Weekly Updates on Current Situation in Myanmar
(14-05-2023)
More than twenty-seven monthsago, on 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military attempted an illegal coup, toppled the elected civilian government, and unlawfully and unjustly detained State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior members of the civilian government, parliamentarians, and activists. Since then, the Myanmar military has ignored the will of the people of Myanmar, placed the country in turmoil, and made the people suffer with inhumane and disproportionate actions.
As of 14 May 2023, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), 3,509people have been ruthlessly killed by the military, whereas 22,211people have been arrested and a total of 154individuals have been sentenced to death, of which121 people have been sentenced in absentia, of whom 42 have been sentenced to death since 1 February 2021, when the military unleashed systematic and targeted attacks and violence against innocent civilians. Four democracy activists who were given death sentences were executed by the military junta in July 2022.
Atrocities committed by the military
Raiding, arresting, torching, and looting villages in Magway and Sagaing Regions
According to news, on 24 April 2023, a clash broke out between local defense forces and Pyu Saw Htee militiain Pin Taung Villagein Pauk Township, Magway Region. Later that day, the Pyu Saw Htee militiamen raided the village; burned a local villager Kyaw Lwin, who had a mental illness, alive and torched around 150 houses.
On 6 May 2023, it is reported that a military column burnt 530 houses during a raid on Let Htoke Taw village inMyinmu Township killing a 50-year-old villager and wounding two other residents. According to the villagers, the junta troops shelled the village when residents attempted to put out the fires. The villagers did not expect of raiding the village because the military forces normally bypassed the village. The residents of Let Htoke Taw could not return to their homes as junta troops were still near the village.More than 3,000 people reportedly needed food and medical assistance.
Two groups of junta troops had raided villages in Kantbalu Township, Sagaing Region in late April 2023 and they torched nearly seven villages according to the local residents. The Irrawaddy News reported that at least 20,000 residents of around 20 villages fled their homes during around 10 days of Myanmar junta raids and more than 171 houses were set on fire during the raids. According to residents, Light Infantry Division 368 set fire to houses in Chin Myit Kyin village on 7 May 2023 and raided Nyaung Pin Seik and Boe Boe villages on 10 May 2023. On 11 May 2023, the junta troops reportedly torched a school and five houses in Tha Yet Khaung, which was also raided in late April. Moreover, around 100 junta troops together with Pyu Saw Htee militias raided Hpa Lon Chaing village on 11 May 2023 and burnt around 20 houses. Htauk Shar Aing village was raided on 7 May 2023 and 11 civilians were detained during the raid. There were clashes between junta forces and a resistance force in Hpoke Kone village on 11 May 2021, and the junta forces burnt down 10 houses in the village. At least 31 houses were already torched in Hpoke Kone village on 1 May 2023. According to the Data for Myanmar, as of 28 February 2023, at least 60,459 houses had been destroyed in arson attacks, of which 47,778 were in Sagaing Region.
Raiding, and arresting villages in Tanintharyi Region
According to AAPP, on the morning of 23 April 2023, around 30 junta personnel raided Ya Nge Village in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region. The junta soldiers reportedly captured the villagers and questioned them at the village monastery.
News reported that junta’s Hpayar Mae checkpoint near Maung Mae Shaung Village in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region was attacked on 23 April 2023. Consequently, in the morning of 24 April, junta forces conducted searches in the village and arrested two youths.
On 24 April 2023, junta forces launched an offensive attack on Wae Yit Village in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region. They arrested over 20 local men and took them to the village monastery.
Killing innocent civilians
According to news report, around 100 junta soldiers attacked Shwe Hlay Village in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region on 25 April 2023. They shot two locals, who were driving a motorbike along Nyaung Pin Gyi – Salingyi Road and ran into them on Shwe Hlay Village Bridge. When the motorbike rider Win Naung was hit and fell of the bike, the junta soldiers killed him by stabbing him in the stomach with a knife. Another local who was the motorbike passenger, managed to escape.
The Irrawaddy News reported that junta troops killed and incinerated 18 villagers in Htantabin Township, Bago Region on 10 May 2023.Two five-year-olds, a seven-year-old, and a nine-year-old were among victims. The atrocities were followed when the junta had heavy losses in attacks with the Karen National Liberation Army, and resistance groups near the village. According to local residents, following the attacks, the troops raided Nyaung Pin Thar village and tortured anyone they found. Villagers said some detainees were burned alive. It is reported that the violence in Nyaung Pin Thar was the second largest massacre in Bago Region since the 2021 coup after 80 people were killed on April 9, 2021, in a crackdown on peaceful protesters in Bago city. The National Unity Government recorded in March that there have been 64 junta massacres across Myanmar, in which at least 766 people were killed.
Myanmar junta forces killed and beheaded three civilians and five resistance members during a raid in Chaung U Township, Sagaing Region on 5 May 2023. A column of 80 military troops raided a training camp of the Chaung U People’s Defense Force (PDF) and an adjacent monastery after occupying the township’s Kyi Kone village. The troops seized and killed 3 Chaung U PDF members and 2 civilians who were evacuating over 100 residents sheltering at the monastery. All refugees were reportedly evacuated ahead of the raid. A resistance training camp leader, two of his comrades and two civilians were reportedly killed and decapitated. The PDF leader said the victims were stabbed in their necks and abdomens before being beheaded. Locals and resistance forces also discovered the bodies of a 65-year-old female resident and two other resistance fighters a few kilometers away from the area of the raid.
According to the report of AAPP, on 8 May 2023, around 30 junta troops together with Pyu Saw Htee militiamen captured Tun Tun Linn, a local of Lel Taw Village who lived in Pa Yit Kone Village, Monywa Township in Sagaing Region without concrete reason. They interrogated him after taking him to a primary school in Pa Yit Kone Village. He was tortured and murdered during the interrogation. His body was found in front of the school. Similarly, on 8 May 2023, a military column with around 50 junta personnel reportedly raided Wae Rit Village, Thayetchaung Township in Tanintharyi Region. They captured locals, Myo Myint Lay and Kam Kam. On 9 May 2023, the military column proceeded to raid Ya Nge Village again and arrested another 6 locals. The 8 arrested people have reportedly been beaten, tortured and interrogated by the junta forces at KaMyaing Village in Thayetchaung Township.
Arresting innocent civilians
On 22 April 2023, junta forces stationed in the municipal office of Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region beat and arrested 16 locals, including three women and some boys under age 18. The victims were accused for allegedly being members and supporters of the People’s Defence Force.
According to Myanmar Now News Media, since late March 2023 until the third week of April, around 50 people from Khayan Township, Yangon were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a series of attacks on junta’s targets, including police stations, military outposts, and immigration offices. According to news, Khayan PDF Leader KoMeePwa said that most detainees were young people, including women, and that many were taken into custody simply for having tattoos on their legs. The crackdown reportedly began after a series of attacks by Khayan PDF against junta forces over a two-week period, from 30 March to 14 April 2023, during which at least four junta policemen were killed. During the beginning of the crackdown, the home of the Khayan PDF leader KoMeePwa was set on fire by around 40 junta troops and all roads in and out of the town of Khayan were closed. According to a resident, the roads were reopened on 20 April, but other restrictions remain in place. For example, three-wheeled vehicles, popularly known as tuk-tuks, are banned in the town. Another resident commented that since tuks-tuks are a common form of transportation in Khayan, a lot of people’s livelihoods have come almost to a complete halt because of this ban.
Abducting civilians as human shields
According to news report, on 21 April 2023, a military column of junta forces captured and abducted many civilians as human shields from Hmaw Pon Village and Hsan Hka Village in Long Hkin Village Tract, Hpakant Township, Kachin State. Some of the civilians were being detained at Kam Si Strategic Hill, while others were being detained in Ma Zup Yan Detainment Cell.
Attacking and destroying healthcare facilities in Pekhon Township
According to news, on 25 April 2023, junta conducted airstrikes on Villages in Phekon Township, Shan State, causing several locals seriously injured, including two locals in critical condition. Reportedly, the assault began around midday in SaungHpway Village, Yin Nwe Village Tract, which was hit by a total of 15 airborne bombs, including two that landed inside a hospital compound but did not explode. According to a spokesperson for the Kayan National Health Council (KNHC), which manages the hospital, the facility had been set up to provide care for villagers displaced by conflict in the region, and there were around 100 patients and staff in the hospital at the time. Among them, five were injured by the first bomb, including a woman who had just given birth and her mother-in-law, both of who were in critical condition. According to news reporter, the hospital was damaged extensively as an operating room, an outpatient department, and administrative offices and staff housing were destroyed along with two vehicles used as ambulances and a motorcycle. News reported that there were no clashes taking place around the area.
Airstrikes, heavy artillery, and other targeting of civilian areas
According to the news from the Irrawaddy, Myanmar’s junta launched airstrikes with fighter jets on Tigyaing Township in Sagaing Region on 24 April 2023 after suffering heavy casualties in fighting with resistance forces. Over 100 junta troops raided villages in western Tigyaing for a week and there was fierce fighting on 24 April 2023 near Taw Ma village at the base of Mount Min Won during which many soldiers were injured or killed. According to a resistance soldier, junta’s jets dropped several bombs onto Taw Ma and HponeKone Villages afterwards. He added that the ground troops later torched around a quarter of Taw Ma’s 200 homes in the afternoon. He also mentioned that for the junta to use six fighter jets is a record in Upper Sagaing which suggests they suffered heavy losses. It was also reported that the junta troops are stationed around nearby HponeKone village, which they torched on the morning of 25 April 2023. Due to the attacks, more than 1,000 villagers from Taw Ma, HponeKone, WaeGyi and Mote Wa fled their homes.
News reported that on 27 April 2023, heavy weaponry fired by junta forces based in Pekon Town onto Nga Mu and Nyaung Mun Villages at the east of Pekon Township, Shan State injured five civilians in those villages. Reportedly, the shooting was done without any clash taking place.
According to Myanmar Now, junta forces carried out airstrike onto Tlanglo Village in Thantlang Township, northern Chin State, killing two civilians who were54-year-old CDM teacher Ni Dim and a 48-year-old man named HramCeu and injuring several others including two children. These two children of age five and eleven, were reportedly in serious condition. According to the Chin National Army’s (CNA) spokesperson SalaiHtet Ni, the bomb was dropped at the centre of the village of 70 households. Due to the attacks, more than 30 buildings, including homes and religious structures, were said to have been destroyed. The spokesperson also commented that the village was targeted hours after the Chin National Army (CNA) seized a temporary junta camp which is 30 miles away from Tlanglo in the Timit valley, between Thantlang and the state capital of Hakha.
On 9 May 2023, it is reported that the military carried out airstrike attacks and bombed a school of 300 students in Ye-U township, Sagaing Region. A jet fighter conducted three rounds of attack, dropping six bombs on Bawdi School in Htan Taw village in the afternoon according to a local resistance member. The bomb blasts damaged the school gate and library, but no civilian casualties were reported. Bawdi School is located in the resistance stronghold and run by volunteer teachers. The National Unity Government has set up its own administration and schools in Sagaing. The junta bombing campaign threatens the National Unity Government (NUG)’s school system in Sagaing. The volunteer teacher from Bawdi School reportedly said that they are all volunteers helping to fulfill the education needs of rural students. Junta’s recent intensified attacks on civilian targets have included bombing raids on schools, hospitals and displacement camps in resistance strongholds. Junta infantry also reportedly blew up a high school in Chan Thar village in the west of Ye-UTownship on 4 May 2023.
Launching airstrikes on local NUG office
News reported that junta aircrafts bombed a local administrative office of the National Unity Government (NUG) in Htilin, Magway Region on 20 April 2023, killing at least three civilians, one woman and two men and injuring twelve. According to a member of the Yaw Defence Force (YDF), among the three bombs launched by the junta aircrafts, one fell right on the roof of the office and the other two fell in the surrounding area. He stated that among the eight women and four men who were injured, four of these individuals were in critical condition. In Htilin, there had been no recent battles between resistance forces and the military prior to the targeting of the administrative office. The YDF member also noted that phone and internet access to the Htilin Township had been cut off since 15 April, and that since the airstrike, some 100 junta soldiers had arrived in the area. The aerial bombing and the troops’ presence forced some 5,000 locals from 10 villages to flee their homes, anticipating further attacks by the occupying forces.
Threatening the Players of PDF Video Game
According to Irrawaddy News media, the junta has threatened to punish citizens caught playing online video games that help raise funds for the country’s resistance movement. The notice was placed in the junta’s propaganda newspapers on 24 April 2023, warning the public that they would face prosecution for “playing the PDF Game”. The notice stated that the PDF Game applications are developed by organizations affiliated to National Unity Government and Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to support People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). The PDF Game was developed by expat Myanmar programmers to finance the resistance and aid victims of military rule and was released in March 2022. It was mentioned that resistance fighters from Naypyitaw PDF promote the Game, which generates money for displaced children, political detainees , and striking civil servants. It was also informed that other games developed by young Myanmar techies to raise funds for the revolution are also popular among Myanmar nationals. These include PDF Hero and End Game-Union.
Charges against the anti-junta activists
According to AAPP, on 25 April 2023, the junta sentenced Htet Paing (aka Maung Tar), Htay Hlaing, Zaw Myo Htet (aka Par Htaw), and Tite Nyunt to each serve five years in prison with hard labor under Counter-Terrorism Law Section 52(a) for allegedly having connections with members of the People’s Defence Force. Htet Paing, Htay Hlaing, and Zaw Myo Htet are from Inn Lel Gyi Village, and Tite Nyunt is from Tha Byay Thar Lay Village in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region.
Activities of the National Unity Government
On 23 April 2023, the Ministry of Human Rights issued a Human Rights Newsletter Volume One, No. 32. In this biweekly newsletter, the ministry informed the emergency activities carried out for the victims of aerial attacks in Pazigyi Village which killed almost 200 innocent civilians, the records of human rights violations carried out by the terrorist junta across the country, and human rights barometer programme were explained.
On 23 and 25 April 2023 respectively, the Ministry of Human Rights made reports on the junta’s airstrikes onto Magyikan Village on 18 and 19 April and Hsaung Phway Hospital in Phekon Township, Shan State on 25 April 2023.
On 24 April 2023, the National Unity Government (NUG) issued Weekly Newsletter No.17/2023, containing articles related to the NUG’s activities. Those articles included statement delivered by the Acting President Duwa Lashi La at the first conference on the higher education during revolutionary period on 21 April 2023, Acting President’s wishes for the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, NUG’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management delivering aids to victims in Pazigyi Village.
On 25 April 2023, H.E. Daw Zin Mar Aung, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended and delivered a speech at the public gathering on the commemoration of Independence Day of Italy. The gathering was held in a museum in Italy and was participated by approximately 15,000 people. On the Independence Day of Italy which marks the liberty from fascist dictator, Union Minister said in her statement that the fascist system must also be eradicated in Myanmar and if all the possible routes which bring the terrorist military income are cut, the fascist military will surely fail.
On 28 April 2023, the NUG’s Ministry of Health issued an announcement (4/2023) regarding the junta’s attacks against the health facilities and personnel. In the announcement, it was stated that the violent attacks of the military junta on healthcare providers, healthcare facilities and the health sector are worsening day by day and the aerial attacks that deliberately targeted the health facilities were escalating in April 2023. It also informed that five days after the ministry’s announcement 3/2023 on 20 April 2023 which explained the junta’s airstrikes upon the hospitals in Myanmar during the first 18 days of April, the terrorist military launched airstrikes for five times and dropped bombs at least ten times on Saung Phwe Hospital, a functioning hospital situated in Yin Nwe Village, Pekon Township, Southern Shan State where healthcare providers, patients and IDPs were present on 25th April 2023. It underlined that a total of five civilians including 15 years old child were injured as a result of these airstrikes. It also stated that 18 years old postpartum woman, who delivered a baby two days ago, named Ma Pan Lae Oo, endured life-threatening conditions due to the penetration of bomb remnants in the head and stressed that these attacks almost destroyed the hospital, patients' quarters and buildings, medicines and medical equipment, motorcars and motorcycles. The announcement also informed that on 24th March 2023, the terrorist military council carried out aerial attacks in Eastern Demoso, Karenni (Kayah) State resulting in the complete collapse of Dawtamagyi Hospital, and the death of one civilian nearby. While mentioning that those inhumane attacks of the terrorist military, intentionally targeting the health facilities and health system, are breaking Geneva Conventions, the UN Security Council's Resolutions, and International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws, it was also highlighted that the NUG strongly urged the international community to take urgent actions in order to immediately halt the military junta's escalating war crimes and crimes against humanity in Myanmar. It indicated the need for stronger, timely and concerted actions from global leaders. The NUG also committed that it will put its ultimate effort to continue providing our services together with the hero healthcare professionals, community-based organizations, and ethnic people despite many difficulties and challenges the NUG has been facing.
On 30 April 2023, the NUG’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement (8/2023) regarding the meeting with Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. In the statement, it was mentioned that H.E. U Moe Zaw Oo, NUG’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs had a virtual meeting with Mr Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of the Elders and former Secretary-General of the United Nations on 27th April 2023. During the meeting, main discussion was focused on Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s recent visit to Myanmar and also involved a productive exchange of perspectives on how to effectively move forward to address the current crisis facing Myanmar. While expressing the concern that the junta may seek to exploit this visit for its own advantage, the Deputy Minister requested that any further visits to Myanmar be made in consultation with important stakeholders in Myanmar, including the National Unity Government. Furthermore, the statement informed that Deputy Minister underscored the need for more coordinated pressure and sanctions from the international community on the military junta which has failed to abide by the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and the Security Council Resolution 2669. It informed that the meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a collaborative working relationship to discuss potential pathways towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management released a statement dated 14 May 2023 calling for urgent international action to support Myanmar for emergency response to Cyclone Mocha. It states that it is important not to miss providing relief assistances to the most vulnerable community including IDPs, particularly for those who live in the areas controlled by revolution alliances and ethnic resistance organizations. It underscored the majority of high-risk areas to be affected by the cyclone are no longer under full control of the junta such as Rakhin, Chin and most of the areas in Sagaing and Magway Regions. It highlighted that the NUG has already engaged with the community-based organizations that are working for the Rohingya community in Rakhine State and border area. The NUG welcomes international actors to collaborate with its Emergency Operation Coordination Committee (EOCC) for providing relief assistance and rescue mission.
The National Unity Government released a statement dated 10 May 2023 on humanitarian support for all the people of Myanmar through the Inclusive Humanitarian Forum (IHF) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). It highlights that during the past 12 months, the NUG has advocated for the establishment of an Inclusive Humanitarian Forum (IHF) regarding humanitarian assistance for Myanmar. The international community including the UN Special Envoy welcomed the initiative, and she encouraged the UN, the ASEAN, and other international actors to support for it. The statement urges the ASEN leaders to support the establishment of the IHF to be recognized by the international community.
The National Unity Government strongly condemned the attack on the vehicles of the ASEAN diplomatic envoys through a statement dated 8 May 2023. It states that such an attack is contrary to the principles of the National Unity Government and to the revolution. It reassured that the attack was neither ordered nor condoned by the NUG or by its partners, and the NUG always supports the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
On 10 May 2023, H.E. Mr. Aung Myo Min, Union Minister for Human Rights of the NUG, and its delegation met with Co-Chairs and members of the Parliamentary Friends of Democracy in Myanmar, at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. In the meeting, the Union Minister made a briefing about the current situation in Myanmar. On the same day, the Union Minister and its delegation met with H.E. Mr. Bronte Moules, Australian Ambassador for Human Rights at the Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They exchanged views on human rights issues in Myanmar.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the NUG released a statement dated 13 May 2023 on the ASEAN Chairman’s Statement issued at the 42nd ASEAN Summit. The statement expresses its disappointment at the Chairman’s statement. It states that the outcome of the Summit is yet another lost opportunity for action on Myanmar, and progress has again been held hostage to consensus. It states that there have been deliberate acts of provocation by the military junta in the country, the Chairman’s statement merely expressed deep concern and reiterated past ASEAN decisions. It underscores that ASEAN leaders are clearly unable to collectively address the junta-generated political, economic, human rights, and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and the rising threat to the region’s peace and security. It highlights that the ASEAN Leaders’ Review and Decision on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus agreed upon at last November’s Summits, and the Chairman should now issue clear requests on (1) the UN Security Council to formally place Myanmar on its agenda as a threat to international peace and security (2) the UN Secretary-General to use its good offices to intensify efforts to secure a political solution in Myanmar (3) the ICC to accept the NUG’s Article 12 (3) declaration under the Rome Statue and (4) States that exercise universal jurisdiction to use their national courts to prosecute alleged perpetrators of atrocity crimes in Myanmar. Moreover, it calls for the ASEAN Chair to progress other commitments made by ASEAN leaders at last Summit in November 2022.
Actions and Remarks by the International Community in response to the Military Coup d’état
On 19 April 2023, debates were held in UK Parliament concerning possible sanctions in response to the sentencing of Vladimir Kara- Murza, a Russian opposition politician, journalist, activist and British national, and the human rights situation in Myanmar. During the debate, Rushanara Ali MP asked the Minister to address the slow implementation of sanctions on Myanmar and questioned whether the FCDO has an adequate number of officials working to deliver the policy. He also called on the government to designate Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, to ban UK companies from engagement with Myanmar’s gas industry and from supplying aviation fuel to Myanmar, to designate the mining companies and the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and to designate the Russian, Chinese, Pakistani and Indian companies supplying Myanmar with arms. Anum Qaisar MP called on the government to match the restrictions on the sale of aviation fuel and military equipment imposed by Canada.
During the diamond jubilee celebrations of HQ 101 area of the Indian Army in Shillong, Meghalaya, Lt Gen RP Kalita, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command talked to media persons and stated that the army is ensuring that no armed immigrants are entering India from the Myanmar side. He said that India traditionally is not in favour of any form of violence in society whether it is perpetuated by a particular group of people or the state. He continued that condition in Myanmar is that pro-democracy forces are fighting against the army. He explained that there are certain issues cropped up in the border areas and when the fighting takes place close to the border, the Myanmar population migrates to India side to escape the fighting. He underlined that their job is to ensure that nobody with arms comes to our areas, only unarmed people are given shelter by the state governments thereafter. Army has been ensuring no armed immigrants are entering India from Myanmar. The Manipur government is considering setting up a temporary shelter home in the border town of Moreh. The shelter will accommodate 5,000 immigrants. More than 30,500 Myanmar nationals are already taking shelter at 160 relief camps and other places including community centres in eight of the 11 districts in Mizoram.
According to the news from the Elders, Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Secretary-General of the United Nations visited Myanmar on 23-24 April 2023, to find a path to an end to violence and establishing a peaceful, democratic, inclusive and legitimate government. During his visit, he met Myanmar’s military leaders and former President Thein Sein to discuss the situation and emphasized the importance of all parties playing a role in securing a lasting solution, including the National Unity Government. It was informed that the visit was at the invitation of the Myanmar military. In his meetings in Naypyidaw, Ban Ki-moon stressed the urgency of making progress on implementation of the ASEAN Five- Point Consensus and last December’s United Nations Security Council Resolution 2669. He supported the international community’s calls for the immediate release by the Myanmar military of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, for constructive dialogue, and for utmost restraint from all parties. He warned that elections must only be held when conditions are in place for them to be free and fair. Holding elections under current conditions risks further violence and division, and the results are not being recognized by the people of Myanmar, ASEAN, and the wider international community.
On 27 April 2023, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) published a Weekly Highlights of Myanmar South East - Emergency Overview Map on the number of people displaced in South East of Myanmar since February 2021 and remain displaced. According to the highlight, in the South-East, the number of IDPs increased from 434,900 in April’s second week to 436,800 in the third week and in Kayin State, about 4,100 people from Myawaddy were displaced to Hlaingbwe, Myawaddy intensified airstrikes and shelling occurring near villages origin between 6 and 16 April. Among them, 450 IDPs were secondarily displaced within Myawaddy Township and 3,300 IDPs returned to their places of origin in Hlaingbwe and Myawaddy Townships. It was mentioned that in Kayah State, due to intensified fighting, airstrikes, and shelling in the east of Demoso Township, 250 individuals from Demoso and Hsihseng Townships were displaced to Demoso and Loikaw Townships. Among them, 40 were secondarily displaced. It also said that in Shan State (South), 10 IDPs from Demoso were verified in Hsihseng Township as secondary displacement. In Tanintharyi Region, approximately 1,300 people from Tanintharyi Township were displaced to the jungle because of intensified fighting near their villages of origin in the first week of April 2023.
On the same day, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) published UNHCR Myanmar Operational Update, January-March 2023. In its key highlights, it was presented that 95,000 people received core relief items comprising kitchen sets, blankets and sleeping mats, ensuring their basic needs were met. It also stated that 11,500 people received shelter support for safe and dignified living conditions while in displacement while 8,300 people with specific needs benefited from cash assistance to meet their basic needs.
According to the news released by Norges Bank Investment Management on 27 April 2023, Norway bank has decided to exclude two oil and gas companies: Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS) and Indian gas firm GAIL from the government pension fund global. It was mentioned that the Executive Board has decided to exclude the companies GAIL India Ltd and Korea Gas Corporation due to the unacceptable risk that the companies contribute to serious violations of individuals’ rights in situations of war or conflict. While it informed that the background is the companies' business collaboration with an organization affiliated with the military in Myanmar, it stated that the decision is based on a recommendation from the Council on Ethics of 29 November 2022. It also underlined that the Executive Board has not conducted an independent assessment of all aspects of the recommendations but is satisfied that the observation and exclusion criteria have been fulfilled. It also explained that before deciding to exclude a company, Norges Bank shall consider whether the use of other measures, including the exercise of ownership rights, may be better suited. The Executive Board concludes that it is not appropriate to use other measures in these cases.
According to the news in the Asahi Shimbun on 27 April 2023, the Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Japanese government has lodged an official complaint with Myanmar after it confirmed passenger ships, provided to the country through a special developmental assistance program, were used for military purposes. Japan is also demanding that the country prevent a repeat since the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program is restricted to non-military assistance. According to the news, Japan had provided three passenger ships to Myanmar, two used ships in 2017 and one new ship in 2019, through the ODA program for use as commuter vessels for workers and students. However, it was mentioned that after following the reports by local media, the ships might have been used by the military in September and the Japan Foreign Ministry confirmed two of the ships were used to transport soldiers and weapons in 2022 Fall in Rakhine State, where fighting was intensifying between the junta and ethnic minority groups. The officials from Japan's Foreign Ministry said that Myanmar promised Japan that it would not violate the program rules again, ministry officials said.
On 28 April 2023, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) issued a news release presenting that Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrew’s statement at the end of his 10-day official visit to Japan. In his statement, the Special Rapporteur urged Japan to assume a greater leadership role to address the deteriorating crisis in Myanmar and step up pressure on the military junta. He commented that the international community’s response to the crisis in Myanmar is failing and that failure has contributed to a lethal downward spiral that is devastating the lives of millions of people. Explaining his belief that Japan has an essential role to play in resolving the crisis, Mr. Andrew underlined that Japan’s leadership will be vital in recalibrating a failing international response to the crisis. The Special Rapporteur also raised the alarm about an impending humanitarian disaster in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. He called on the Government of Japan and all Member States to immediately increase humanitarian funding, including by redirecting funding from development programmes in Myanmar. Referring to the worsening situation in Myanmar, and mentioning that the military is repeatedly attacking civilian populations throughout the country and has quite literally made war on the Myanmar people, the expert urged Japan to impose targeted economic sanctions on the Myanmar military and its key sources of funding, just as it is doing in response to the crisis in Ukraine. He also urged Japan to terminate a Ministry of Defence programme that continues to provide military training to military personnel from Myanmar, referring credible reports linking previous trainees to military units that have committed atrocities against civilians. While calling on the Japan Government to clearly and consistently renounce the junta’s plan to stage fraudulent national elections as a means of legitimizing itself, the Special Rapporteur highlighted the upcoming G7 Summit in Hiroshima as an opportunity for Japan to shine a light on the situation in Myanmar before the world.
The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Myanmar Ms. Noeleen Heyzer reportedly said on 9 May 2023, a unified regional approach guided by the will of Myanmar people can make progress in solving the country’s crisis during her meeting with government officials in India. She said a unified regional approach supporting Myanmar-led solutions, in accordance with the will and needs of the people, can make tangible progress on the ground. During the meeting, the Indian officials told Noeleen Heyzer that there is a need for an immediate cessation of violence by all sides and the fostering of dialogue for the return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar. When the Special Envoy met with China’s Foreign Minister, she said the international community should support all parties in Myanmar and restart the political transition process through political dialogue to bring peace to the country. In the statement issued by the Office of the UN Special Envoy conveyed the message that the Special Envoy reinforced the need for concrete steps to resolve the crisis and a return to civilian rule based on the will of the people, such as cessation of violence, immediate release of all political prisoners, including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, and unimpeded humanitarian assistance through all available channels.
On 11 May 2023, on the final day of the ASEAN Summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said, the member states have made “no significant progress” on implementing a peace plan aimed at ending bloodshed in Myanmar. He said the unity of ASEAN is needed to chart the way forward, and divisions among ASEAN members at the summit appeared to have hampered those efforts.
The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) issued a statement dated 10 May 2023 in terms of the ASEAN Chairman’s statement. It calls upon the ASEAN Leaders to identify the military junta as the primary source of violence in Myanmar and actively support international justice efforts if they are genuine about wanting to end the crisis and see perpetrators of alleged violations of international law. It states that the military is alleged to have committed the most serious crimes under international law in Myanmar over many decades, including possible genocide against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017, and crimes against humanity and war crimes following its attempted coup of February 2021, including the Pazigyi massacre of 11 April 2023. As accountability in Myanmar is not possible under the current conditions, it urges ASEAN Member States should provide diplomatic support to the NUG and its efforts to advance international justice including through the International Criminal Court (ICC). It also encourages the members of ASEAN to urge the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the ICC, or, if the Security Council fails to act, then pursue the establishment of a special court for Myanmar.
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Date: 14 May 2023
Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York