ASEAN, Myanmar and Rohingya crisis

Prothomalo

M Sakhawat Hossain
05 May 2021,

I was speaking at a digital seminar at the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS) on 21 April. The topic of the seminar was ‘Rohingya Crisis: Response of the International Community and Repatriation Process’. My presentation was on ‘ASEAN, Myanmar and the Rohingya Crisis’. In other words, I discussed the stance of the ASEAN member states on the Rohingya crisis and Myanmar.

BIISS is better known as the foreign ministry’s think tank and so naturally the ministry’ s Myanmar desk director was present at the seminar. State minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam, as chief guest, gave the concluding speech. The issue was discussed quite openly and the general consensus was that Bangladesh would have to actively step up pressure on Myanmar. While keeping the doors open to continued bilateral talks and repatriation, diplomatic efforts would also have to be increased in the international arena.

Japan just talks the talk on Myanmar

ASIA TIME

By TEPPEI KASAI
MARCH 15, 2021

Tokyo's passive diplomacy will only embolden the Tatmadaw, which continues to commit grave abuses with impunity.

Myanmar people living in Japan and others protest near Shibuya Station in Tokyo on February 28, 2021. Protesters demanded the release of the nation's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and others. Photo: Taketo Oishi / The Yomiuri Shimbun via AFP

Since the Myanmar military seized power on February 1, the Japanese government has expressed its “grave concerns” over the coup. It has called on the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, to “swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system,” and demanded the release of National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all others arbitrarily detained.

Japan also expressed condolences for protesters killed by security forces, while “strongly” condemning the “violence against civilians.”

Such statements are important, but when compared with the concrete actions taken by other Group of Seven democracies, it’s clear that Japan is not yet using its full weight to pressure the Myanmar military. It has in effect taken a “wait and see” approach.

Myanmar: Crimes Against Rohingya Go Unpunished

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

 



August 22, 2019

                         Address Causes of Crisis, Cooperate With UN

Rohingya refugees gather behind a barbed-wire fence in the “no-man’s land” border zone between Myanmar and Bangladesh, April 25, 2018.
© 2018 Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images

(Bangkok) – The Myanmar government should stop obstructing international efforts to investigate widespread crimes committed against Rohingya Muslims, Human Rights Watch said today. Donors and concerned governments should press Myanmar to protect their basic rights, facilitate international justice for victims, and ensure that any returns of Rohingya refugees are voluntary, safe, and dignified.

Asia-Pacific ministers vow to end regional rows

Bangkok Post
3 Aug 2019

newspaper section: News
writer: Thana Boonlert

 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo smiles as he stands between Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai during a family photo at the East Asia Summit meeting in Bangkok on Friday. (Reuters photo)

Foreign ministers of Asia-Pacific countries have affirmed they were committed to resolving conflicts in the South China Sea, Myanmar's Rakhine state, and the Korean Peninsula, according to the Foreign Ministry.

No Internet in Western Myanmar until Security Situation Eases: MPT Official

The Irrawaddy
 By Htet Naing Zaw
24 June 2019

NAYPYITAW—Internet services will resume in western Myanmar when stability is restored in the area, said the chief engineer of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT).

Out of concerns for security and the public interest, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, with the approval of the Union government, ordered telecom companies to shut down internet services in eight townships in Rakhine State and Chin State’s Paletwa Township under Section 77 of Telecommunications Law, MPT chief engineer U Myo Swe told The Irrawaddy. The Ministry of Transport and Communications oversees the MPT.