The Elders today condemned the coup d’état by the military in Myanmar and called on the international community to exert pressure for an immediate return to civilian rule.

They urged the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other detained leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, the lifting of the state of emergency, and the restoration of phone and internet services across Myanmar.

The Elders reiterated their view that there can be no sustainable future for Myanmar without an inclusive democratic settlement that respects the rights of all religious and ethnic minority groups, including the Rohingya.

Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, said:

“This coup is yet another egregious violation of democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar. The international community must make it clear that the military leaders who have seized power will be held accountable for their actions. Lasting peace and justice for all Myanmar’s people will only come when the military gives up its unjustified political role and politicians oppose racism, religious discrimination and bigotry in all forms.

The Rakhine Commission report authored by the late Kofi Annan, my predecessor as Chair of The Elders, continues to offer the best blueprint for peace, reconciliation and justice in Rakhine state. All of Myanmar’s leaders – civilian and military alike – have failed to honour their commitments to implement the report’s recommendations over the past four years.”

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact William French, Head of Communications at The Elders (+44 7795 693903) or email: [email protected]