The forthcoming meeting of the G7 group of countries in Germany provides an important opportunity to update the commitments made last year to the people of Myanmar.

When they met in 2021, the G7 condemned the illegal coup, the arbitrary arrest of innocent people, and the violence committed by the junta’s forces. They committed themselves to the support of all those who are working to create a stable and inclusive democracy, and to unfettered humanitarian access to vulnerable and displaced populations.

Further to this, the G7 made a common commitment to pursuing “additional measures” should those prove necessary.

One year on from the G7 meeting in the United Kingdom, the violence of the military continues against innocent civilians. The same military is denying humanitarian access to those in need. Grievous abuses of human rights have taken place. Increasingly, junta forces are using hunger as a weapon of war against whole populations.

The National Unity Government urges all the member countries of the G7, and those invited to attend, to take seriously the humanitarian and economic catastrophe caused by this coup. It is causing immense suffering.

G7 countries have the power to impose additional sanctions so as to limit further the flows of foreign funds to the junta.

G7 countries must also stem the flow of arms from Russia and other countries that are enabling the military to continue their murderous campaign.

The National Unity Government and the people of Myanmar are looking to the G7 to deliver on its commitment to additional measures, and to support us in our struggle for freedom.