Healing Myanmar - Restoring Rule of Law, Justice and Democracy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Police violence, erosion of democracy and rule of law violations are escalating horrifyingly in Myanmar; due to General Min Aung Hlaing's military dictatorship. A tragic testament of Myanmar's ongoing military repression and impunity, the recent military coup has sent a shudder of fear through the country - which endured almost 50 years of rule under oppressive military regimes - before the move towards democratic rule in 2011. However, on 1 February 2021, President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained, along with ministers and their deputies and members of Parliament by General Min Aung Hlaing - who acted in blatant violation of International Human Rights Law; namely the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - in particular Article 21 and Article 30 of the UDHR. Min Aung Hlaing and his deputy army commander are responsible of systematic violence and killings in Myanmar - with three protesters have been killed in recent weeks, including a teenage boy and young man who were killed in Mandalay on 20 February 2021; when police, supported by frontline troops, used live ammunition to disperse crowds. Security forces shot at ambulances as the injured were carried away by medical volunteers, while teargas was fired into nearby homes. And on 28th February at least 18 people have been killed, after security forces in Myanmar used lethal violence against anti-coup protesters in the most deadly crackdown since the military seized power at the start of February. Live bullets, stun grenades and teargas were fired at demonstrators in several towns and cities by police and military troops. At least 18 people are believed to have been killed, and 30 injured, according to the UN human rights office - which is unacceptable! Therefore the International Community must come together in one voice to press General Min Aung Hlaing to immediately relinquish the power he has illegally seized; so that rule of law and fundamental human rights can be restored in Myanmar. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and his commanders must immediately and unconditionally release all detainees, rescind the state of emergency, and recognize the duly elected parliament; so that rule of law, justice and democracy can be restored in Myanmar. In the meantime, domestic policy, foreign policy and human rights issues concerning the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will be handled by the NGO BTB-Global Peacebuilding.