Atrocities of Human Rights Violations in Myanmar: The Need for Accountability

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By: Jessica Lee

Updated: April 1, 2021

Amid the challenges of work, remote learning, and the pandemic, I found it difficult to keep up with global news. That changed one morning while scrolling through my news app, with my twin daughters sleeping beside me. A headline caught my eye: “She was shot dead, her body exhumed, and her grave filled with cement. But her fight continues.” As I read on, my anger and horror grew, realizing how these horrific events were barely registering on the world stage.

This heartbreaking story could easily resonate with me; my own daughter is a fierce advocate for justice, even at the tender age of five. The girl in the story, Maya, just 19 years old, was tragically shot in the head by the military. Her remains were desecrated, but her struggle against the military’s human rights violations lives on. She fought for democracy and the hope of a better future for herself and her fellow Burmese citizens. Unfortunately, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is currently under military control.

On the day of Maya’s death, 38 people lost their lives during protests against a military regime that refuses to acknowledge its wrongdoing. Myanmar requires our attention; it is vital that we support the people in their fight for the same democratic freedoms we cherish in the United States.

Before the military coup in February, Myanmar had just emerged from nearly five decades of military rule. On February 1, the military detained President Aung San Suu Kyi, and by February 3, they had blocked Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Just days later, Instagram and Twitter were also restricted, culminating in a complete internet blackout.

Despite this suppression, thousands took to the streets in defiance. While internet access returned, social media remained blocked—crucial for organizing protests. Reports from the BBC indicate that since February, over 400 protesters—some even children—have been killed as the military seeks to silence dissent and quash the country’s democratic aspirations. The “All about Myanmar” Reddit thread provides a grim, ongoing account of the atrocities occurring there, including homes burned down with residents trapped inside.

Myanmar’s history is fraught with discrimination and mistrust towards the government. The recent coup has exacerbated these issues, leading to reports of enforced disappearances, brutal killings, and other human rights abuses. The military has resorted to using tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful crowds, escalating to live ammunition when those methods failed. Cover-ups and disappearances remain common tactics employed by the military and police.

For ten years, the people of Myanmar relished the benefits of a democratic society. However, the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the election by a significant margin, has thrust the country back into a dark era characterized by violence and oppression, where the rights of citizens are disregarded.

President Biden took ten days to respond to the Myanmar crisis but promised to withhold $1 billion in funds, asserting that the military must relinquish its power. He announced strong export controls and signed executive orders imposing sanctions on Myanmar. Additionally, he emphasized freezing U.S. assets benefiting the Burmese government while continuing support for healthcare and civil society initiatives that directly benefit the people.

Twelve days later, during a UN Human Rights Council meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres placed Myanmar at the forefront of international discussions. He urged the military to cease its oppressive actions, release political prisoners, and respect human rights. He condemned the coup and highlighted ongoing issues such as the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population.

With healthcare workers and teachers joining the protests, Myanmar is in turmoil. What is transpiring there mirrors challenges faced by democracies worldwide, reminding us of the fragility of our freedoms. All people deserve basic human rights; no one’s safety should be compromised due to fear of expression. The military in Myanmar will ultimately face consequences as the global call for justice and democracy grows stronger.

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  • What are the current human rights violations in Myanmar?
  • How has the military coup affected Myanmar’s democracy?
  • What actions are being taken internationally against Myanmar’s military?
  • How can individuals support the people of Myanmar?
  • What is the role of social media in protests against the Myanmar military?

In summary, Myanmar is facing severe human rights violations as the military seeks to stifle dissent and return the country to an era of oppression. The international community must remain vigilant and hold the military accountable for its actions, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.