As of 20th Jan 2022, at least 2,164 people have been killed by the Junta and over 11,000 have been arbitrarily detained [1]. The violence has been escalating [2] against the peoples of Myanmar. Arbitrary detention, torture, rape, and murder have become commonplace. The Junta is implementing its 4 cuts strategy in many ethnic areas, using airstrikes against civilians, razing towns (such as Thantlang [3]) and villages and burning innocent civilians including aid workers [4]. Its crimes are numerous and well-documented. Some international lawyers and the IIMM [5] have assessed a number of its actions to be crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law.
Since 1 Feb 2021, an estimated 320,900 people have been displaced (this is on top of the 340,000 IDPs and over 1 million Rohingya refugees from previous conflicts) [6]. Humanitarian needs are increasing alongside the escalation in violence and displacement. The economy has tanked and health systems have been mismanaged amid the Covid-19, having a devastating impact on people.
Throughout the year, the peoples of Myanmar have stood in defiance to the takeover and violence against them. We continue to see protests, flash mobs, strikes and boycotts of Junta companies, and other civil disobedience actions all across Myanmar on a daily basis led by students, trade unions, LGBT+ groups and local strike committees. The armed resistance, made up of many established EAOs and joined by the new People’s Defense Forces, is battling the Junta on a daily basis. Programs working on encouraging defections have made an impact on the military [7]. We see the work of CSOs, ethnic organizations and community & underground (CDM) clinics in providing aid, health care and support to many displaced and vulnerable communities despite the hugely challenging conditions.
Myanmar people in diaspora and their allies across the world have also carried out efforts to support the cause. There have been numerous protests & activities around the world [8] supporting the resistance on the ground.
This inspiring and creative resistance has meant the coup has not been successful.
It was briefly encouraging in June last year to see the United Nations General Assembly pass a resolution strongly condemning the February 1 coup. The General Assembly also made several important recommendations, including calling for all member-states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar but the UN Security Council did not follow up and did not propose a legally binding resolution of its own [9]. Some steps have been taken by some countries and blocs (USA, Canada, UK and the EU) such as sanctions of members of the Junta and some sanctions against Junta businesses, in many cases in response to the tireless lobbying by diaspora and allies.
However much of the international community’s response has been lackluster. Much of this can be put down to the expectation that ASEAN could lead an effective response to the crisis. We reiterate our disappointment in ASEAN, its 5 point consensus was underwhelming and the progress towards these objectives negligible. Indeed Hun Sen’s visit to Myanmar and interactions with the Junta have reversed even the limited steps taken [10].
To our friends & allies in the resistance
We recognise that the situation on the ground is incredibly hard and that the challenges faced are still significant.The toll the resistance is taking physically, emotionally on our friends is obvious, but also their determination to succeed and create a better, fairer, more inclusive future remains undiminished. We will continue to support you in every way that we can. We will raise up your cries for justice, your calls for action, we will share your campaigns and advocate to governments alongside the diaspora, we will continue to provide material resources and emotional support as best we can. We know it is not enough but we hope it is something that aids you in your struggle.
We build our alliances and friendships on shared suffering and shared objectives. We will transcend the suffering and work together in solidarity. When we are beaten down, we help each other to get back on our feet and stand in solidarity. Your cause is our cause. We will win!
On this anniversary not only do we reiterate the calls we made in April [11] to the international community, international bodies, INGOs and other actors but also make clear that more action needs to be taken:
1. Sanctions need to be stepped up. The fact that MOGE is still unsanctioned a year after the coup is reprehensible as it accounts for a significant amount of the foregin currency income that the Junta receives. This money is used to purchase arms and technology to use against the peoples of Myanmar & keep the Junta in power. Both the US and EU need to take steps to cut this source of income [12]. Beyond that there are many calls for different sanctions from different parts of the resistance. The NUG policy on sanctions has drawn many of these together and should be implemented [13].
2. We call on the world to recognise the National Unity Government NUG, CRPH & NUCC – (CRPH being the civilian representatives that have the electoral mandate from the Nov 2020 elections) – and to support them in working towards a genuine and inclusive federal democratic project, alongside all ethnic groups, EAOs, student & trade Unions & CSOs.
3. On the matter of humanitarian aid, with at least 3 million people [14] in need of humanitarian aid in Myanmar it is vital that international agencies ensure that their efforts reach those in need. We believe that part of the solution to this is ensuring that their programs work directly with local civil society organization, Ethnic groups and EAOs [15]. The Junta has blocked aid on many occasions and intercepted it for its own use [16].
4. We call for more of the international community to support the struggle for justice by the Rohingya people, to support the ICJ genocide case brought by Gambia, the universal jurisdiction case in Argentina and the lawsuit against Facebook. We also believe that the Junta need to be held to account for their other crimes against humanity, both prior to the attempted coup against other ethinic groups and the ones committed subsequent to it.
5. To take actions to stop the Junta’s capacity to use airstrikes and other attacks on civilians. Both a Global Arms Embargo against the Junta and military No Fly Zone policy have been requested by allies on the ground. The UN General assembly has also earlier called for an arms embargo.
We the #MilkTeaAlliance Friends of Myanmar group along with the undersigned stand with the peoples of Myanmar against the Junta and will continue to do what we can to support the peoples of Myanmar in their struggle.
Initial Signatories:
#MilkTeaAlliance (Friends of Myanmar)
#MilkTeaAlliance (Calendar Team)
Xun-ling Au, UK
Yasmin Ullah
Winnie Thaw
Alliance Canada Hong Kong
Debbie Stothard (ALTSEAN-Burma)
MilkTeaAlliance Galleries
MilkTeaAlliance_Thailand
SPELL-Sustainability and Participation through Education and Lifelong Learning
Nyein
MTA Malaysia
Marc Batac, Philippines
Initiatives for International Dialogue
Blood Money Campaign - Myanmar
Sitt Nyein Pann Foundation - Myanmar
Reihana Mohideen
Ryan Joseph Martinez, Philippines
Safina Maulida, Indonesia
Corazon Valdez-Fabros, Philippines
Rachel Arini, Indonesia
Kornkanok Khumta
Zar Pann Phyu, Myanmar
MilkTeaAlliance Indonesia
The torch, thailand
Daodin, Thailand
New Esan movement, Thailand
Yangyang, Thailand
AJ Sunglao
Gus Miclat, Philippines
KNACK Association Chiang Mai, Thailand
Phrae Pro-Democracy Network
เชน เชษฐา - Chettha Klindee, College of Politics and Governance Mahasarakham University, Thailand
Sirisak Chaited, Thailand
Naung Latt
ASEAN SOGIE Caucus
CAN ชุมชนนักกิจกรรมภาคเหนือ
Pinij Tongkum, Thai political activist
Fr.Dominic, Catholic Church, Kengtung Diocese, East of Shan State, Myanmar
Pirap kao, Lampang province
Phatchara Kamchamnarn, Thailand
Alma
Burapha Coastal Network 5, Eastern Province,Thailand
homeless shelter “Baan Torfun” Rayong Province, Thailand
Fuey Keeratreeporn
Queer Riot
Patricia Duangcham, GIRLxGIRL, Thailand
Malongdu Theatre, Thailand
Tirmizy E. Abdullah - Marawi Advocacy Accompaniment, Philippines
Sooyoung, ADN, Korea
Ratsadon Khong Shi Moon, Thailand
Davi Giri
FemFoo, Thailand
SEM - Spirit in Education Movement
Himalayan J.
Su Myat Naing
Southern Thai feminist liberal, Thailand
Jingjai, Thailand
Tamtang Group
Ceva Dayan
Tanruthai Thanrut
Dr. Charlie Thame, Asst. Prof. of International Relations, Thammasat University, Thailand.
MiMi Aye, writer and activist, United Kingdom
Sebastian Berger, Global Student Forum, Belgium
Global Student Forum
Pakavadi Veerapaspong, Thailand
Mr.Sirivich Thongkum , Assemblition of phetchabun students,Thailand
Johnson, Ching-Yin Yeung , Hong Kong
Pitchaya Ket-udom, MokelungRimnam, Thailand
Coalition of Lanna student
Ondřej Cakl, Czech Republic
Piyamit Klanarong ,Thalufah, Thailand
Justice For Myanmar , Myanmar
Nu nu than
Udon por gan tee
Rizky Lani / Indonesia
Bruce Van Voorhis, United States
U.S. Advocacy Coalition for Myanmar (USACM):
– Free Burma Action Bay/USA/Global
– Free Myanmar Campaign USA/BACI
– ICR / No Business with Genocide / Campaign for a New Myanmar
– Chin Leaders of Tomorrow (CLT)
– Myanmar Advocacy Coalition
– Burmese American Millennials
– Nationalities Alliance of Burma USA
– Global Movement for Myanmar Democracy (GM4MD)
– Freedom for Burma - Karen Organization of America
– LA Rohingya Association/America Rohingya Justice Network
– Burma Task Force
– American Rohingya Advocacy/Arakan Institute for Peace and Development
– Support the Democracy Movement in Burma
– Burmese Democratic Forces
– Freedom, Justice, Equality for Myanmar
– Students for Free Burma
– United States Chin Coalition (UUSC)
Befria Hongkong / Sweden
Asia Democracy Network, Asia Regional
Zack Lee, Philippines
YLBHI (Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation)
Kabir Qurban, Canada
Duyen Bui & Viet Tan ,Vietnam & USA
Myanmar Students Coalition British Columbia (Canada)
Kimmy May
Khin Kyi Thar Oo
Elenora
Listen Up Myanmar
Ryan Lagace
Aung Myat Kyaw, Myanmar
Aye Moh Thu
Michelle Coutinho
Che Va Htoo Shein
Myanmar Student Association Ontario (Ontario, Canada)
Mimi Yee (Toronto, Canada)
Milk Tea Alliance Philippines
Jue
Akbayan! Youth , Philippines
Coalition For Democracy , Myanmar
Shih-Ling Wang , Taiwan
Khylla Meneses, Youth Resist
Chelsea S. , Canada
Sumaiya Tufail
U.S. Campaign for Burma, USA
ChenHanTang
Young Progressives Hub (YPH)
National Union of Students of the Philippines
Lloyd Manango, League of Filipino Students, Philippines
Nerissa
Kabataan Partylist - Youth Member of Parliament, Philippines
League of Filipino Students, Philippines
Mokeluang Rimnam
UP ALYANSA , Philippines
Students’ Rights and Welfare Coalition Philippines, Philippines
Bukluran UP System
John Ryan Jacot, Union of Progressive Students, Philippines
BUKLOD CSSP , Philippines
Diep Dao/ Vietnam
Union of Progressive Students (Philippines)
United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) Thailand
Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul ,Thailand
SEA Junction
Kaung Soe Thant
Workers’ Union (สหภาพคนทำงาน) Thailand
Feminist’s Liberation Front
Creative Workers Union Thailand (CUT)
Karapatan Alliance Philippines
Raevene Morillo
Aaron James Patriarca, /Milk Tea Alliance Ph, Philippines
General Strike Coordination Body-GSCB, Myanmar
GPPAC-Southeast Asia
Rasti Delizo , Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP/Solidarity of Filipino Workers),
Karen Tanada, GZO Peace Institute, Philippines
Corazon Valdez Fabros, International Peace Bureau, Philippines
Additional Signatories:
Ryan Sebastian, Studio Miring, Indonesia
Fresh Eyes, United Kingdom
Jun Kyu Lee, Republic of Korea
Zulyani Evi, Indonesia
Ananya Phonphana, Thailand
Mikhail Vokabre, Alexey Navalny’s supporter, Russia
International IPMSDL
Burma Solidarity Philippines
Thidar Aungyi UK
Hannilette Diola
In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), Philippines
True Colors Coalition (TCC) / Philippines
Camille C. Milioga, Philippines
Colin Archer, UK
Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Philippines
Than Rittiphan, Thailand
Eero Kivistö, Finland
Asher Serrana, Belgium
Angela Villamero
Bernard Brian Bejo, UP ALYANSA, Philippines
Yes
BulSUONE( Philippines)
Jun Arellano Nale / Philippines
Marlies Roth/Germany
Al Alegre, Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas, Philippines
Clark luke youth Sector
Cris - independent - Spain
Ian Cyrus Eduarte Barcelos, Classic Grounds Alliance Las Piñas, Philippines
Students’ Rights and Welfare Philippines
Bryll Kenryl T. Murro
John Vete Roceta/ N/A /Philippines
Centro de Colaboración Cívica / México
Gabriel Miller, New York City
Mange Ram Adhana President Association, Promotion Sustainable development, India
Hniangchin Sung - Canada
CENTRE FOR PEACEBUILDING ORGANIZATIONS
Gayon CARES Inc.
éilís weller / turtle island (u.s.)
Wai Wai Nu (Women Peace Network)
Indonesia for Global Justice
Ian Cyrus Eduarte Barcelos, Classic Grounds Alliance Las Piñas (CGA-Las Piñas) ,Philippines
Legal Initiatives for Vietnam
Quynh-Vi Tran
AC Le Diot, France
Tommie Chen
Anakbayan Cebu & Kabataan Partylist - Cebu
Muamar Samsodin
Europe solidaire sans frontières (ESSF), France
Paul Belisario, ILPS Commission 10
Kate Perris, UK
Prof. Gill H. Boehringer - Australia
International Association of People’s Lawyers