The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) condemned the Myanmar junta in a statement released on 31 March for what it called “well-orchestrated manoeuvres” to endure Min Aung Hlaing becomes the country’s new president.
The move comes after his resignation as commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s military and subsequent placement as vice president following a junta-controlled vote in parliament.
The text of the statement continues below.
Since the 2021 coup, the junta has overseen mass killings, arbitrary detention, airstrikes on civilian communities, and the systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including the genocide of the Rohingya. His ascension to the presidency would formalise the same violent system that has already caused immense suffering, deepened social fractures, and undermined democracy and human rights.
Gen. Ye Win Oo has been installed as the new commander-in-chief, a loyal ally of Min Aung Hlaing who ran interrogation centres where thousands of political prisoners were tortured. With Ye Win Oo in command, the military remains tightly aligned with Min Aung Hlaing, securing his dominance over both the presidency and the armed forces and cementing the continuation of repression and impunity.
The recent elections and their orchestrated results—held amid continued airstrikes, bombings, and displacement—are fundamentally illegitimate. They do not reflect the will of the Myanmar people and are a further attempt by the junta to consolidate power while evading accountability.
APHR reiterates its unwavering support for pro-democracy groups, ethnic organizations, and people’s movements who continue to resist military rule at the frontlines, defending their communities, advancing human rights, and striving toward a federal democratic transition in Myanmar.
APHR calls on ASEAN, the United Nations, and the international community—including the Philippines in its capacity as ASEAN chair—to take urgent and decisive action by condemning the junta’s consolidation of power, upholding international human rights and humanitarian law, and supporting Myanmar’s democratic forces.
It is critical to avoid a return to “business as usual,” as the junta has repeatedly used superficial civilian transitions to project an image of reform while continuing repression, prompting premature re-engagement by regional and international actors.
APHR emphasizes that the response to the Myanmar crisis must be guided by the will of the Myanmar people, respect for human rights, and the pursuit of democracy .Any recognition of Min Aung Hlaing’s presidency would legitimize atrocities and impunity that undermine the rights of peoples across Myanmar. Democracy, human rights, and justice demand international solidarity and coordinated action to support the people’s struggle against dictatorship.
