4 During a video conference on the afternoon of April 6, Gwangju City, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) agreed to issue a joint UCLG statement calling for opposition to Myanmar’s military coup, support of the pro-democracy movement, and protection of Myanmar people’s human rights.
Gwangju City News
MONTHLY NEWS
Reprinted from the Gwangju Metropolitan City website (http://gwangju.go.kr)
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
May 2021
▲ Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong Sub during the video conference.
Gwangju City & United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Announce Support for Myanmar People
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The video conference, organized at the suggestion of Gwangju City Mayor Lee Yong Sup, was attended by Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Emilia Saiz Carrancedo, current Secretary-General of UCLG; Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau; and Morten Kjaerum, Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights. Mayor Lee said, “The worsening situation in Myanmar is similar to that of the Gwangju Democratic Movement against military forces, which took place 41 years ago in May 1980. Now more than 100 organizations in Gwangju have formed the “Gwangju Alliance,” opposing the military coup and supporting democracy in Myanmar, and are conducting various activities to show support.” He went on to say, “After hearing various opinions at meetings with Myanmar residents in Gwangju, we have confirmed that what they need the most at this moment are support and solidarity from the international community,” emphasizing the importance of UCLG’s role. Mayor Lee Yong Sup further explained, “I hope the international community will unite their voices in recognizing that Myanmar has been completely isolated by the military. I therefore propose that the UCLG Commission on Human Rights member cities denounce Myanmar’s military authorities, call for the protection of Myanmar people’s human rights, and officially announce the recognition of Myanmar’s democratic government in a joint statement.” In response, Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, explained the situation in Myanmar and the measures taken so far by the United Nations in detail, and said, “We strongly encourage acts of solidarity with Myanmar’s people from Gwangju and other local governments.” She also added, “If the UCLG member cities issue a joint statement calling for the protection of human rights in Myanmar, we will actively support it.” UCLG Secretary-General Emilia Saiz, Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and Director Morten Kjaerum also promised to collaborate with the UCLG’s joint statement and offered various opinions on support of Myanmar’s people. “What concerns the people of Myanmar the most is that their resistance is being forgotten,” said Director Morten Kjaerum. “It is important to show solidarity through the World Human Rights
2021-04-26 �� 10:00:34
