On 19 March, HRN gave an oral statement on the conflict in Myanmar at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The statement highlights the desperate situation of displaced people in the conflict, particularly women, and it protests the military’s plan to begin compulsory military service. We call on the military to end its illegal rule and all rights violations, and on the international community to implement stronger sanctions and cross border aid to IDPs.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Three years after the Myanmar military’s illegal coup, the situation has become desperate for the over 2.2 million people displaced by conflict who are facing a humanitarian catastrophe, particularly since the military’s significant escalation in attacks on civilian areas last fall.
Many displaced people live in makeshift IDP camps in the forests, fearing airstrikes, shootings, and landmines, and living without adequate food, electricity, water or medical care. In many cases aid agencies cannot access the camps due to military blockades.
The situation has been particularly severe for women, who are often separated from their husbands and forced to care for their families without resources. Pregnant women in particular face severe hardship due to their constant forced movement and the lack of medical and prenatal care. There have also been reports of widespread sexual violence against women and girls, including gang rapes and rape killings by Myanmar’s military in occupied areas.
We also protest the military’s plan to begin compulsory military service soon, which will prolong the conflict and force many young people to fight in the illegal war.
We call on the military to end its illegal rule and all rights violations, and we call on the international community to implement stronger sanctions and to greatly increase cross border aid and support to IDPs, which they desperately need.
Thank you.