Updated: April 1, 2021
Originally Published: April 1, 2021
In the chaos of work, online schooling, and the ongoing turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself emotionally drained and detached from global news. That all changed one morning while I was scrolling through my CNN app, with my twin daughters peacefully asleep nearby. I stumbled upon a headline that read, “She was shot dead, her body exhumed, and her grave filled with cement. But her fight is not over.” I felt a surge of anger and horror as I read on, realizing how these devastating events were not receiving the attention they desperately need.
This could have been my daughter, a spirited five-year-old who stands up for justice. The story of Maya, a 19-year-old girl shot in the head by the military, whose body was desecrated posthumously, is a haunting reminder of the fight against human rights abuses in Myanmar. Maya courageously advocated for democracy and yearned for change in her country, where the military has seized control, disregarding the rights of its citizens.
On the day Maya lost her life, 38 other protesters were also killed, victims of a military regime unwilling to acknowledge its heinous actions. Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a nation that requires our attention and support to confront these grievous violations against humanity.
Before the military coup in February, the people of Myanmar enjoyed a decade of relative freedom after nearly five decades of oppressive military rule. On February 1, the military detained President Aung San Suu Kyi, and by February 3, they had banned Facebook and WhatsApp. Just days later, Instagram and Twitter were also blocked, leading to a severe internet blackout.
In response, thousands flooded the streets to protest. Although internet access was restored the following day, social media remained blocked—an essential communication tool for the demonstrators. Since the coup, reports indicate that the military has killed over 400 protesters, including children, in an attempt to silence dissent and thwart the nation’s democratic aspirations.
The subreddit “All about Myanmar” provides harrowing updates on the ground, detailing horrific acts such as houses being burned down with people trapped inside. Civilians share heart-wrenching tales, like one father hiding his three children in a drain while a group looted his home.
Myanmar’s history is marred by discrimination and governmental distrust. The military coup has led to widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and brutal violence against civilians. Authorities have resorted to using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protestors, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
For a decade, the citizens of Myanmar enjoyed the promise of democracy. However, the military’s actions have plunged the country back into fear and oppression. President Biden, after ten days of silence, announced that the U.S. would withhold $1 billion in funds from Myanmar, demanding the military relinquish power. He also signed executive orders imposing sanctions against the regime to support the people of Myanmar directly.
Twelve days later, during a virtual UN Human Rights Council meeting, Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military’s actions and called for an end to repression, violence, and arbitrary arrests. The implications of the coup are severe, echoing the struggles for democracy that many countries, including the United States, have faced.
As hospital staff and educators join the protests, the plight of Myanmar is a stark reminder that human rights should not be compromised. The military must be held accountable for its actions as the global outcry for justice continues to grow.
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Summary
The military coup in Myanmar has resulted in catastrophic human rights violations, with the military killing over 400 protesters and instigating widespread fear and oppression. As the international community calls for accountability, it is crucial to recognize the importance of supporting the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy.