Condemning Military Coup in Myanmar

PSI demands that all governments, global institutions and corporations cease engaging with the military, sever any diplomatic or economic ties with the military, and end any direct or indirect economic engagement with the military or their families. Instead, governments should recognise the National Unity Government as the diplomatic representative of the people in this time.

PSI Executive Board DENOUNCES the brutal military coup that took place in Myanmar on the 1st of February 2021 in an attempt to subvert the outcomes of the national election and the appointment of a more democratic government.

CONDEMNS the brutal attacks, murders and arrests committed by the military against health workers, other public sector workers and all workers, students and public who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement. Noting that at least 818 people have been killed by the military junta, more than 5,000 people have been arrested, many more arrest warrants issued and 20 people have been sentenced to death for their part in the protests. At least 16 trade unions have been declared
illegal.

FURTHER CONDEMNS the systematic, sustained attack on health workers and the national health system, including murdering health workers whilst they were treating injured protestors, arresting health workers who have provided free health care or who have taken strike action, firing on hospitals, ambulances and health clinics, stealing medicines and other health provisions and dismissing health workers from their jobs for expressing support for democracy.

NOTES that the actions of the military are a breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all major human rights conventions, ILO Conventions #87 and #98 and the Geneva Convention and subsequent agreements to protect health workers during conflict, most recently UN Security Council Resolution #2286 (2016).

APPLAUDS the courageous actions of health workers and other public services workers who have risked their lives in the defence of democracy and the public good.

URGES the UN to refer the crimes of the military to the International Criminal Court and that all governments impose a comprehensive global arms embargo, and financial sanctions on senior military officials responsible for crimes.

FURTHER URGES governments to support the investigation of all economic interests and business ties of the Myanmar military.

DEMANDS that all governments, global institutions and corporations cease engaging with the military, sever any diplomatic or economic ties with the military, and end any direct or indirect economic engagement with the military or their families. Instead, governments should recognise the National Unity Government as the diplomatic representative of the people in this time. Countries who have signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), should refuse to proceed with any plans to ratify the agreement until civilian government is restored.

WELCOMES the action taken by trade unions around the world to stop governments and corporations engaging with and supporting the economic interests of the Tatmadaw, and to provide solidarity to striking workers.

THANKS PSI affiliates who have contributed to the Strike Fund to support striking public service workers, and COMMITS to using these resources to support workers until the restoration of a civilian government and thereafter, to support these new unions to organise and grow.

ENCOURAGES PSI affiliates to express solidarity with the workers of Myanmar, continue to lobby governments to take further action and maintain pressure on the illegitimate military junta.