UN day for democracy: taking action with Myanmar

Tomorrow, 15 September, marks the UN day for democracy. It’s a moment to review the state of democracy around the world and to encourage governments to strengthen their democratic institutions and processes. This year in particular marks a fragile point in the fight for democracy. Myanmar’s democracy has collapsed after 10 years of democratic process. In February, the military seized control, claiming widespread voter fraud after a landslide election victory by the National League for Democracy. The United Nations General Assembly is set to meet and decide the fate of Myanmar’s representation at the UN. Will the seat go to the illegitimate and authoritarian military junta or the pro-democracy, recently formed, National Unity Government? Christina McAnea recently wrote to foreign secretary, Dominic Raab MP calling for the latter. The coup wasn’t only a crushing blow for democracy, but also for the trade union movement that had been building in the country. Since February, 1.2 million jobs have been lost, compounding the economic problems brought about by the slowdown of business from foreign companies through the COVID-19 pandemic – in key industries such as the garment sector. As a result, the World Bank reports that Myanmar’s economic growth reduced by 80% in 2020 with its economy shrinking by 18% since the coup. Devastatingly, the UN Development Programme predicts that, by early 2022, 60% of the population will be living below the poverty line. Meanwhile, labour...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News international Source Type: news