Press Releases
Civilian casualties in Myanmar (Statement by Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu)
March 28, 2021
- The Government of Japan strongly condemns the situation in Myanmar where the use of force against civilians by the Myanmar military and police continues to cause a large number of deaths and injuries in the country, with the death toll reaching the highest number on March 27 alone, despite repeated calls by the international community. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and express my heartfelt sympathies to the injured.
- Shooting against civilians, the inhumane treatment of detainees, and strict crackdown on media activities by the Myanmar military and police are actions that contradict what the Myanmar military officially announced about the importance of democracy. The Myanmar military leadership should recall that the military is an organization for protecting the lives of its people from foreign threats.
- The use of live ammunition against peaceful protests can never be tolerated. The Government of Japan once again strongly urges the Myanmar military to immediately stop resorting to violence against civilians, release those who are detained including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.