The KNU, KNPP, CNF and the National Unity Government (NUG) have joined together to issue a statement on the recent attack on the ASEAN humanitarian aid convoy in Shan State.

The following is their 10 May statement:

Statement on Humanitarian Support for all the People of Myanmar through Inclusive Humanitarian Forum (IHF) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre)

10 May 2023

The Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs) and the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmarreceived information that some of the ASEAN diplomats and members of AHA Centre who were on a mission to deliver humanitarian assistance in Hsihseng township, Shan State were attacked on May 7, 2023. We were relieved to learn that there were no casualties. However, we understood that it was a warning for all of us regarding the importance of safe provision and delivery of humanitarian assistance.

We understand that ASEAN has concerns over the cessation of violence in Myanmar. Likewise, we believe that the much-needed humanitarian assistance must be delivered to all the people who need it. However, the ever-increasing rate of violence in Myanmar also reflects the attempt by the coup makers to maintain control.

The EROs and NUG have been leading the resistance that has transformed to a new discourse since the coup two years ago in February 2021. The resistance pertains to recognize and protect people's right to peacefully protest against the ruthless oppression by the military. The same military has been targeting civilians, IDPs sites, schools, clinics, religious buildings, and other civilian buildings.

Consequently, we have recorded causalities and severe injuries of civilians across Myanmar. Due to the accelerating airstrikes and land attacks launched by SAC, at the moment over 1.5 million people are believed to be in need for humanitarian assistance.

Moreover, because the military has been actively prohibiting humanitarian supports for the people, the situation in Myanmar could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. The challenges remain immense for the local humanitarian groups with commitment to deliver assistance to those who need it most.

We understand and welcome ASEAN’s effort through AHA Centre that it is conducted in recognition of the challenges above and to complement local efforts in helping those who are in need. Therefore, in the last 12 months, we have been conducting needs assessment in areas where the needs are prevalent. Based on our experiences and findings, we learned that assistance can only be carried out through the eastern and western borders of the countries. Because the Myanmar military has been against all efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance, it is essential for any assistance plan to include concrete timeframe, temporary ceasefire from all sides, and monitoring.

The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has reached a point where the whole world beyond ASEAN is now very concerned. For that reason, during the past 12 months, we have advocated for the establishment of an Inclusive Humanitarian Forum (IHF) regarding humanitarian assistance for Myanmar. The international community including the UN Special Envoy has welcome it. She has also further conveyed the message to ASEAN and other regional diplomats, the UNSC, and UNGA and has garnered broader support for the IHF. In the face of the potential threat posed by the Cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, it is more important than ever to expedite our mechanism to find out ways for humanitarian interventions for all the needy populations.

Therefore, in order for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar to be recognized by the international community, on behalf of the people of Myanmar we urge ASEAN leaders to support the establishment of IHF by acting upon decision number 13 of the "ASEAN Leaders' Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus" during the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in 2022 that provides ASEAN to call its external partners and the UN to support its efforts in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.