Statement of Members of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies

February 12, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The following Members of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies express grave concern for the Myanmar military’s removal of the democratically elected civilian government; for the arbitrary detention of civilian government leaders, civil society members, human rights activists, and journalists; and for restrictions on telecommunications services since February 1, 2021. 

We call upon the Myanmar military to respect democratic institutions and processes and the rule of law, and to reinstate the elected government, allowing the parliament to convene.  The military should release all those under arbitrary detention; respect freedom of expression, both online and offline; and refrain from violence against members of the public. 

We affirm our stand with the people of Myanmar in their aspirations for freedom and peace and pledge to continue support to the democratic process in Myanmar. 

Canada, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Mexico, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America.