Statement from Diplomatic Missions in Myanmar
June 21, 2020
It has been one year since the restriction of mobile data services in parts of Rakhine and Chin States, which has curtailed communication and access to information for as many as one million people. Further restrictions have since been imposed on several news outlets and journalists. Access to the Internet and media is vital for people to obtain and share information for their health, safety, and security, particularly as they approach the elections and face the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, two-way communications with people in Internet-restricted areas are critical for the health sector to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Myanmar, even during a conflict. Everyone should be able to access the latest information available.
Signed by the following diplomatic missions: Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.
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