Latest News From Human Rights Violations in Myanmar

Human rights violations in Myanmar continue to be in the global spotlight, especially following the military coup in February 2021. The situation in the country has only worsened, with persistent reports of serious violations of civil and political rights. In September 2023, international organizations issued reports condemning brutal actions against activists, journalists and civilians. One of the main issues that stands out is widespread arbitrary detention. Many individuals are considered to threaten military rule in Myanmar, including members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi. They are arrested without due process and often do not have access to a lawyer. Hundreds of people have been reported missing since the coup, and many families do not know their fate. Campaigns of violence against ethnic minorities have also increased. In particular, the Rohingya community continues to face severe discriminatory treatment. Recent reports show that more than 700,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee to Bangladesh since 2017. Although most of the refugees live in inadequate camps, their situation shows no signs of improvement. In some cases, refugees trying to return to Myanmar have faced arrest and intimidation. Furthermore, independent media in Myanmar operates in extremely dangerous conditions. Journalists are often hounded by authorities for reporting facts that do not align with the government’s narrative. A number of journalists were arrested and given heavy sentences simply because of their reporting. This creates an atmosphere of fear that inhibits freedom of expression, a fundamental human right. Protection of children’s rights is also a concern. With more and more schools being closed due to conflict, children in Myanmar are losing access to proper education. In addition, many children are forced to be involved in armed conflict, become victims of kidnapping and sexual violence. Based on a report released by Human Rights Watch, there are also indications of the use of chemical weapons and systematic violence by the Myanmar military. These violations not only threaten individual lives but also regional stability. Surrounding countries and the international community, including the United Nations, urge the Myanmar Government to stop violations and respect the human rights of its citizens. In the midst of an increasingly worsening situation, international activism and solidarity are one of the main hopes for the Myanmar people. Many non-governmental organizations and social networks are working to raise awareness of these violations, support victims, and deliver humanitarian aid. Despite enormous challenges, voices from inside and outside Myanmar continue to raise calls for justice. Let us hope that the situation in Myanmar improves soon, and that every individual can enjoy their human rights without fear of repression.