Press Releases
The Situation in Myanmar Three Years after the Coup d’État
(Statement by Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko)
February 1, 2024
- As today marks three years since the coup d’état in Myanmar took place on February 1, 2021, I express serious concern about the continuing deterioration of the situation in Myanmar each year. I strongly condemn the situation where the Myanmar military has repeatedly extended the state of emergency without working towards a peaceful resolution while many innocent civilians are killed and wounded daily by air strikes and other acts of violence.
- Since the coup d’état, Japan has consistently urged the Myanmar military to take concrete actions to (1) immediately stop the violence, (2) release those who are detained, and (3) swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system, and has provided maximum support for the efforts of ASEAN to improve the situation. However, Japan deplores that no concrete progress has been seen over the past three years. Japan strongly urges the Myanmar military to immediately cease its air strikes and other acts of violence, as well as to take concrete steps towards a peaceful resolution by releasing National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and starting a dialogue among stakeholders. Japan earnestly hopes that all of Myanmar’s relevant parties will work together towards a peaceful resolution.
- Furthermore, due to the worsening situation since the coup d’état, Myanmar faces a state of humanitarian crisis, with approximately 2.3 million civilians nationwide forced to live as displaced persons. In order to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need, Japan will continue to actively provide such assistance in even closer coordination not only with international organizations but also with NGOs and other partners. In addition, Japan will continue to urge the Myanmar military to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
- Japan will listen carefully to the voices of the people of Myanmar and engage in dialogue with various stakeholders. Japan will also further strengthen coordination with ASEAN and work to improve the situation.