Ottawa, January 31, 2026
Five Years of Crisis: Canada Condemns Myanmar Military’s Ongoing Human Rights Abuses
Table of Contents
Canada is reiterating its condemnation of the Myanmar military regime as the country marks five years since the coup that plunged it into a deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis.
- Five years after the military coup, Myanmar faces a severe humanitarian crisis with over 3.6 million people internally displaced.
- Canada condemns the escalating human rights violations, including attacks on civilians and the rise of transnational crime.
- Recent military-administered elections failed to meet international standards and did not reflect the will of the Myanmar people.
- Canada calls for the release of political prisoners and meaningful dialogue between the military and opposition groups.
Five years ago today, Myanmar’s military seized power, overthrowing the country’s democratically elected government. Since then, the situation has dramatically worsened, evolving into one of the most serious humanitarian and human rights crises globally. More than 3.6 million people have been forced from their homes within the country, and over 16 million are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, including a staggering 5 million children.
Canada strongly condemns the human rights violations perpetrated by the Myanmar military regime. These abuses, which are intensifying, include targeted strikes against civilians, schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Reports detail the killing, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence inflicted upon Myanmar citizens. Ethnic and religious minorities continue to experience severe and persistent discrimination, exacerbating the suffering.
The conflict has also fueled a surge in transnational crime, notably the proliferation of online fraud hubs. These criminal enterprises not only exploit vulnerable populations within Myanmar but also pose a growing threat to regional stability.
Flawed Elections Raise Concerns
Canada has expressed deep concern regarding the recent elections organized by the military. The process fell far short of international standards for free, fair, inclusive, and transparent elections. There is no evidence to suggest the results accurately represent the desires of the Myanmar people, as a significant portion of the population, including key political figures, were deliberately barred from participating. Reports of widespread violence, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arbitrary arrests, mass detentions, and voter intimidation further undermine the legitimacy of the process.
Canada is calling for authentic and inclusive democratic processes that genuinely reflect the will of the people of Myanmar and uphold the rule of law, as well as freedom of expression, association, and assembly.
International Cooperation is Crucial
Canada urges all nations to support efforts to establish a credible and peaceful democratic future for Myanmar. The country reaffirms its support for the ongoing engagement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly through the ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar and the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. Canada encourages regional partners to actively promote democracy, peace, and stability within Myanmar.
What steps can be taken to improve the humanitarian situation in Myanmar? Canada urges the Myanmar military to immediately release all remaining political prisoners and engage in meaningful dialogue with all opposition groups. All parties involved must cease violence, respect human rights and international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and allow for the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
“Canada stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Myanmar,” stated the Honorable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Their resilience in the face of ongoing violence underscores their aspiration for a peaceful and dignified future.”
