The National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement on March 19 urging the ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, to effectively address the military junta’s violence in Myanmar. The statement notes that while the international community remains focused on the Ukraine crisis, ASEAN has an opportunity to take the lead in addressing Myanmar’s worsening crisis. This presents a crucial moment for the regional organization to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the deteriorating situation in Myanmar.
Under the leadership of Malaysia as the rotating ASEAN Chair, the NUG emphasized the need for ASEAN to maintain its commitments to human rights and regional security. The statement highlights that the current period is critical for implementing decisive actions that can restore justice and peace for individual Myanmar citizens. The NUG stressed that this is a crucial time for taking concrete steps toward rebuilding Myanmar’s democratic future.
Furthermore, the NUG urged ASEAN to move beyond the Five-Point Consensus and develop a more comprehensive action plan that aligns with the Myanmar people’s aspirations. The statement referenced recent incidents, including the military’s aerial attack on a monastery in Naung Cho town in northern Shan State, noting that the military council continues to target civilians in systematic attacks. The NUG detailed how these attacks represent an escalation in the junta’s campaign of violence against civilians.
The statement also documented the rising civilian casualties resulting from the military council’s targeted airstrikes on religious sites and civilian areas in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magway regions, as well as Shan State. These ongoing attacks have led to a significant increase in civilian casualties, demonstrating the urgent need for more effective intervention by ASEAN. The NUG emphasized that these developments underscore the critical importance of ASEAN taking more decisive action to address the humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in Myanmar.
