Five years after the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the nation grapples with a dire situation and escalating crisis, according to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. She reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s dedication to aiding Myanmar’s people on this anniversary.
Impact of the Coup and Ongoing Conflict
The overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government sparked a brutal civil war, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, mass displacement of civilians, and widespread destruction of homes throughout the Southeast Asian country.
Cooper stated: “Five years on from the military’s coup, the people of Myanmar face a deepening crisis. By overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government, the will of the people was overturned and their political freedom taken away. Amidst this crisis, the UK remains committed to supporting a stable future for the people of Myanmar.”
Humanitarian Efforts and Challenges
In the past year, the UK has provided humanitarian aid to over 1.4 million people and health services to 1.3 million in Myanmar. Despite these initiatives, ground conditions remain dire, Cooper noted.
“Half of Myanmar’s children are now out of school, while women and girls face persistent violence. Crimes that affect us in the UK, like drug production and cyber scams, have flourished,” she added.
The recent elections under military control were neither free nor fair, according to Cooper. She emphasized that much work remains to fulfill the aspirations of Myanmar’s people and urged all parties to safeguard civilians.
Calls for Action
Cooper called on the military regime to halt airstrikes, permit unrestricted humanitarian access, free all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, and pursue genuine dialogue for a democratic and peaceful transition.
“Today and always, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Myanmar,” she concluded.
