Japan Press Weekly

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2021 July 28 - August 3 [WORLD]

Int'l community should urgently unite to deal with situation in Myanmar

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

It has been six months since the military coup in Myanmar occurred on February 1. Nearly 1,000 citizens have been killed in the violent suppression by Myanmar's military and about 7,000 people have been arrested, according to a human rights organization. The chaos under the military authority is causing a loss of administrative and healthcare functions in the country.

The UN data shows that the number of civilians who have been displaced due to the conflict between the military and an armed resistance force reached almost 230,000 as of June 30. The number of internally displaced persons (IDP) doubled in just one month.

The number of coronavirus cases has been increasing sharply since the end of June. An international research institute estimates that the number of COVID-19 cases totals about 300,000 with a death toll of about 9,000. However, the actual situation is unknown. Therefore, the reality may be worse than this estimation. The urgent need now is for the international community to unite to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar citizens.

The coup to topple the democratically-elected government is a serious international issue. The UN General Assembly on June 18 adopted a resolution denouncing the military coup in Myanmar, calling on world's governments to stop supplying weapons to Myanmar.

However, concerted international efforts have not been realized yet. There is no legally-binding UN resolution because China and Russia have not signed on. These countries do not denounce the coup d'etat and abstained from voting on the UNGA resolution. Disagreement among the international community is working to help escalate the lawlessness of the Myanmar military.

After the coup, Japan suspended new ODA projects in Myanmar but continues ongoing ODA projects. Companies affiliated with the Myanmar military are receiving benefits from the ODA projects. The Japanese government should stand firm against the violent coup and human rights suppression by the Myanmar military and should contribute to enhancing cohesion of the international community.

Past related article:
> Shii calls for international community to unite against 2021 Maynmar coup d’etat [March 17, 2021]