KUALA LUMPUR – Myanmar has been urged to observe and respect the principles enshrined in the Asean Charter and Asean Human Rights Declaration following the latest developments in the country.
Its Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights in a statement said it supports the continued democratisation and peace process in Myanmar, and called on all parties to resolve any dispute through lawful mechanisms and peaceful dialogue.
The statement was jointly issued by its representatives Yuyun Wahyuningrum (Indonesia), Eric Paulsen (Malaysia), Dr Shashi Jayakumar (Singapore) and Prof Dr Amara Pongsapich (Thailand).
“We have been closely following events in Myanmar that have led to the declaration of emergency and transfer of power to the military after the general election on November 8 last year.
“We look forward to a democratic and peaceful outcome that is in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.
“As a member of Asean, we are extremely concerned and urge Myanmar to observe and respect the principles enshrined in the Asean Charter and Asean Human Rights Declaration,” said the statement.
All the four individuals recalled the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter, including adherence to the rule of law, good governance and the principles of democracy and constitutional government, besides promotion and protection of human rights and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Myanmar’s military launched a coup on Monday morning and detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other senior members of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
The military announced a one-year state of emergency in the country, vowing to “take action” against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election, which the NLD party won by a landslide. – Bernama, February 5, 2021
