Thursday, 26 May 2022
The Network of Social Democracy in Asia, composed of 14 progressive parties across 11 countries in Asia expresses its warmest congratulations to the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) on its 2022 National Congress!
The continuing military junta in Burma/Myanmar is a direct upfront to democracy and a grave threat to its people. In previous statements issued by Socdem Asia collectively, as well as its individual member parties, it has strongly condemned the military take over, called for the immediate restoration of civilian rule, immediate access to humanitarian assistance to the peoples of Burma/Myanmar, and justice for the human rights victims of the regime. Socdem Asia stands in solidarity with the democratic forces in Burma/Myanmar, as it commends the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy for continuing to fight for democracy and social justice, specially in these trying times, as demonstrated by the conduct of its National Congress.
Socdem Asia also takes note of the effort of the Party to shift from an ethnic-based to a principle and platform-based party, which was initiated in its previous congress. With this pivot, SNLD takes the lead among progressive ethnic parties in Burma/Myanmar in paving the way for a democratic federal union that puts primarily the welfare of the people regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender orientation.
Socdem Asia commits to work closely with the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and the democratic movement in Burma/Myanmar in exacting accountability from the military regime and towards democracy and long-lasting peace in the country.