Asia-Pacific Regional Forum of National Human Rights Institutions "Strongly Condemns Myanmar Military Coup"

Human Rights Commissioner Choi Young-ae Calls for Joint Response Efforts

On the 10th (local time), one day before the 100th day since the military coup, protesters denouncing the military government marched through the streets of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, carrying placards. The 11th marks the 100th day since the Myanmar military staged the coup. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Rosalind Krocher, Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF), issued a statement condemning the military regarding the Myanmar situation, the National Human Rights Commission announced on the 11th.

In the statement, Chairperson Krocher said, "We strongly condemn the Myanmar military coup that occurred on February 1, 2021, and the subsequent seizure of power by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing."

She continued, "The APF is deeply concerned about the violence in Myanmar, where more than 765 civilian protest participants have died and at least 3,500 have been detained," emphasizing, "We urge the Myanmar military to immediately cease all forms of violence and release all political prisoners."

Along with this, the APF publicly demanded through the statement ▲ cessation of violence and amnesty for political prisoners ▲ implementation of the ASEAN Summit agreement to stop violence ▲ normalization of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission's activities.

The National Human Rights Commission stated that Chairperson Choi Young-ae, Vice Chairperson of the APF, played a key role in the issuance of this statement. On March 18, Chairperson Choi urged Chairperson Krocher to take active measures regarding the Myanmar situation, and on the 27th of last month, she also requested the international community to express solidarity and support at the APF Governance Committee.

The National Human Rights Commission said, "We will continue to support the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission to function normally and help Myanmar restore democracy together with the international community, including the APF."