January 26, 2023
Japanese lawmakers have begun collecting signatures in support of a petition urging their government to condemn Myanmar’s military coup and assist in the restoration of democracy, according to reports from pro-democracy groups in Japan.
On January 23, members of the Japanese Parliament started gathering signatures, led by NUG Japan’s representative office in coordination with various pro-democracy organizations. The petition calls on Japan’s government to take concrete action based on a resolution passed by the Japanese Parliament in 2021, which condemned the Myanmar coup and called for a swift return to democratic rule.
While the resolution was approved by both houses of the Japanese Parliament in 2021, there has been a lack of substantial action from the Japanese government, according to Ko Thant Zaw Htet from NUG Japan. He explained that the signature collection aims to put pressure on the government to fully implement the Parliament’s resolution.
Japanese lawmakers are backing four key demands, including ensuring the release of all political prisoners, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and using diplomatic pressure to stop the junta’s atrocities against civilians. The petition also urges the Japanese government to formally recognize and cooperate with the National Unity Government (NUG) and its affiliated ethnic resistance groups for humanitarian aid.
The petition, once completed, will be submitted to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as lawmakers continue to gather support for the campaign against Myanmar’s military regime.
