Advocacy group calls for suspension of Japanese-funded rail projects in Myanmar

By Admin 04 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
4 June 2023, Sittwe

The advocacy group Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has called for suspension of the Japanese government’s railway projects in Myanmar, saying that such support of the junta is incompatible with a pro-human rights stance.

Japan should stand with the people of Myanmar and fulfil its international obligations by imposing sanctions on the junta and its business interests, and suspending all official development assistance projects in Myanmar, JFM said in a statement late last month.

Japanese multinational corporations have received millions in revenue from Myanma Railways under projects financed by loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that were awarded before the military coup on February 1, 2021, JFM said.

“The continuation of the railway improvement projects legitimises the junta and provides it with increased logistical capacity,” the statement said. “The junta uses trains to move troops, arms and other supplies as it commits atrocity crimes across Myanmar with total impunity. Through the project, the Japanese government and the corporations involved risk aiding and abetting the junta’s international crimes by providing it with logistical support.”

JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung said: “By allowing its railway improvement projects to continue, the Japanese government is legitimising the junta and providing it with resources that will support its campaign of terror against the people of Myanmar.”

The Japan-backed railway works to be implemented in Myanmar reportedly include railway and station upgrading works, bridge construction works and signal communications equipment installation works.

The full JFM statement can be found here.