The military coup in Myanmar, and the escalating violence and rising death toll, are of growing concern to Australia.
As a longstanding supporter of Myanmar's democratic transition, recent developments are deeply troubling, both for Myanmar's people and for the region more broadly.
The Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade intends to hold a public hearing on Tuesday 13 April in Canberra to examine recent developments in Myanmar in greater depth, and to hear from concerned sectors of Australian society about the troubling direction Myanmar has taken in recent weeks.
"The evolving situation in Myanmar is of acute concern to a large number of Australians," according to chair of the subcommittee Dave Sharma MP.
"The pathway ahead remains fluid and uncertain, and we are keen to hear from experts and community organisations in Australia about how Australia can support a return to democratic rule in Myanmar as soon as possible, and the protection of fundamental human rights."
Deputy Chair Julian Hill MP said "The situation is heartbreaking. Over 250 people have died in the escalating violence, and Australia must also provide support to diaspora communities living here who are desperately worried about family and friends.
"Australia needs to work with likeminded countries in our region to send a strong message that the violence must stop, and democracy must be returned quickly. The subcommittee's inquiry and focus on Myanmar is a fully bipartisan endeavour."
The subcommittee looks forward to hearing evidence from government departments, diaspora groups, thinktanks and human rights organisations on these issues.
