Some Nations have expressed deep concern by the escalating conflict in Myanmar and in particular increasing harm to civilians, which is driving a worsening and devastating human rights and humanitarian crisis across the country.
In a joint statement released on Friday by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the European Union to address the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
Since the February 2021 coup d’état, the number of people in humanitarian need has risen from 1 million to 18.6 million. There have been credible reports of violations and abuses committed against the civilian population.
Including airstrikes on homes, schools, places of worship and hospitals, torture, the use of civilians as human shields, and sexual and gender-based violence against women and children. As conflict continues to escalate, communities across Myanmar are being subjected to further displacement.
While the military regime is systematically restricting access to life saving humanitarian assistance, these nations saddened about growing water, food shortages, widespread denial of access to healthcare, medicines, and vital humanitarian services. “The continued blocking of roads and telecommunications in areas of conflict is hindering humanitarian delivery and access to information.
The statement further said, “Across the country, more than 1,000 civilians were killed or maimed by landmines in 2023 and casualties are rapidly growing. Increasing numbers of people are being trafficked and held against their will. All parties must ensure that they are prioritising the protection of civilians.
These nations who was worried by the military regime’s implementation of the 2010 conscription law which is increasing the number of displaced people, said this measure continues to attempt to divide communities and fuel identity-based violence across Myanmar.
According to them, “In Rakhine State, towns and villages have been consistently targeted by the military regime and armed groups. We are concerned by recent reports of high levels of displacement in Buthidaung”.
They called on all armed actors to ensure protection of civilians. “Deliberate use of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech is stoking sectarian and intercommunal conflict,” adding that the reports of forced recruitment, including of Rohingya dividing communities, exploiting tensions and mistrust.
The statement further disclosed that all populations are facing extreme levels of food insecurity, revealed that the situation is increasingly dangerous for all civilians, including Rakhine, Rohingya, and other ethnic communities.
“There must be accountability for all atrocities committed in Myanmar. We recall the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures order and the need for compliance with it, to safeguard human rights and prevent violations.
These nations welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution 2669 on the situation in Myanmar, calling for the immediate end to all forms of violence and urging all parties to respect human rights and to allow full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access.
They also welcomed appointment of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar (UNSE) and unified efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), UNSE, and regional actors to resolve the crisis.
While reiterated the need for strengthened UN leadership in country, also reiterated their call on all States to prevent or to cease the flow of arms or military and dual-use material, including aviation fuel to the Myanmar military.
“The military regime must release all those arbitrarily detained and implement in full the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. We call on all parties to create space for meaningful and inclusive dialogue, so that democracy can be restored in full.
“We remain resolute in our support for all those committed to working peacefully towards an inclusive, non-violent, and democratic future for the people of Myanmar”, these nations concluded.
