Three national branches of Amnesty International are urging Taiwan and other Asian nations to put more pressure on Myanmar’s military regime. The call to action on Friday came during a joint press conference by the Amnesty International offices in Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia.
On February 1, Myanmar’s military seized control of the country and imprisoned its civilian democratic leaders. That prompted large-scale protests in the country and widespread condemnation from abroad.
Amnesty International Taiwan Executive Director Chiu E-ling says it is time to take action. She says Saturday will mark three months since the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to its five-point consensus on the situation in Myanmar. The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and a visit to Myanmar by a special envoy in order to facilitate dialogue.
Chiu says that although Taiwan is not a member of ASEAN, it is one of a few places in the region where people can freely assemble in protest. She is calling on the government and civic groups to fight for human rights and speak out for people in other countries.
Also attending the conference was Taiwan lawmaker Hung Sun-han. He says that he speaks for Taiwan’s legislature when he says Taiwan is a friend of the people of Myanmar. Hung highlighted the fact that Taiwan's legislature passed a resolution in April calling for a peaceful, democratic resolution to violence in the country. He says Taiwan’s government will offer help to Burmese nationals in Taiwan on humanitarian grounds.