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London, UK -- The Burma Human Rights Network is extremely alarmed by the continued fighting, deaths of individuals in the custody of Burmese authorities, and worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine State amid the conflict between the Burmese Military and the ethnic insurgent group, the Arakan Army. The conflict in Rakhine stems from the conflict in Burma’s Kachin State, where the Arakan Army first formed, but spread to Rakhine State and worsened significantly over the past year. Most recently a 28-year-old man named Zaw Win Hline died under suspicious circumstances while in military custody in Rakhine’s Mrauk U Township. He is the 14th civilian to die in military custody in Rakhine State this year, according to The Irrawaddy.
“The number of civilian deaths, reports of torture, arbitrary arrests, and worsening humanitarian situation should be alarming for the entire international community. The issue has seldom been raised and Burma has not been held to account for their continued violations of human rights and international norms. The international community should act now, to avoid repeating the mistakes of past inaction,’ said BHRN’s executive director, Kyaw Win.
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London, UK -- Burma Human Rights Network applauds the July 3rd statements at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva by the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee. In her statements to the council, the Special Rapporteur directed strong criticism against both the Burmese Military and Government for crimes committed in conflict and systematic failures and abuses by the central government and authorities.
“Ms. Lee’s statements are greatly appreciated in a time where many in the international community struggle to speak the truth. Her acknowledgment of the ongoing crimes and wrongs done to religious and ethnic minorities is heartening for these communities to know that they have not been forgotten”, said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
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London, UK -- BHRN strongly condemns the decision by the court to sentence anti- war activist Htin Kyaw to two years in prison with hard labor. Htin Kyaw was arrested following a ‘one-man protest in Yangon’ for which he was charged under Burma’s Penal Code 505(b), disrupting public tranquility. Htin Kyaw has previously called on international tribunals to arrest Burma’s generals.
“Ko Htin Kyaw’s arrest demonstrates that the Burmese Military has no tolerance for criticism. They are showing the world that they oppose even fundamental democratic principles and they are showing the people of Burma that they will not tolerate any opposing opinions. Ko Htin Kyaw’s arrest shows that the regime is still in charge and that they will use tyranny and oppression to ensure they can keep this power,” said BHRN Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
