A delegation from Australia's Burmese community is meeting with politicians in Canberra to raise alarm over escalating human rights concerns unfolding in Myanmar.
The military coup in Myanmar has seen 149 people killed in a crackdown by authorities against demonstrators since seizing power on 1 February, according to the United Nations.
Members of the Burmese community in Australia have been forced to watch on in despair at the intensifying heavy-handed response against the daily demonstrations.
A delegation representing their community intends to share their concerns with politicians and urge the Australian government to step up its response to the military coup.
April Htet Htet Khaing said witnessing the violent coup unfolding in her country has been "heartbreaking". Source: Ben Patrick, SBS News
University student and delegate member April Htet Htet Khaing said a friend had been killed in the demonstrations, while members of her family have also been detained.
“Imagine a country free and full of hope - one day waking up to find out everything has been taken away from you - that is very heartbreaking,” she said.
“This is a reality for my families back [in Myanmar] - I have constant fear waking up every morning about whether I will hear from them again.”
The UN human rights office has warned it is “deeply disturbed” by escalating violence against peaceful protests since the detention of democratically-elected Aung San Suu Kyi.
The military crackdown has also led to mass arrests with more than 2,084 people arbitrarily detained, according to the United Nations.
Over the next two days, the delegation is meeting with MPs across the political aisle, including eight members of the Coalition, 10 Labor members and two members of the Greens.
This will include meetings with Liberal Senator David Fawcett, chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, former diplomat and Liberal MP Dave Sharma, as well as Labor’s foreign affairs spokesperson Penny Wong.
The group is conducting the meetings alongside representatives from Amnesty International.
Ko Naing Saulsman - who was an activist during another violent military coup in Myanmar in 1988 - said he has struggled to sleep since the military seized power.
Mr Saulsman said it was urgent the Australian government took stronger action in response to escalating violence.
“This is not about a political issue - this is about crime against humanity so we really want the Australian government to step up and especially our foreign minister to take action,” he said.
“The Australian government and international community must act strongly because the military is going [to] kill every day.”
The Myanmar community delegation’s list of demands include calling on Australia to impose targeted multilateral sanctions against military generals behind the coup.
Ko Naing Saulsman said he has struggled to sleep since the military seized power in the coup. Source: Ben Patrick, SBS News
Australia has suspended military co-operation with Myanmar and redirected aid to non-government organisations in response to the coup.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne - who has expressed “grave concerns” over escalating violence - has said the government’s “sanctions policy” remains “under close review”.
In contrast, the United States, United Kingdom and Canada have already acted to tighten sanctions against Myanmar’s military leaders.
Amnesty International campaigner Joel MacKay said Australia should be leading the charge on an international level against “human rights violations” in Myanmar.
“This is urgent - this must happen - this must be a coordinated global effort and it's really up to Marise Payne to show leadership and get this done,” he said.
The delegation also intends to raise with politicians the need to extend temporary visas for Myanmar citizens on humanitarian grounds to protect them from returning to their country.
University student Mary Ung said she herself held concerns about returning to her country because of the volatility of the coup.
“I'm here to be a voice for those who have been silenced,” she said.
“I strongly believe that the Australian government has the power - the capability to stop all the atrocities and crimes against humanity going on in my country.”
It’s understood the Australian government is currently considering policy options of visa measures for Myanmar citizens in response to the unfolding coup.
University student Mary Ung said she is concerned about the prospect of returning to her country. Source: Ben Patrick, SBS News
The US government said last Friday Myanmar citizens stranded by the violence following the coup would be able to remain inside the US under “temporary protected status”.
The delegation is also calling on Australia to recognise a body now representing Myanmar’s ousted lawmakers known as the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.
Delegate member and Australian secretary general for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party Kyaw Soemoe said the military's crackdown against peaceful protesters must be brought to an end.
"We would like to urge Australian government to support us - please do whatever you can," he said.
