In February of 2021, there was a coup d’état in Myanmar where the military seized power and detained numerous government officials, political figures, and activists, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The acquisition led to a rise in violent battles between separatist and opposing groups throughout the nation. This includes uncontrolled air attacks that have resulted in the deaths of countless innocent people.

Incidents of large-scale murders of prisoners have been recorded, which involved cutting up and disrespecting bodies, instances of sexual assault, and the intentional setting on fire of whole communities.

In the second part of 2023, multiple armed rebel groups joined forces to oppose the government. They launched attacks on important military bases, successfully pushing back the armed forces and compelling them to give up.

in Gaza through

The plight of loss of life and ongoing pain persists in Gaza.

Tom Andrews, the Special Rapporteur, informed the members of the Human Rights Council – the primary rights organization of the UN – that although there have been some victories against the opposition, the junta still poses a significant threat.

He mentioned that the use of advanced, strong weapons obtained from other countries is still ongoing and resulting in civilian casualties.

In the past five months, the frequency of airstrikes targeting civilians has increased by five times. Approximately 2.7 million individuals have been forced to leave their homes, and a total of 18.6 million people, including six million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance throughout the nation.

“The current regime has implemented a policy of mandatory enlistment in the military, often kidnapping young men in public. This is causing many young individuals to go into hiding, leave the country, or join opposition groups – those who refuse to participate in the regime’s cruel tactics,” Mr. Andrews reported.

One group that has been greatly impacted is the Muslim Rohingya community, who continue to endure attacks and oppression. A significant number of Rohingya individuals were compelled to leave their residences in Rakhine state in 2017, as a result of a large-scale military campaign. They sought shelter in the nearby country of Bangladesh.

Impacts beyond Myanmar

The Special Rapporteur stated that the actions of the junta have consequences not only for the citizens of Myanmar but also for the surrounding region and the global community.

According to the speaker, numerous individuals in distress are still escaping to nearby nations while rebel planes from the junta have breached the borders of Myanmar’s neighbors and caused explosions on foreign soil.

“International criminal networks have found safe haven in Myanmar, which is now the top opium producer in the world and a global center for cyber-scam operations that enslave tens of thousands and victimize untold numbers of people around the world.”

Violence must stop

The person cautioned that the international community’s approach of appeasing and engaging with the junta in Asia without imposing any conditions is ineffective.

The unavoidable outcome is that for involvement to thrive, specific requirements are necessary, primarily that the aggression must end.

He stated that in order for this to come to fruition, the global community must obstruct the junta’s violent crusade by withholding the resources and funds it needs to sustain the campaign.

Mr. Andrews called for the “immediate convening” of a coalition of States to establish coordinated, targeted sanctions to protect Myanmar’s people.

Unsplash/Zinko Hein

Individuals from different ethnic and religious backgrounds come together for a vigil in Yangon, Myanmar. (file)

Tide is turning

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of three crucial actions that must be addressed promptly. These actions consist of providing humanitarian assistance to those facing dire circumstances, holding individuals accountable for acts of war and crimes against humanity, and supporting Myanmar’s transition.

“He expressed the importance of endorsing those working towards establishing a political system that includes all of Myanmar’s diverse populace, with a strong commitment to upholding human rights, equality, and justice as the means to achieve peace,” stated the speaker.

The situation in Myanmar is changing, thanks to the bravery and determination of its citizens. It is crucial for the global community to focus on Myanmar and work together to take decisive action during this critical time, according to Mr. Andrews.

Expert on individual human rights

In 2020, Tom Andrews was selected by the Human Rights Council to serve as the Special Rapporteur. His role is to objectively evaluate, observe, and communicate the state of human rights in Myanmar.

The role of Special Rapporteurs is independent of the United Nations and national governments, and they do not receive a salary as they are not part of the UN staff.

The task of the Special Rapporteur on the state of human rights in Myanmar was initially created in 1992 by the former Commission on Human Rights and is renewed every year.

Source: news.un.org