Myanmar’s armed forces (the Tatmadaw) has carried out 252 attacks on healthcare workers since the Tatmadaw illegally seized control of the country in a coup d’état in February, according to a report published on Tuesday.
Violence Against or Obstruction of Health Care in Myanmar, published by Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition, identified 252 reported incidents involving violence against healthcare workers since February. 190 healthcare workers have been arrested, with the report noting that these arrests are without justification. 86 hospitals have been raided, 55 hospitals have been subject to military occupation and 17 incidents including destruction of facilities through military shelling affected the country’s COVID-19 response mechanisms.
In addition, the report identified that 27 healthcare workers have been killed with another 36 injured.
The report further noted: “Health workers have been forced into hiding for fear of being arrested or after having arrest warrants issued against them… In some cases, their family members were arrested instead.”
According to the report, Yangon and Mandalay have been at the center of the Tatmadaw’s violence. 15 incidents were attributable to non-state actors.
The Coalition recommended that UN member states comply with international human rights and humanitarian law concerning the protection of healthcare workers; ensure the UN Security Council Resolution 2286, which provides for protection of medical and humanitarian personnel, is implemented to its full effect; that Myanmar strengthen mechanisms to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of violence against healthcare workers; and that in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2565, COVID-19 response medical care is unhindered.
The Coalition also recommended non-state actors comply with international humanitarian and human rights law as well as signing the Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment for the Protection of Health Care in Armed Conflict.
The Tatmadaw’s coup is yet to show signs of ending despite calls from national and international commentators urging the country return to a democratic government. The country’s armed forces have particularly targeted democratically elected leaders, journalists and, as noted in the report, healthcare workers.
