One year since the attempted coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, civil society organisations including labour groups and trade unions worldwide are expressing their solidarity with the people of Myanmar and the ongoing resistance against the military regime. According to data from AAPP(Burma), in the past year at least 1,500 people have been killed by the military Junta and over 11,800 have been arbitrarily detained, including activists and union leaders. In response to the escalating violence enacted by the military, the resistance - known as the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) - has organised ongoing protests, strikes and boycotts of companies with military links. According to the CDM, at least 2,000 military soldiers and 6,000 police officers have defected and joined the CDM.

Many groups are reiterating demands from the Myanmar resistance movement, which include:

• Targeted economic sanctions (there are many calls for different sanctions from different parts of the resistance*)
• Official recognition of the National Unity Government of Myanmar
• A global arms embargo against the Junta and military no fly zone over the country

Unions are also calling for donations to the strike fund to support the democracy defenders.

Inside the country to mark one year since the attempted coup, the resistance is staging a "silent strike” to demonstrate the extent of public opposition to the military regime through shop closures and staying inside between 10am and 4pm.

BHRRC is collecting statements of solidarity from around the world, which can be read in full below. We will continue to update this page as we receive further information.

*For example, 160 trade unions and CSOs have called for international fashion brands to leave the country until democracy is restored.