ASEAN Urged to Take Decisive Action on Myanmar Crisis by Experts

Experts and officials from Cambodia and Thailand are calling on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take decisive steps to address the ongoing crisis and human rights concerns in Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021. The situation in Myanmar has continued to deteriorate, with increased fighting between the military junta and rebel groups leading to civilian casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Cambodia's Minister Delegate So Naro emphasized the need for the full release of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi to facilitate political resolution and peace talks in Myanmar. "A political solution requires the involvement of all parties, including the military junta and the National League for Democracy," Naro stated. While the transfer of Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest is seen as a step towards a solution, experts stress that the crisis cannot be resolved without her participation.

The military junta has responded to the takeover of the key trading town of Myawaddy by rebel groups with heavy airstrikes, dropping at least 130 bombs since Friday and killing at least 10 civilians, according to local media reports. The loss of Myawaddy, one of the most important trading posts between Myanmar and Thailand, is a further blow to the junta, which has already lost a town on the border with China to rebels from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Civilians in Myanmar continue to face numerous challenges, including insufficient water access exacerbated by climate change and increased conflict, rising prices, growing food instability, and the military's divide-and-rule tactics against ethnic groups. The forced recruitment drive announced by the junta in February is also underway, with regime administrators threatening consequences for those who evade the summons.

Why this matters: The ongoing crisis in Myanmar following the military coup has led to widespread human rights abuses, civilian casualties, and a growing humanitarian crisis. The situation threatens regional stability and underscores the need for a coordinated international response to support the people of Myanmar in their quest for peace, freedom, and democracy.

Cambodia and ASEAN continue to call for the implementation of the Five Point Consensus agreed upon in 2021, while also urging the provision of immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar. Thailand has expressed its readiness to broker peace talks between Myanmar's military government and resistance fighters, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara set to inspect the border situation. As the fighting continues, experts suggest that a peaceful, inclusive solution involving all key parties is necessary to address the crisis and restore stability in Myanmar.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia and Thailand call on ASEAN to address Myanmar crisis after 2021 coup.
• Release of Aung San Suu Kyi seen as key to political resolution and peace talks.
• Myanmar junta responds to rebel town takeover with heavy airstrikes, killing civilians.
• Civilians face water scarcity, rising prices, food instability, and military's divide-and-rule tactics.
• Thailand offers to broker peace talks between Myanmar's military and resistance fighters.