January 31, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement:

“Five years ago today, Myanmar’s military overthrew the country’s democratically elected government. Since the coup, the situation has deteriorated into one of the world’s most severe human rights and humanitarian crises. The conflict has displaced more than 3.6 million people internally and left more than 16 million in need of humanitarian assistance, including 5 million children.

“Canada condemns the Myanmar military regime’s violations of human rights—including strikes on civilians, schools, hospitals and places of worship—which continue to escalate. Myanmar people have been killed, tortured and subjected to sexual and gender-based violence. Ethnic and religious minorities continue to face severe and persistent discrimination. The conflict has led to a sharp rise in transnational crime, including online scam centres, further harming the people of Myanmar and threatening regional stability.

“Canada followed the recent military-administered electoral process in Myanmar with great concern. The conduct of these elections failed to meet the international standards for a free, fair, inclusive and transparent process. There is no indication that the results reflect the will of the people of Myanmar, particularly when large parts of the population, including key political stakeholders, were deliberately prevented from participating. Canada is deeply concerned by reports of widespread violence, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arbitrary arrests and mass detentions, as well as voter intimidation and coercion. Canada calls for genuine and inclusive democratic processes that reflect the will of the people of Myanmar and uphold the rule of law and the freedom of expression, association and assembly. 

“Canada calls on all members of the international community to support efforts to establish a credible and peaceful democratic future for the people of Myanmar. We reiterate our support for the continued engagement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including through ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar and the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. We encourage regional partners to promote democracy, peace and stability in Myanmar.

“Canada urges Myanmar’s military to release all remaining political prisoners and to engage in genuine dialogue with all opposition groups. We reiterate that all parties must cease violence, respect international human rights and humanitarian law, protect civilians and allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid.

“Canada stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Their resilience in the face of ongoing violence underscores their aspirations for a peaceful and dignified future.”