Myanmar’s Deepening Crisis: A Year of Brutality and Resistance

Myanmar’s Deepening Crisis: A Year of Brutality and Resistance

Myanmar’s Deteriorating Situation

The crisis in Myanmar has escalated dramatically over the course of the past year. The military, employing increasingly brutal tactics to quell resistance, has deepened the country’s descent into chaos. These violent tactics include mass killings, air and artillery strikes, and the burning of villages, as documented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The military’s crackdown on resistance has been marked by numerous human rights violations. The OHCHR has documented 22 instances of mass killings, along with widespread reports of torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. Over 24,000 people have been arrested as part of the military’s crackdown, and nearly the same number of houses and buildings have been torched, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country.

Call for International Action

In light of the escalating situation and ongoing impunity, the OHCHR has reiterated its call for the Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. The gravity of the situation necessitates swift and decisive international action. However, efforts to end the conflict have been stymied, with the military refusing to engage with its opponents, causing a stalemate that only exacerbates the suffering of the Myanmar people.

The brutal nationwide crackdown by the military has displaced nearly one million people within the country since the coup, with another 70,000 fleeing to neighbouring countries. The junta has blocked desperately needed humanitarian aid, part of its longstanding ‘four cuts’ strategy designed to isolate and terrorize civilian populations. This obstruction of humanitarian assistance, particularly in areas of armed conflict, constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.

Unfair Trials and Political Executions

The military junta has carried out grossly unfair trials in closed courts to impose lengthy and often harsh sentences, marking a serious violation of due process. By November 2022, the junta’s security forces had killed at least 2,400 persons. The junta has also brought multiple charges against Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the ousted National League for Democracy party, including for corruption, incitement and breaching the Official Secrets Act. These trials and political executions have added to the climate of fear and insecurity in the country.

Violence Against Children and Atrocities

The military’s indiscriminate use of artillery and airstrikes has resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children. The OCHCR reported that since the coup, at least 382 children have been killed. There were 266 other reported deaths following raids and arrests in villages and another 111 reported cases where victims were burned alive or after extrajudicial killings in apparent attempts to destroy evidence of crimes.

The situation in Myanmar has entered a violent new chapter, marked by the military’s brutal crackdown on opposition forces and protesters. The military has managed to establish control over large areas of the country, but it faces fierce opposition from ethnic armed organizations and ordinary citizens who have organized militias. However, the path forward for Myanmar remains uncertain, with experts warning that violence is all but certain to escalate.