The United Nations Human Rights Office on Friday called upon Myanmar’s military to immediately halt its ongoing attacks and allow urgent humanitarian aid to reach communities devastated by last month’s earthquake. The UN emphasized the military’s obligation to comply with international law and ensure aid reaches those in dire need.
The United Nations has denounced airstrikes and shelling by Myanmar’s junta on areas devastated by the March 28 earthquake. After the earthquake, military forces reportedly carried out over 120 assaults, with over half occurring after the ceasefire was supposed to start on April 2nd. According to the parallel National Unity Government (NUG), junta airstrikes and artillery attacks between March 28 and April 8 killed at least 72 civilians.
In regions like Sagaing, located near the earthquake’s epicenter and mainly controlled by groups opposing the military, rescue and relief workers seeking access to some of the worst-hit areas were blocked by military authorities, according to multiple aid and human rights groups. The UN’s call emphasizes the importance of upholding international law, which obligates all parties in conflict to allow humanitarian access.
As Myanmar begins the Thingyan New Year festivities this weekend, the UN raised a call for the military to announce a full amnesty for detainees it has incarcerated since the February 2021 coup, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, the two central figures from the ousted civilian government.
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated, “Civilians are continuing to suffer in Myanmar as military operations persist, despite ceasefires declared after last month’s tragic earthquake.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, reminded all parties in Myanmar of their obligation under international law to allow humanitarian workers to reach those in need, stating: “I urge a halt to all military operations, and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake, as well as ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian organizations that are ready to support.”
The obstruction of humanitarian aid and the perpetration of human rights violations by the Myanmar military are not isolated incidents. The conflict in Rakhine State had also led to over 570,000 people being displaced due to fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakan Army.
The ongoing military operations and restrictions on access not only exacerbate the existing crisis but also violate fundamental tenets of international law, increasing the suffering of the people in Myanmar and adding to a legacy of comparable humanitarian tragedies inflicted by the military. The military’s hindrance of aid distribution is a clear breach of the Rule of Law principles designed to safeguard civilians in conflict and guarantee access to crucial assistance in Myanmar after the military attack.
