Protesters in Yangon: the dictatorships of the world are against the people

The UN Commission for Human Rights calls for the release of democratically elected political leaders and guarantees of freedom of speech. The resolution was passed unanimously, but China, Russia, the Philippines, Venezuela and Bolivia are distancing themselves. The demonstrations by the entire population from across the generations, including "generation Z".

by Francis Khoo Thwe

Yangon (AsiaNews) - Demonstrations against the military coup d'état and for the liberation of democratic leaders are multiplying daily, with many cross-sections of the population taking part.

Meanwhile, last night the UN Commission for Human Rights managed to pass a resolution calling for the immediate release of the members of the civilian government. A tougher resolution against the junta had found opposition from Russia and China.

After the milder resolution was passed, Chinese Ambassador Chen Xu thanked the members for "adopting our recommendations", but also said that China would not follow the proposed recommendations.

The UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the resolution demands "for the full respect of the democratic will of the people of Myanmar as well as full respect of their human rights", and demands that the military government guarantee freedom of speech and political rights, removing any internet censorship.

Along with China, representatives of the Philippines, Bolivia, Venezuela and Russia also distanced themselves from the resolution.

Some young people from Yangon commented: "No wonder: the dictatorships are leaning on each other and they are all against the people."

What is striking about the demonstrations is the fact they contain people from a large cross section of society: doctors, nurses, civil servants, policemen, Buddhist monks, priests, seminarians, nuns and also many young people of the so-called "Generation Z", around 20 years old: athletes, students, rock singers and punks, girls in wedding dresses, boys dressed as a woman, or as a cartoon character. Everyone waving placards with ironizing the junta but with a common message: "enough with dictatorship!".

Sections

Asia Today
Ecclesia in Asia
Indian Mandala
The Gateway to the East
The Russian World
Red Lanterns

AsiaNews Weekly
News from Asia that matters

Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.

Subscribeto the newsletter
  • P.I.M.E. Centro Missionario
  • Agenzia Fides
  • P.I.M.E. Brasil
  • Radio Mondo
  • Mondo e Missione
  • P.I.M.E. U.S.A.
  • TV 2000