loss of life, property destruction, displacement, and detentions. We view these ongoing actions as systematic violations that could be considered Crimes Against Humanity under the scope of international crimes.
Despite these conditions, the spirit of the resistance remains firm. The military council currently faces ongoing challenges in both its military operations and administrative functions. In response to these pressures, the military intentionally targets civilians through air strikes, burning down entire villages, and brutally murdering women, children, and the elderly.
To address declining personnel numbers, the State Administration Council (SAC) has implemented a mandatory conscription law. This policy impacts the future of the younger generation by requiring service regardless of gender and restricting opportunities for international education and employment. Additionally, the public continues to deal with the effects of a weakening economy, including inflation and rising costs of living.
The military is currently seeking political legitimacy through a proposed sham election. However, we believe any election conducted under the 2008 Constitution serves only to maintain the current power structure rather than reflecting the public will. Our organisations formally oppose this electoral process.
We call for an end to impunity. We support the efforts of international judicial bodies, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), to establish accountability. We urge the international community to maintain effective measures and support the interests of the people.
We specifically condemn the reported use of gender-based violence. The processes of justice and mechanisms to make reparations for women, the LGBTQI+ community, ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities must remain central to the country’s transition.
Our organisations remain committed to the goal of returning power to the people and ending military governance. Unity and broad participation remain essential to achieving a stable and democratic future.
Oppose the proposed sham election.
End the military administration.
Victory to the democratic transition.
Signatories:
- Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR)
- Bridge of Being
- Equality Myanmar
- Generation Network Myanmar
- Kachin Human Rights Watch
- Kachin Women Research Group
- Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG)
- Kyae Lak Myay
- Minority Affairs Institute – MAI (Myanmar)
- MPW (ြမန်မာ့အကျ ်းေထာင်သက်ေသ)
- Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM)
- Politics for Women Myanmar
- PYDC
- Shwe Phee Myay News Agency- SPM
- The Calling Digest