ASEAN Urges an Immediate End to Violence in Myanmar: The Unending Struggle for Peace and Justice

Myanmar has been in a state of conflict since the 2021 coup against the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with no peaceful resolution in sight. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed deep concern about the escalation of the civil war in Myanmar, which saw anti-military fighters taking control of a strategic city on the border with Thailand. The foreign ministers of the ten ASEAN member countries issued a statement, urging all parties to stop the violence immediately, exercise restraint, respect international law, and protect civilians.

The ruling military has suffered setbacks, particularly in border areas with China and Thailand. The Thai Air Force deployed fighter jets to the border with Myanmar and warned against any violations of its sovereignty or refugee influx. The United Nations expressed concern about the escalating conflict in Rakhine State, calling for action to prevent atrocities against Rohingya individuals.

Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned, serving a lengthy sentence as conflict in Myanmar has claimed thousands of civilian lives since 2021. Despite ongoing efforts by ASEAN to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis, it continues to be excluded from Myanmar-related discussions, with the military junta still labeling opponents as terrorists.