Australian civil society groups have signed onto a joint letter calling for the Government to take immediate action against the military coup in Myanmar which has led to over 500 civilians being killed thus far.
Signatories include the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Council for International Development, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, Publish What You Pay, International Women’s Development Agency, Human Rights Law Centre, and Australian Centre for International Justice.
Quotes attributable to ACTU President Michele O’Neil:
“Australia has been slow in its response to the violence in Myanmar, which is failing in our responsibility to defend democracy and human rights and is politically irresponsible. As leaders in our region, we must take strong action to withdraw all support and funding for the military regime and support a return to democracy.
“Over 500 civilians have been killed by the military so far and the Australian Government must not legitimise the coup by working or trading with them. The Australian Government must implement sanctions on the military regime.
“Workers and trade unions are at the forefront of the civil disobedience movement protesting for an end to the military regime, and we stand with them in solidarity.”
Media contact: Isabella Tilley 0414 894 040
Quotes attributable to International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) CEO, Bettina Baldeschi:
“Women’s rights activists are at the frontline of peaceful protests calling for a federal democracy in Myanmar. They are risking their lives for justice and peace, and the global community must stand with them.
“Just last night, another leading women’s rights activist was detained by the military. This follows the murder of a women’s rights activist by the junta a few days ago. We are deeply concerned for the safety of women’s rights activists in Myanmar.
“Women’s lives, and their futures, are at risk. The junta has a horrific record of using sexual violence as a weapon of war against women and girls.
“Myanmar women’s rights leaders are calling for the Australian government to urgently adopt targeted sanctions against military leaders responsible for the coup. We must urgently starve the Myanmar military of funds.”
Media contact: Carla Kweifio-Okai 0468 473 023
Quotes attributable to Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA Executive Officer Kate Lee:
“It is within Australia’s power to sanction the vast financial holdings within military conglomerates MEC, MEHL and MOGE. This is an effective step to pressure the junta to stop killing its people.
“A huge humanitarian crisis on the Thai-Myanmar border is quickly looming. Australia must immediately join with the international community to prevent this and sanction junta individuals and businesses.”
Media contact: Katie Camarena 0411 338 853
Quote attributable to Publish What You Pay National Director Clancy Moore:
“Australian mining and gas companies in Myanmar must be transparent and accountable. This means following Woodside’s lead to suspend exploration activities and then rule out any financial or in-kind payments flowing to military generals and their shadowy business interests.”
Media contact: Clancy Moore 0410 508 051
Quotes attributable to Australian Council For International Development Chief Executive Marc Purcell:
“Australia should immediately recognise the democratically elected representatives of the recent election and give no legitimacy to the military junta,”
Media contact: Tim Watkin 0401 721 064
