Over 100 Myanmar nationals protest in front of Thai, Philippine, and Myanmar embassies in Australia

More than 100 Myanmar nationals in Australia staged rallies in Canberra 7 August, gathering in front of the Philippine Embassy to express solidarity and protesting in front of the Thai and Myanmar embassies to condemn Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and his regime. Organized by the CRPH/NUG Support Group (Australia), the demonstration marked the 38th anniversary of the 8888 Uprising. The mobilization drew over 100 participants, including resistance advocates from four Australian states. During the protest, speeches were delivered by resistance figures including Saw Lwin Oo, Chairman of the Ethnic Advisory Council of the CRPH/NUG Support Group (Australia); group representatives Patrick Cho and James Thet; Naing Aung and Min Thet Naing of the 88 Generation; and youth representative Shin Phone. Patrick Cho, representing both the 88 Generation and the CRPH/NUG Support Group (Australia), said: “The 88 Generation recognizes its historical duty and will continue the struggle until the military dictatorship is completely dismantled.” Protesters condemned Thailand’s official invitation to Min Aung Hlaing, calling it a violation of the first point of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, a disregard for the voices of the Myanmar people, and unneighbourly conduct. They urged ASEAN to swiftly and effectively implement the Five-Point Consensus. The CRPH/NUG Support Group (Australia) also sent an open letter outlining demands regarding the Myanmar crisis to 76 Australian Members of Parliament. During the rally, an official from the Philippine Embassy accepted an open letter.