Media Release

21 December 2022

South Africa condemns the scheduled executions of the seven university students in Myanmar

The South African Government is deeply concerned about the scheduled executions of the seven (7) Dagon University students by the military in Myanmar.

The South African Government urges the Myanmar military authorities to uphold their international obligations to promote and protect human rights, including the protection of the right to life.

We call for the release of all those detained in relation to the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

The scheduled executions continue to threaten the already remote possibility of a sustainable political dialogue agreed to in 2021 in the Five-Point Consensus between ASEAN and the military.

South Africa calls on the military and all parties involved to negotiate a peaceful resolution of their differences and bring about reconciliation in Myanmar.

South Africa will continue supporting the United Nations and its respective agencies, as well as regional mechanisms such as ASEAN in their mediation efforts, to sustain the democratic transition of Myanmar, which can ensure equality, dignity, human rights, and the full inclusion of all in its national development towards lasting peace and stability and sustained development to the benefit of the people of Myanmar.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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