46 A NATION LEFT BEHIND Recommendations To the Myanmar Military and the Myanmar Government „ Declare and implement an immediate, meaningful and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire in line with CSO, EAO, and international demands; „ Immediately halt all violence against ethnic nationalities and stop the perpetration of human violations throughout the country, particularly in conflict-affected ethnic areas; „ End all restrictions on and ensure the free passage of humanitarian aid and necessary COVID-19 response assistance to all areas, with special consideration for and attention to rural ethnic and conflict-affected areas; „ Immediately cease all threats against and obstruction of efforts being made by EAOs to prevent the spread of COVID-19; „ The military’s ample budget must be re-designated for humanitarian purposes rather than creating humanitarian need through the funding of continued armed conflict; „ Issue a moratorium on large-scale investment and natural resource extraction initiatives and hand over decision-making power on the future of these projects to local communities, so they can determine how to move forward with them; „ Immediately withdraw Myanmar military troops from and end militarization of ethnic areas, including military-backed development projects throughout ethnic regions; „ End the discourse of “terrorism” in regard to EAOs and armed conflict and – in place of the current failed peace negotiations – commit to a sincere, all-inclusive political dialogue that respects the equal rights of ethnic nationalities and their right to selfdetermination; „ Cease prosecution and harassment of journalists, artists, human rights defenders and activists and immediately end the blocks on ethnic media websites; „ Repeal repressive legislation and enact laws that enshrine press freedom and freedom of expression; „ Fully restore internet access throughout Rakhine and Chin States so that local communities have free access to information necessary for their safety and security, and create conditions so that they are also able to update and provide information regarding their situation to those outside of Rakhine and Chin States; „ In recognition of the role of ethnic health organizations (EHOs), provide material resources and funding in support of EHOs’ frontline COVID-19 health services in EAOs’ respective territories, in line with federal democratic principles; „ Abolish the 2008 Constitution and institute federal democratic charter to ensure healthcare provision is devolved and inclusive.