Myanmar diaspora in Sydney gathered with political leaders, activists and supporters to amplify calls for democracy, human rights and international recognition of Myanmar’s legitimate representatives.
Specifically, the call is to back the permanent representative to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, who is being targeted by Myanmar’s military-backed government, which claims he was undertaking “illegal activities” and that his status had been revoked and withdrawn.
At the rally in Martin Place, Dr Tun Aung Shwe, National Unity Government (NUG) representative in Australia, provided an overview of the current political and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. Speaking in both English and Burmese, he outlined the challenges faced by the people of Myanmar and called on the international community to take stronger action in support of democracy and accountability.
Senator David Shoebridge joined the community and encouraged members of the Myanmar diaspora to report transnational repression and foreign interference to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee in mid-October.
Senator Jessica Collins then delivered remarks supporting the Myanmar people’s aspirations for freedom and democratic governance.
Kyaw Moe Tun was appointed by the previous democratic government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which was deposed in the 2021 military coup that triggered a profound crisis and expanded violations of human rights.
Stopping the legitimation of an authoritarian government
Attempts to remove the UN envoy are part of the military’s broader efforts to legitimise its new government internationally.
In response, the Myanmar Campaign Network led a coalition of 30 Australian and international civil society organisations, including faith-based groups, trade unions and diaspora representatives, in writing to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. ‘Myanmar Dictatorship Cannot be Normalised, Time for Action is Now’ is the title of the open letter that calls for the adoption of the recommendations from the parliamentary inquiry into ‘Democracy and human rights in Myanmar’ without delay or dilution.
Through speeches, music, audience participation and collective advocacy, the event demonstrated strong solidarity with the people of Myanmar and reaffirmed participants’ commitment to continue advocating for justice, peace and democratic governance.
To join as an activist of the Myanmar Campaign Network, contact Thida at mcn@apheda.org.au and learn how you can support democracy for Myanmar!
