Canada briefed on revolutionary mechanisms designed to bypass junta and deliver direct humanitarian aid, states minister Zin Mar Aung

Mizzima

During a diplomatic visit to Canada by the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF), Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Daw Zin Mar Aung emphasized that existing operational networks between ethnic regions and the National Unity Government (NUG) are fully prepared to effectively channel international humanitarian aid directly to those in need.

“The main point was that we were able to explain to the countries and international agencies providing humanitarian aid that there are practical mechanisms for cooperation already working among our revolutionary forces. We conveyed that we are ready to cooperate if they intend to provide aid in a practical manner,” she told Mizzima.

As the military junta intensifies ground strikes despite Canada’s firm calls for an immediate end to violence and unhindered humanitarian access, NUG Foreign Minister and SCEF Secretariat member Daw Zin Mar Aung detailed to Mizzima the specific, operational methods designed to bypass the regime and deliver aid directly to the public.

“As everyone knows, while various countries have other global issues and priorities, we discussed how to make the available humanitarian aid most effective through our ‘localization strategy’ and humanitarian platforms. These mechanisms already exist in ethnic regions and within the NUG. We discussed how we can work effectively through these integrated mechanisms and emphasized our readiness to cooperate,” Daw Zin Mar Aung said.

This trip marks the first in-person meeting between SCEF and high-ranking international government and parliamentary officials since the council’s formation.

Regarding the mission, Daw Zin Mar Aung stated: “This marks our inaugural trip to personally engage with foreign government and parliamentary officials since the establishment of SCEF.

While we have previously held press conferences and formally notified the global community of SCEF’s formation through official correspondence, this visit provided a vital opportunity to exchange perspectives, address direct inquiries, and articulate our organizational objectives, the current trajectory of the Myanmar revolution, and our vision for the future.”

The Minister added that the international community welcomed this consolidation of forces, noting that the delegation was able to demonstrate a commitment to unity despite the inherent diversity among revolutionary groups.

“They welcomed this kind of unification. We acknowledged that differences exist among us, which is natural. However, we are striving for unity amidst these differences. The formation of SCEF is both a symbol of that and a demonstration of our commitment. I would like to say we received positive responses in this regard,” she said.

During the high-level meetings, Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of a peaceful and inclusive future, while underscoring the critical necessity for an immediate halt to hostilities to guarantee full, unhindered humanitarian access.

Additionally, the SCEF delegation engaged with Members of Parliament Garnett Genuis and Adam Chambers, prominent leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of a Democratic Burma, to coordinate efforts on strengthening the rule of law, terminating violence against civilians, and identifying strategic areas for bilateral cooperation.

Furthermore, a statement from SCEF noted that meetings with civil society organizations in Ottawa focused primarily on humanitarian aid delivery and matters related to the federal system.

According to the SCEF statement, the delegation also engaged in academic discussions with professors and researchers at the University of Toronto, and hosted public town halls with the Myanmar diaspora in Canada to conduct extensive dialogues on the current crisis and future strategic plans for the nation.

The SCEF delegation representing this Canadian diplomatic mission comprised SCEF Secretariat member and NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung, alongside SCEF Foreign Affairs committee members Neh Neh Plo from the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), Saw Nimrod from the Karen National Union (KNU), and U Kyaw Zaw, Advisor to the NUG President’s Office.