As Covid-19 cases and related deaths in Burma continue to rise, BHRN calls on the international community to offer all possible assistance immediately to the citizens of the country through reliable organisations within the United Nations. Due to the coup, all the public infrastructures have been disrupted and Burma’s Covid-19 monitoring and quarantine system is now collapse. Dead bodies are piling up at the cemetery and hundreds of people are dying everyday in Burma with Covid. The vaccine rate in the country remains desperately low due to lack of access and the virus is likely to spread even more in the coming weeks. The military has been reportedly hoarding oxygen while civilians in desperate need of it are dying of the disease. On top of all of this, the fascist military has cracked down on many in the medical profession for their involvement in pro-democracy demonstrations.
“The situation in Burma is truly desperate. The people have no protection from Covid-19 and the military has made treatment impossible for so many. The international community must work together to stop this disaster from worsening. It must be made clear to the Burmese fascist military that their abhorrent hoarding of medical supplies and abuse of medical workers will not be tolerated,” said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.
Burma’s Covid-19 crisis comes as the country’s economy is in a sharp downfall. The military coup during the pandemic has caused enormous uncertainty in the country and multiple crises are sure to occur simultaneously very soon. Armed conflict, mass hunger, civil unrest, and widespread disease are all potentially on the horizon.
BHRN calls on all nations with excess supplies of Covid-19 Vaccine, Oxygen concentrators, PPE items, Covid-19 test-kits and other medical supplies to donate what they can to Burma immediately. This is crucial to ensure that these items facilitated through the UN, Red Cross, or other reputable NGOs to make sure that they reach the civilian population. The UN must take concrete steps to pressure the Burmese government to release all medical supplies to public hospitals and allow all medical staff to work and live freely. With each passing day, it becomes clearer that this regime cannot be allowed to remain in power and that the world must begin taking more decisive action against them.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Statement PDF
