Date: Monday, 26 April 2021
Time: 10 – 11 AM (GMT +7)
Platform: Zoom, Facebook Live, Twitter Live
Registration: http://l.forum-asia.org/MNpresscon
ASEAN will have held its Special Summit on Myanmar on 24 April 2021, in hopes that the worsening situation in Myanmar will finally be put to an end. But with Myanmar’s military head Min Aung Hlaing having a seat at the table, will talks arrive at a concrete solution for democracy to be restored and human rights respected in Myanmar?
Organised by FORUM-ASIA and ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, this press conference aims to analyse the outcomes and deliberations of the Special ASEAN Summit, and what it means for human rights in Myanmar and the rest of the region.
Nearly three months since the 1 February coup in Myanmar, ASEAN continues to be criticised for failing to hold the Myanmar military accountable for seizing power and the use of its deadly force against peaceful civilians. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 739 civilians were killed while 3,331 were arrested or charged by the junta and security forces — this tally is increasing every day.
Human rights groups in the region are deeply concerned about the rising cases of human rights repression, including the killing and detention of civilians, cascading throughout Myanmar and affecting Southeast Asia’s political stability and human security.
This press conference aims to:
- Analyse the outcomes/deliberations of the Special ASEAN Summit on Myanmar and provide insights on the results of the Special ASEAN Summit.
- Discuss the trajectory and impact of the Special ASEAN Summit result to Myanmar.
- Discuss ASEAN’s ‘legitimisation’ of the military junta and the National Unity Government (NUG)’s aspiration for the ASEAN mechanism.
- Discuss Myanmar civil society organisations (CSOs) response on the result of the Special ASEAN Summit on Myanmar.
Speakers:
- Rachel Arinii – Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA
- Charles Santiago – Chair, APHR and Member of Parliament, Malaysia
- Khin Ohmar – Chair, Progressive Voice
The press conference may be joined by a representative from Myanmar’s National Unity Government.
