Today marks five years since the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government. Since 1 February 2021, the people of Myanmar have endured escalating violence, widespread human rights violations and severe humanitarian suffering.
This crisis, caused by the coup, continues unabated. In 2026, an estimated 16.2 million people will require lifesaving humanitarian assistance, and over 3.6 million people are internally displaced due to ongoing conflict. The economy has contracted significantly, and transnational and serious organised crime has flourished, threatening regional stability.
Recent regime elections were held amid ongoing violence and repression, and without meaningful participation from opposition parties. They did not meet the conditions for free, fair and inclusive elections.
Australia has consistently condemned the regime’s brutal and ongoing atrocities against the people of Myanmar, and we will continue to judge the Myanmar military by its actions. We continue to support ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as the framework for addressing the situation in Myanmar and urge for its full implementation.
We look to the incoming Myanmar authorities to put in place measures that reflect the Five-Point Consensus, including the cessation of violence against civilians; safe and unhindered access to humanitarian support, without discrimination, for all those in need; and a commitment to genuine and inclusive dialogue amongst all stakeholders. We continue to call for the release of all those unjustly detained.
Australia is ready to support genuine efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering, improve economic and social conditions and advance a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis.
We stand with the people of Myanmar, and share their ambitions for a better future.