NUG welcomes ICRC meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to demand release of political prisoners

(August 4) The National Unity Government (NUG) released a statement on August 3 welcoming the visit and meeting of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The NUG stated that the meeting is an important event in line with fundamental humanitarian principles, but it was not brought about by the goodwill of the military junta, but rather by the pressure from the international community, the continued demands of the people of Myanmar and democracy activists around the world. However, the NUG pointed out that the opportunity to meet with the ICRC has not alleviated concerns about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's current situation. The NUG stated that concerns remain regarding Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's health, her prolonged detention, and the restriction of her basic human rights. Furthermore, it reiterated its demand for the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and stated that a humanitarian meeting alone cannot substitute for a solution to the political crisis. The NUG also stated in its statement that the military junta cannot be allowed to use the ICRC meeting to gain legitimacy within the international community, to cover up the crimes it has committed, or to evade the need to resolve Myanmar's political crisis through genuine political means. In addition, the NUG pledged to continue its efforts with allied revolutionary forces and the international community for the release of political prisoners, the eradication of the military dictatorship, the achievement of justice, and the emergence of a federal democratic union. Since the 2021 coup, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to prison for numerous offenses and has been under the custody of the military junta. International organizations and human rights groups have also repeatedly called for humanitarian access and fair treatment for political prisoners.