UN condemns Myanmar military coup, calls for arms embargo
Published Date: 6/18/2021
Source: axios.com

The UN General Assembly on Friday condemned Myanmar's military coup and called for an arms embargo against the country, AP reports.

Why it matters: The rare move demonstrates widespread global opposition to Myanmar's military junta, which overthrew the country's democratically elected government and seized power on Feb. 1.


The big picture: Hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested in the military's crackdown on anti-coup demonstrators.

  • Myanmar's deposed elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained officials were formally charged by the military junta last week.
  • Friday's nonbinding resolution calls on the military to immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, Suu Kyi and other officials, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested," according to AP.
  • The resolution was passed with 119 countries voting "yes," Belarus voting "no," and 36 countries abstaining, per AP.

Go deeper: UN human rights chief condemns military buildup in Myanmar