Lives in the Absence of Safety

Executive Summary

The people in the Ta’ang area, like other ethnic groups, have suffered for many years from the ravages of civil war, particularly from human rights violations by the Burmese military (Tatmadaw). The root cause of this political problem in Burma/Myanmar is ethnic inequality and lack of self-determination. Despite the political problem, Tatmadaw illegally seized power and is systematically committing severe countrywide human rights violations, including unjust oppression, discrimination, and war crimes.

Although a civilian government emerged in Burma/Myanmar after 2010, Tatmadaw have been evading punishment for the serious human rights violations while continuing to commit similar crimes with impunity; although the terrorist junta have been violating international law, there has been no action in international mechanisms for justice.

Furthermore, after the coup in February 2021, Tatmadaw have been committing arbitrary arrests, killings, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence against the revolutionary youth, women, and children who are resisting the coup. In addition, the terrorist junta have declared that they will completely suppress and oppress the resistance that include ethnic armed revolutionary organizations. Afterwards, the military have intentionally and widely carried out violence against the ethnic people throughout the country.

The Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) has been systematically documenting the human rights violations committed by Tatmadaw and has been publishing reports since before the coup. Today, the TWO receives daily records and reports regarding the situation of the civilians within the area who are experiencing human rights violations by Tatmadaw. The report describes that the brutal military junta targeted civilians through frequent airstrikes on public places such as markets, monasteries, schools, villages, and hospitals during nighttime — when people were sleeping — without any ongoing conflicts.

This report describes these circumstances and highlights that Tatmadaw have committed war crimes and violated international laws. It also urges for accountability and responsibility for truth and justice through international mechanisms.

This report will be presented in three parts. The first part will present the situation and fact-findings of human rights violations before the coup. The second part will present the brutal human rights violations found after the coup. The third part will focus on the situation of the people affected by the armed conflict.

Download full report (English I Myanmar)