Campaign group Progressive Voice is calling on international governments to not deal with the Myanmar military junta because such actions could legitimise the junta.
It points out that the military does not control the country and that large swathes of the country are under the control of local communities, including ethnic armed organisation (EAO) administrations.
The military has no local legitimacy outside its corrupt network of military-affiliated businesses, military families and paid-for local militias and can only use force to impose its will, which has been met with fierce resistance from the people, despite the much greater strength of the army.
The outgoing Australian ambassador’s official meeting with the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and her acceptance of a gift from him “was a sign to the people’s forces of the Spring Revolution that Australia does not care for their struggle.”
This corresponds with the lack of any targeted sanctions and continued investment by Australia’s sovereign wealth fund with companies that do business with the Myanmar military, showing how out of step Australia is with its traditional allies the US, UK, and the EU, all of which have imposed targeted sanctions.
Progressive Voice asks that when a new Australian ambassador is appointed to Myanmar they do not present their credentials to the junta.
The organisation also called on the US Congress to pass the proposed BURMA Act 2021, which has already been passed by the House of Representatives and is waiting for passage through the Senate.
The BURMA Act 2021 provides for increased humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar, which according to Global Witness could amount to over $450million. It also allows for sanctions on entities and individuals involved with the coup and subsequent violence, gives broader support for the democracy movement and calls for national reconciliation and a peace process that is inclusive of the Rohingya.
Progressive Voice says it is clear that the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar is one of the military’s making. It continues to shell and launch airstrikes, displacing thousands more each week, killing civilians and attacking medical professionals and humanitarian aid workers. Such behavior means the military is not an entity that can be a vehicle for humanitarian assistance, nor the legitimate authority of the country.
The military is losing control of more of the country. Extra support for the victims of its violence, pro-democracy forces and increased pressure on the junta and its economic interests through targeted sanctions must be a priority for international supporters of the people’s revolution in Myanmar, according to Progressive Voice.
