The Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma Calls for Accountability for Human Rights Violations Committed in Myanmar by the Military Junta in New Briefing Paper: “Waking to War Crimes”

14 December 2021

For Immediate Release

The Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma (ND-Burma) strongly condemns the scaled up, ongoing military operations deployed by the junta in Myanmar which has displaced thousands in the last ten months. A new briefing paper by ND-Burma “Waking to War Crimes,” acknowledges the systematic and widespread deployment of atrocities against innocent civilians since February, and further calls for an immediate cessation of violence.

ND-Burma has documented war crimes and crimes against humanity through desk research, interviews and member organization data in Chin State, Kayah (Karenni) State and Sagaing region.  On average, between 35 and 43 cases of human rights violations were collected per the respective state/region between August and October. The human rights violations being perpetrated by the junta are considered to be grave breaches of the Geneva Convention and amount to war crimes.

Against the backdrop of intensified clashes, civilians in conflict-torn areas are trapped. Humanitarian aid has been blocked and the junta continues to lawlessly steal what little possessions villagers have. Every day, people are being abducted, killed and extorted amid ongoing corruption and disorder fueled by the regime. The international community must take steps to actively end the uncontrolled criminality of the Myanmar junta to protect those on the ground. An arms embargo must be initiated, alongside targeted sanctions and referral of the military junta to the International Criminal Court.

Such courses of action are long overdue but it is not too late.

For more information:
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ND-Burma is a network that consists of 13-member organisations who represent a range of ethnic nationalities, women and former political prisoners. ND-Burma member organisations have been documenting human rights abuses and fighting for justice for victims since 2004. The network consists of nine Full Members and four Affiliate Members as follows:

Full Members

1. All Arakan Students’ and Youths’ Congress
2. Assistance Association for Political Prisoners
3. Association Human Rights Defenders and Promoters
4. Future Light Center
5. Human Rights Foundation of Monland
6. Kachin Women’s Association – Thailand
7. Ta’ang Women’s Organization
8. Ta’ang Students and Youth Union
9. Tavoyan Women’s Union

 Affiliate Members:

1. Chin Human Rights Organization
2. East Bago – Former Political Prisoners Network
3. Pa-O Youth Organization
4. Progressive Voice

Burmese version.

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