For Immediate Release

7 August 2020

With over 18-million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, the impacts of the pandemic have hit hardest where access and information on healthcare remains out of reach to the most vulnerable. On 23 March 2020, the Burma government confirmed its first two cases of the virus. Since then, the numbers have steadily increased, particularly in conflict zones where access to health care is a challenge. In our latest briefer, ‘Rights in Reverse,’ by the Network for Human Rights Documentation Burma (ND-Burma), we have found that as the pandemic continues to spread, civilians in conflict affected areas have compromised access to treatment, information and support.

This short report is an assessment of the human rights situation in Burma since the first confirmed COVID-19 cases mid-March. The briefer uses data from member organizations on the types of human rights violations that have taken place, as well as the frequency, in addition to observing how rights defenders, civil society and journalists experienced abuses during the pandemic. ND-Burma also evaluated the stakeholder response to COVID-19 by assessing whether the needs of their communities were met by the government at the national and regional level. Further, our briefer recommends prioritizing the safety of civilians who face an upcoming election amid active conflict.

Media Contact

Lway Poe Jay, Ta’ang Students and Youths Union
Phone: +95 9264162229

Aue Mon, Human Rights Foundation of Monland
Phone: +66 0861679741

Press release in Burmese.

Download full report in English and Burmese.

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

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