Asean must help shape Myanmar’s future

Jakarta—The Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held Jan. 18 to 19 in Langkawi, Malaysia, presents a crucial opportunity for Asean to shift its approaches in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Myanmar remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges, demanding Asean’s collective attention and decisive action to uphold its founding principles of democracy, human rights, constitutional government, and regional stability, as enshrined in its charter.

February marks four years since Myanmar’s military coup, a turning point that plunged the nation into an unprecedented political and humanitarian crisis. The coup dismantled fragile democratic institutions, eroded civilian governance, and unleashed widespread violence, mass displacement, and egregious human rights abuses. This instability has also threatened the broader peace and security of the region.

The recent air strike on Kyauk Ni Maw village in Rakhine state and bombings in Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun, further underscore the military’s ongoing campaign of violence, pushing peace even further out of reach.

In the face of these adversities, the people of Myanmar have shown extraordinary resilience. Their steadfast pursuit of democracy, human rights, and civilian rule reflects their unyielding aspirations for a just and peaceful future. It is imperative for Asean to support this struggle and reaffirm its commitment to the principles upon which it was built.

Asean’s credibility now hinges on adopting a principled, people-centered approach to Myanmar. The Langkawi retreat must mark a turning point by placing the voices and aspirations of Myanmar’s people at the forefront of its policies. Moreover, Asean’s actions must be aligned with international human rights standards.

This entails meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, including the National Unity Government and civil society organizations. These entities represent the legitimate aspirations of the Myanmar people and must be integral to any sustainable resolution of the crisis. Their inclusion is not merely symbolic; rather, it is a prerequisite for achieving lasting peace and stability.

Asean’s resources must be channeled through trusted community-based organizations, ethnic service providers, and international agencies with proven records of neutrality and effectiveness. Additionally, cross-border aid delivery, supported by neighboring countries and international donors, must be expanded to reach vulnerable populations, particularly along Myanmar’s borders.

A rights-based approach must underpin these efforts, emphasizing neutrality, dignity, and the involvement of affected communities. Humanitarian aid must remain apolitical and must never serve to legitimize oppressive regimes.

Asean must unequivocally condemn the military junta’s atrocities and work with international partners to hold perpetrators accountable. Justice is not only a moral obligation but also essential for achieving sustainable peace.

It should also actively support mechanisms to investigate and prosecute these rights abuses, including collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC). While the ICC’s 2024 arrest warrant for junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is a crucial step forward, accountability must extend to all crimes committed since the 2021 coup.

Asean must resist external pressures to legitimize the junta’s road map for a 2025 election and instead advocate for comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes of Myanmar’s crisis. Similarly, influential neighbors like China and India should be urged to adopt a principled stance that prioritizes justice and long-term stability over short-term pragmatism.

Securing the release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of others unjustly detained, must remain a top priority. Their freedom is a necessary step toward restoring civilian governance and rebuilding Myanmar’s democratic institutions.

Sustainable peace in Myanmar demands a comprehensive and inclusive approach to reconciliation, one rooted in dialogue, mutual compromise, and the active participation of all stakeholders.

In this case, parliamentarians across Southeast Asia have a pivotal role in addressing Myanmar’s crisis. Their legislative authority, diplomatic reach, and capacity to mobilize public opinion uniquely position them to foster regional dialogue, advocate for humanitarian solutions, amplify the voices of Myanmar’s resistance, and push governments to take decisive action.

By raising the Myanmar crisis in their legislature and forging cross-border coalitions, parliamentarians can galvanize momentum for coordinated regional action.

The Langkawi retreat represents a significant moment for Asean. The bloc must demonstrate its commitment to democracy, human rights, and a peaceful future for Myanmar. This requires more than rhetoric; it demands decisive, coordinated action. The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network

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The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region.