22 April 2026 By Ko Myo
YANGON, Myanmar — The United Kingdom and Australia have issued joint calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Myanmar, including the ousted civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
In separate statements released on Wednesday afternoon, the British and Australian embassies in Yangon acknowledged the recent release of President Win Myint and several other high-profile prisoners. However, both nations emphasized that these limited releases must be followed by meaningful steps toward a peaceful and democratic transition.
A local political analyst told MPA that the coordinated pressure from international governments is a critical development, especially as domestic campaigns for a “Proof of Life” regarding the 80-year-old Nobel Laureate gather momentum. “The world is watching, and these statements provide much-needed support for the people’s demands,” the analyst said.
The UK government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a democratic future for Myanmar, urging an immediate halt to all violence and the provision of full humanitarian access. London also stressed the necessity of establishing a truly inclusive political dialogue to resolve the five-year-old crisis.
The Australian Embassy echoed these sentiments, calling for the military junta to uphold its commitments to end civilian-targeted violence and allow unimpeded aid to reach those in need. Canberra further reiterated its strong support for ASEAN’s central role in brokering a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The push from the UK and Australia follows a similar stance taken by the United States earlier on Wednesday, as well as a call from the European Union’s spokesperson, Anitta Hipper, who urged the junta to free all arbitrarily detained individuals without exception.
Public anxiety over the health of Aung San Suu Kyi remains at an all-time high. The “All in One Piece Movement” officially launched its “Proof of Life” campaign on April 21, demanding that the military leadership provide verifiable evidence of the State Counsellor’s condition. Since the 2021 coup, her whereabouts have been kept secret, and her family has been denied all contact.
While the release of President Win Myint during the traditional New Year period provided a rare moment of relief for his supporters, the international community remains skeptical of the junta’s intentions. For many observers, the continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi serves as the ultimate barrier to any genuine national reconciliation or political stability in Myanmar.
