The recent build-up of troops in Burma’s north should be cause for great concern in the international community. The primary areas of concern are Chin State and the Sagaing region. Reports of troop buildups come as skirmishes between the Tatmadaw and several armed groups.
As the Burmese military positions itself for an offensive attack in the North of the country, the international community must immediately take drastic measures to cut off the junta from cash and weapons to prevent the likely occurrence of attrocites. As violence occurs, refugees are likely to flee to India in massive numbers. Indian and the international community must be ready for a humanitarian crisis. Currently, the international community should address the ongoing humanitarian crises that have occurred from the military’s brutal campaigns so far.
Every time the Burmese military has mobilized troops in this way mass death and suffering have followed. The international community is very aware of this but they remain slow to act. It is vital that all nations act now to cut off the military from arms and funding before they are able to commit any acts of genocide or ethnic cleansing again.
said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.
The Burmese military coordinated a similar buildup in Rakhine State before committing Genocide against the Rohingya in 2017. In the years before that, they utilized the same tactics to commit atrocities against the Kachin, Shan, and Karen peoples.
In mass mobilizations, the Burmese military deploys its ‘four cuts’ strategy which collectively punishes the civilian population through murder, arson, looting, torture, and often rape. This strategy is part of a broader scorched earth campaign that intentionally destroys everything in its path in an attempt to break the spirit of the people.
BHRN calls on all nations to take major steps to isolate Burma’s military regime, including sanctions against all business interests of the military and a global arms embargo. Support must be given to the National Unity Government until they are able to retake control of the Government. These steps are vital now to prevent any further human rights violations in the country and prevent conflict from worsening. A plan must be implemented to hold the leaders of the Burmese military accountable and to help the country establish an apolitical military, with no influence in the government, that upholds human rights, once the regime is removed from power. In the meantime, India and the international community must prepare for a potential humanitarian crisis of refugees fleeing conflict and ensure that they are accommodated with safety, respect, and aid. The international community must find ways to offer safety and aid in response to the current humanitarian crisis inside of Burma.
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 Press Release PDF File
