22-6-2023 (JAKARTA) United Nations expert Thomas Andrews expressed deep concern on Wednesday over the continued invitation extended to the Myanmar junta to attend formal meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), despite the escalating attacks against civilians in the conflict-stricken nation.
During a press conference held in Jakarta, Andrews highlighted his most pressing concern: Myanmar’s continued participation in formal ASEAN defense meetings. He drew attention to the appointment of General Tun Aung, the commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s Air Force, as the chairperson of the upcoming 2023 ASEAN Air Chiefs’ Conference.
General Tun Aung is allegedly responsible for carrying out airstrikes on Myanmar villages using fighter jets. Notably, he has been sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union for his actions.
Andrews also revealed that last month, the junta’s commander-in-chief of the Navy, Moe Aung, was assigned leadership of the 2024 ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting. This trend of junta officials assuming leadership positions within ASEAN meetings raises serious concerns regarding their accountability for human rights abuses.
The junta has further co-chaired the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Counter Terrorism with Russia, with Indonesia’s participation. Andrews emphasized that such actions not only undermine ASEAN’s credibility but also serve to legitimize the junta’s authority and prolong the suffering of the Myanmar people.
In response to criticism, ASEAN has defended its decision, stating that the meetings involving the junta were technical in nature and did not violate the prohibition on political-level participation by Myanmar. However, Andrews strongly disagreed with this justification, stating, “This is not acceptable. The junta should not be invited to attend any ASEAN meeting.”
He called upon Indonesia, as a prominent ASEAN member state, to demonstrate leadership along with other member states by refusing to attend any meetings to which the junta has been invited.
Since the coup on February 1, 2021, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta has unleashed widespread violence against the people of Myanmar. A UN report reveals that junta forces have killed over 3,000 civilians, detained more than 19,000 individuals, and displaced at least 1.5 million people from their homes. Additionally, more than 58,000 houses, schools, and clinics have been destroyed in the process.
