Resolution on the human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups

The European Parliament adopted by 647 votes to 2, with 31 abstentions, a resolution on the human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.

As a reminder, on 1 February 2021, the military of Myanmar, known as the Tatmadaw, in a clear violation of the constitution of Myanmar, arrested President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as leading members of the government, seized power over the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the government by means of a coup d’état, and declared a one-year state of emergency. In August 2021, the commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, announced that he was appointing himself Prime Minister and that the state of emergency would be extended until August 2023.

In response to the coup, peaceful protests and demonstrations broke out in various cities in Myanmar. Politicians, government officials, civil society representatives, religious actors, peaceful protestors and writers have been unlawfully arrested or put under house arrest. According to latest reports, more than 1 120 people have been killed and military authorities have arrested over 8 000 people.

Parliament strongly condemned the coup d’état of 1 February 2021 under the leadership of commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing. It called on the Tatmadaw to fully respect the outcome of the democratic elections of November 2020 and to immediately reinstate the civilian government, end the state of emergency, end the use of violence against peaceful protesters, respect the right to freedom of expression and association, and allow all elected parliamentarians to assume their mandates.

Moreover, Myanmar’s military is called on to release all political detainees, to reverse restrictions on the freedom of expression, assembly and association, and to respect the freedom of religion or belief. Parliament called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and all others who have been arrested on unfounded accusations. It also called for an immediate, rigorous, independent and transparent investigation into the crimes committed in the country by the military and for their perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Parliament is appalled by the Tatmadaw’s crimes against ethnic and religious groups in Myanmar with frequent attacks on churches, mosques, schools and medical facilities, and the arrest of religious leaders. It condemned the persecution of Christians in the country as well as the human rights violations and systematic and widespread attacks against the Rohingya population.

The resolution noted that the humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a third wave of COVID-19 in Myanmar. It condemned the attacks by the military authorities against medical professionals and facilities and called on the Tatmadaw to stop denying the right of the population to protection against and proper treatment for COVID-19. The Commission is called on to step up its support in this regard and to guarantee that this support reaches the citizens, including by providing doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Commission is asked to:

- redirect and step-up humanitarian aid, including healthcare support, through cross-border channels, local humanitarian networks, ethnic service providers, and community-based and civil society organisations;

- analyse how best to pursue development projects with these groups and to direct development assistance accordingly;

Parliament welcomed the recent rounds of sanctions imposed by the Council against members of the Tatmadaw and their businesses. There is a need for all EU Member States to strengthen and enforce sanctions imposed against any state-run Myanmar businesses, notably in the timber and gem industry.

Lastly, the Council is urged to continue to impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for the coup of February 2021 and to consider other possible measures.