INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT (IHRM).

01 – 02- 2020.

(Press Release on the removal of civilian Government by the Military in Myanmar)

There is no doubt that democracy has been the best way to improve the and support human rights globally, With a proper leadership under democracy, Human rights gain more protection.

The President of the International Human Rights Movement and Special Representative to United Nations, Rana Basharat Ali Khan echoed the Secretary-General of United Nations’s call for the military leadership to respect the outcome.

I am deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar following the removal of the civilian Government and the arbitrary detention of dozens of political leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, activists and others by the military government today, therefore I echo the Secretary-General’s call for the military leadership to respect the outcome of the elections.

I am shocked by reports purporting that at least 45 people have been detained, including elected parliamentarians under confinement and I called for their immediate release.

There are also disturbing reports of journalists being harassed or attacked, also given restrictions on the use of Internet and social media, which will restrict access to information and freedom of expression at this critical and frightening time for the people of Myanmar, thereby suppressing their rights.

Given the security presence on the streets in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in other cities, there are deep fears of a violent crackdown on dissenting voices. I remind the military leadership that Myanmar is bound by international human rights law, including given respect to the right to peaceful assembly, and refraining from the use of unnecessary or excessive force.

I urge the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar at this time, and for all States with the influence to take steps to prevent the crumbling of the fragile democratic and human rights gains made by Myanmar during its transition from military rule, for a fight for Human Rights anywhere is a fight for human rights worldwide.

The military coup on monday morning has spread a great fear and panic across the country.

This is a country where oppressive military regimes had lasted for 50 years and finally in 2011, the country moved towards democratic rule and the system came to a civilian government.

The early arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and many other politicians have brought back painful memories of the days that many had hoped it would be a thing of the past, namely the imposition of martial law in the country and the memories associated with it.

For the past five years, Sochi and his party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), have led the country. The 2015 election, in which the Sochi government was elected was described as the most transparent and free election in the country in 25 years. And on Monday morning, when martial law was enacted, the party was to begin its second term in power.

But behind the scenes, Myanmar’s military has maintained a strong grip on affairs, thanks to Myanmar’s constitution, which allows a quarter of parliament and the country’s most powerful ministry to go to the military.

For all fear and Panic to be taken away and harmony restored, The people’s choice must be respected.