Bi-Weekly Updates on Current Situation in Myanmar
(17-4-2022)
Over 15 months ago, on 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military attempted an illegal coup, toppled the civilian government, and unlawfully and unjustly detained State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior members of the civilian government, parliamentarians and activists. Since then, the Myanmar military has ignored the will of the people of Myanmar, placed the country in turmoil, and made the people suffer with inhumane and disproportionate actions.
As of 15 April 2022, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), 1,756 people were ruthlessly killed by the military, whereas 13,282 people have been arrested and 1,976 people have been issued with warrants since 1 February 2021, when the military unleashed systematic and targeted attacks and violence against innocent civilians.
Atrocities committed by the military
Raiding, Killing, and Attacks in Magway Region
According to the news, the junta troops raided villages in Yaelelkyun Area, Yesagyo Township, Magway Region on 2 April 2022, and they randomly and indiscriminately shot into the villages, resulting in the death of three innocent villagers. On 2 April 2022, a 63-years-old woman from Chan Yar Village and a 60-year-old disabled man from Mee Laung Kyunn Village were both shot to death, and a 40-years-old woman was shot to death on 3 April 2022.
On 8 April 2022, at around 3:30 PM, junta soldiers raided and burned down Myit Phyar Village in Pakokku Township, Magway Region, killing four locals including the 26-years-old Kyaw Swar Oo.
On the morning of 11 April 2022, junta soldiers and Pyu-Saw-Htee militia members raided Shar Hla Village in Seikphyu Township, Magway Region. During the raid, an 84-years-old woman was burned to death while sleeping in a hut. When leaving the village, the junta troops planted mines at the entrance and exit of the village. As a result, Min Oo, a villager who returned to the village was killed.
In the evening of 11 April 2022, junta troops raided Tha Hmone Gone Gyi Village in Natmauk Township, Magway Region, and burned down a house in the village. The junta soldiers also arrested the head of the house, named Aung Htoo.
Targeting religious site
It was reported that a large group of soldiers stormed into the Sacred Heart Cathedral compound in Mandalay on 8 April 2022, forcibly entering the church, the archbishop’s house, the parish priest’s residence and the clergy centre. Claiming that the cathedral was supplying weapons for rebels and coup opponents, the troops searched the area, but left without finding anything. According to Church sources, Archbishop Marco Tin Win, some priests, and staff were present during the raid, but all were safe and none were detained. It was reported that a total of three Catholic villages in the Sagaing region that are under the Archdiocese of Mandalay have been severely affected by military attacks and raids, with four people killed and thousands displaced from their homes.
Raiding, arresting, torturing and killing
On 2 April 2022, the junta troops shot to death Aung Than Htay, living in Kyauk Ai Village of Thayetchaung Township in Tanintharyi Region. He was shot dead while he was in transit near Mae Kae Village, which is near the launch of military operation in Thayetchaung Township. In addition, the junta troops shot Linn Maung, a villager from the Kyauk Ai Village, on the same day. According to news reports, Linn Maung was arrested by the troops three days earlier and was killed when he allegedly tried to run away.
On 3 April 2022, when the junta entered King Village of Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, U Pyin Nyar Wun Tha, the head of the Monastic school of the village was arrested and tortured to death.
In the morning of 7 April 2022, Nyan Htun, a trishaw driver in Kale Township, Sagaing Region, was shot dead by junta soldiers’ indiscriminate shooting while he was driving the trishaw.
On the afternoon of 12 April 2022, the junta soldiers raided houses in Nat Myaung Village, then arrested and killed 60-years-old Htay Win, who was trapped in his house. Later the locals discovered the body of Htay Win with a knife wound and his hands tied behind his back.
Arbitrary Arrests
Arresting and charging people by accusing of supporting the PDF
On 31 March 2022, under Section 50(j) of the Counter Terrorism Law, the Thandwe District Court sentenced Nyein Ei Phyo Kyaw, Tin Sandar Win and San Cho Theik from Thandwe Township, Rakhine State, to 10 years in prison. They were charged with supporting and funding the People’s Defense Force (PDF), the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH). Nyein Ei Phyo Kyaw and Tin Sandar Win were arrested in their homes on 3 November 2021, while San Cho Theik was arrested 3 days later. It was reported that Nyein Ei Phyo Kyaw’s two-years-old daughter died in February after falling ill while staying with her mother in prison. The news reported that although PDFs were not active in Rakhine State, many people there were arrested and charged for funding PDFs.
On 9 April 2022, two brothers living in Aung Myay Thar Yar Nyein Chan Yay Kone Ward, Kyaukme Township, Shan State, were accused of having relations with the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and were arrested. The two brothers were 18-years-old Cha Shine Aung (aka A Shine), and 16-years-old Aung Than Htwe (aka A Nyi).
In the morning of 11 April 2022, junta soldiers arrested Burmese traditional boxer Tu Tu (aka Nagar Marn) and five youths in a restaurant at Minbu (Saku) Town, Magway Region. The 31-years-old Tu Tu (aka Nagar Marn) became the Middleweight Champion of the World in 2017.
Abducting a 4-years-old boy as a hostage
On 5 April 2022, at around 3:15 PM, the junta’s security forces entered BC Nursery School in Ahlone Township, Yangon Region, and detained 4-yeasr-old Thant Bhone Wai Yan. He was detained as a hostage after his parents were accused of supporting the People’s Defense Force (PDF).
Arresting and killing IDPs
On 8 April 2022, the junta troops detained and killed three Chin youths, Salai Thang Bik, his younger brother Salai Ni Dun Sang, and Lian Thio, who were on their way to a village from an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp to retrieve rations. The youths were themselves IDPs, from Hman Taw Village in Kale Township, Sagaing Region.
Killing innocent civilians
According to the local eyewitnesses, on 29 March 2022, two boys, age six and nine, were killed on the road when a 30-vehicle military unit travelling south from Bilin to Thaton, Mon State, opened fire on the area using heavy and light weapons.
On 10 April 2022, 19-years-old Aung Pyae Sone from Minbu Township in Magway Region was visiting Magway Town with two female friends. The group were arrested for riding a motorcycle with three people. Aung Pyae Sone was later shot and killed.
During the morning of 12 April 2022, Khaing Linn Thu from Nat Myaung Village in Kale Township, Sagaing Region, encountered junta soldiers on a patrol near Si Thar Village, while on his way to Kale Town on a motorcycle. The junta troops killed Khaing Lin and subsequently burned his body.
Airstrikes
A spokesperson for a local anti-junta defence force fighting alongside the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in the area told Myanmar Now that the Myanmar military set fire to multiple civilian cars travelling along the Asian Highway in Karen State on 4 April 2022 during the clashes between the resistance alliance and the junta’s armed forces. The Myanmar army reportedly launched an airstrike with two military helicopters and a fighter jet during one of the clashes near Kyeik Village in Kyainseikgyi Township. They also set fire to a truck and two other vehicles travelling from Myawaddy along the road near the Taw Naw waterfall.
According to the KNU, on 29 March 2022, the KNLA’s Brigade 5 reportedly attacked a junta base in Mei Waing (Hpapun) in Mutraw District, which was receiving a delivery of weapons, ammunition and supplies from military helicopters. As the helicopter fired back, a 38-years-old man, an 18-years-old man and a woman were injured, and a house was destroyed.
Heavy Artillery Attacks
On 4 April 2022, the junta attacked Mi Pha Yar Village of Yesagyo Township in Magway Region with heavy artillery shells. Due to this attack, the news reported that Nyan Tun, a 70-years-old man died on the spot.
In the evening of 6 April 2022, the junta forces fired artillery shells into Pada Nyay Village, Loikaw Township, Kayah (Karenni) State. One of the shells landed on a house, killing two members of a family and injuring four more.
On 8 April 2022, the junta soldiers fired artillery shells, raided and burned down Shauk Khar Village in Ayadaw Township, Sagaing Region. A local named Shwe Thin was killed by the shelling.
Charges against youths, activists and journalists
News reports stated that Zay Lin Oo and his wife Hnin Su Hlaing, who were detained in Dawei on 31 March 2021, were handed heavy prison sentences for multiple alleged crimes including murder, incitement and breaches of weapons control laws. According to an officer from the Dawei Political Prisoners Network, the couple have a 10-years-old son and have not been allowed any visits from him. That officer also mentioned that before arriving to prison, Zay Lin Oo was brutally tortured during his interrogation, including being badly beaten on his legs and arms and back.
On 5 April 2022, in Obo Prison’s special court, Win Naing Oo, a former chief reporter at Mandalay News, Min Thway, Kyaw Oo and Zaw Min Oo were all sentenced to five years of imprisonment on the basis of Section 52(a) of the Counter Terrorism Law.
On the same day, Khaing Myint Tun a.k.a Shwe Linn Thit, a former reporter from Taunggyi Township in Shan State, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment under Section 51(c) of the Counter Terrorism Law. He had been detained at Nyaung Shwe Prison for nine months since being arrested at his home by the junta on 11 July 2021.
According to Myanmar Now News Agency, during the last week of March 2022, a court inside Yangon’s Insein Prison gave three-year sentences to 10 people under Section 505a: one freelance journalist, five members of students’ unions in Yangon, and four university students and nine student activists–for their opposition to the military dictatorship. Among them, Su Yee Lin, the chair of the Eastern Yangon University Students’ Union, was arrested along with the journalist Zaw Lin Htut, a.k.a Phoe Thar, in Thingangyun Township on 19 December 2021. The other three members of the student union were arrested in April 2021 and the four university students in June 2021. The lawyer of one of those students commented that he has heard his client was tortured in detention. Su Yee Lin was also charged under immigration laws.
Silence Protests against the junta during the water festival
From 13 April to 16 April 2022 is Myanmar’s water festival, and 17 April 2022 marks the Myanmar New Year. However, to show their resistance against the military, Myanmar civilians spent the New Year water festival with silence and boycotts. Small nonviolent protests, some online, were carried out in several spots around the country against the army's seizure of power last year. People usually celebrate the hot season holiday by pouring, spraying and splashing water in gatherings large and small. Many who have moved to cities for work return to their native villages to reunite with their family and relatives.
Activities of the National Unity Government
On 8 April 2022, the National Unity Government issued a statement (8/2022) regarding the abduction of a 4-years-old child from his kindergarten. In the statement, it was stated that the child was likely to be kidnapped following the junta’s policy of “punishment by proxy”, since his father could not be found, his mother was also in the interrogation centre and their whereabouts were unknown. The statement further mentioned the incidents where the junta terrorists arrested, threatened, or brutally murdered the youths and children, including the arrest of 20 young children in Chauk on 21 February 2022 and the murder of 4-years-old child with a spear in Pauk Township on 6 March 2022. It was further stated that the junta has been committing war crimes against children with alarming regularity. According to the data collected by the respective ministry of the NUG, between 1 February 2021 to 4 April 2022, the junta has killed 132 people under 18 years and arrested 216 underaged individuals. Among them, the junta has further sentenced two to the death penalty, one of whom was being under 15. In the statement, referencing Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the NUG recognized the need to protect children and condemned in the strongest possible terms the killing and abducting of children, including as proxies to punish or torment their families. The NUG reaffirmed that it will do everything in its power to thoroughly investigate each and every case, reunite families that have been torn apart and hold accountable all those responsible. The international community and international organizations were strongly urged to take effective actions against the terrorist military council in order to ensure the safety of the children in Myanmar.
On 16 April 2022, Acting President Duwa Lashi La presented a virtual address on the State of the Union on the one-year anniversary of the formation of the National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. In his statement, the Acting President thanked to those who reject the military coup and support and participate in the Spring Revolution with perseverance despite various forms of persecution. He stated that the military dictators brutally and inhumanely attacked the civilians, including torching the towns and villages as well as torturing and slaughtering innocent people of all ages. He explained that the Spring Revolution, which began with peaceful Gen Z protests and followed with the civil servants’ Civil Disobedience Movement, paralyzed the military dictatorship’s operations. The military coup council had failed to govern the country due to the public’s resilient resistance, and the country as a whole did not fall under their authority.
The Acting President mentioned that with the support from the Myanmar people inside and outside of the country and due to the courageous resistance fighters, the PDFs and allies are winning in the battlefields against the demonic military troops. Thus, he is convinced that the people will win back the entire country in the end.
The Acting President further explained that despite many financial, material, and capacity obstacles, the NUG has also begun to provide innovative education and vocational training with the support of CDM educational professionals, as well as health care services with the support of CDM health care professionals. The NUG’s People's Embrace program has also welcomed many thousands of the military members, including battalion commanders and officers, at higher rates in recent months. Some countries, such as Australia, are also helping with resettling them. It was also explained that the National Unity Government has built trust and cooperation with many ethnic organizations and is consistently working to build unity with all remaining ethnic organizations.
Explaining the NUG’s works towards justice and accountability for all crimes committed by the military, and the representation in the UN General Assembly and the relations with the EU and French Parliaments, it was reaffirmed that the NUG administration will continue to strengthen the federal democratic alliance against the military junta and build a more inclusive movement for our shared future and work together to gain that future.
The address further mentioned that the NUG has been tirelessly working with the international community to impose stronger sanctions against the terrorist military and cut-off their revenue flow and try to build a peaceful, democratic country according to the will of the Myanmar people. In order to bring the perpetrators of war crimes and crime against humanity to justice, the neighbours of Myanmar were urged to respect and support the will of the Myanmar people and not to legitimize the illegal junta that continues to spread chaos across borders.
Moreover, he appealed to the entire international community for greater support for the Myanmar people, to save their lives and to help implement their vision for a federal democratic union. The international community was further advised to support (1) the Civil Disobedient Movement, (2) the growing democratic governance and service providers, (3) the humanitarian assistance directly to the people, (4) the NUG’s efforts to enable the people to defend themselves from atrocity crimes and (5) the People's Embrace program which weakens the military council, damages military morale and most importantly stops further bloodsheds; to institute stronger and better-coordinated sanctions to cut off the junta’s ability to purchase weapons of war; and to stop the businesses sending money to any accounts accessible by the junta.
The Acting President’s address concluded with the commitment of the NUG to continue to lead and follow the will of the people and urging everyone to make extra efforts in the coming year to end the military dictatorship and replace it with the new democratic Myanmar that has been yearned for throughout history.
On 16 April 2022, on the occasion of one-year anniversary of the National Unity Government, an online press conference was held with the local press media. Three Spokespersons of the NUG, Dr. Sasa, U Htin Linn Aung and U Kyaw Zaw answered all the questions asked by the media.
During the second and third weeks of April, for the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the NUG, the Union Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the NUG delivered statements reporting the activities and achievements of their respective ministries to the public.
Among them, on 15 April 2022, Daw Zin Mar Aung, the NUG Union Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered an online statement and reported to the public the detailed activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout the year. In her statement, she informed about the four main activities of the MOFA: to ensure that the terrorist military junta does not represent Myanmar in the international community, for the NUG to gain recognition and support from the international community, to hold accountable those responsible for committing grave crimes and violating human rights, and to ensure humanitarian assistance directly reached those in need.
She explained that all the performances and activities of the NUG and MOFA are in accordance with the Federal Charter, and the political roadmap written in it. Accordingly, MOFA established diplomatic relations and engaged with the neighbouring countries, countries in the region (ASEAN) and the international community, such as the United Nations. MOFA also regularly updated the international community of the situation in Myanmar and reminded them of the sufferings of the people in Myanmar. MOFA has been promoting diplomatic relations and cooperation with the international community. Recently, the Union Ministers and the Deputy Foreign Minister of the NUG have initiated in-person meetings with the international community in bilateral and multilateral settings and will speed up these engagements in the near future.
She recalled that the NUG has opened Representative Offices and appointed representatives in the Czech Republic, UK, Norway, France, Australia, Republic of Korea and Japan in order to establish and renew diplomatic relations. The NUG appointed non-residential representatives for those countries in which Liaison Office could not be opened. For multilateral forums, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun has been actively participating. The Union Minister also mentioned the NUG’s readiness to work with the ICJ and ICC in order to bring those perpetrators of grave humanitarian crimes accountable for their crimes. She reminded that in order to effectively implement those actions, the legality and legitimacy of the NUG is critical.
She also said that the more Myanmar is under the control of the military junta, the more the suffering of the people and the bigger the humanitarian crisis has become. It was explained that MOFA has been communicating and cooperating with international humanitarian organizations to ensure that humanitarian assistance reached to all those people in need.
In the conclusion of her statement, the Union Minister acknowledged and thanked all types of support and contributions by all Myanmar people around the world and thanked the people inside the country for their perseverance and resistance against the military coup. She requested all to continue fighting for the democracy. She also reaffirmed her commitment to tirelessly continue her best to represent the people of Myanmar in the international forums until victory is earned.
Actions and Remarks by the International Community in response to the Military Coup d’état
On 8 April 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, Asia Pacific Infant and Young Child Nutrition Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of France in Myanmar, European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, German Myanmar Business Chamber, Camera Di Commercio Italia Myanmar, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCM), Myanmar Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, New Zealand Myanmar Chamber of Commerce, and US ICT Council for Myanmar issued a joint statement about the announcement of foreign currency controls by the Central Bank of Myanmar.
The joint statement said that international business and investment depend on the use of globally accepted currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, to conduct business. The joint statement mentioned that businesses operating in Myanmar do so based on laws, specifically, section 61 of the Myanmar Investment Law (2016), that clearly define the use of foreign currencies to enable trade, equity investment, financing of operations, buying and selling of goods, among many other activities that are essential for businesses in a globally connected financial system. The statement said that the announcement of foreign currency controls stated by the Central Bank of Myanmar in Notification no. 12/2022 and Directive no. 4/2022, both dated 3 April 2022, needlessly lowers the living standards of the Myanmar people, halts foreign business activity, stops the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI), and creates trade tensions with other countries.
The statement also said that the regulations effectively prevent the use of foreign currency in Myanmar, which disconnects Myanmar from the global economy and global financial system. It said that implementation of these measures and the associated lack of clear exemptions for foreign investments creates significant and, for some, insurmountable challenges to all businesses operating in Myanmar. In the joint statement, the groups shared their serious concern about this development, and they reiterated their support for the people of Myanmar on their journey to a modern, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
On 8 April 2022, the Office of the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State published a press release regarding that day’s meeting of Counselor Derek Chollet with NUG ministers U Aung Myo Min and U Moe Zaw Oo. The press release stated that during the meeting the Counselor expressed deep sympathy for the victims of the military regime’s brutal atrocities across Burma. He pledged the United States’ strong support for the people of Burma and discussed ways to step up assistance to the people, promote a return to Burma’s path of democratic transition, and advance peaceful resolution to the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crises the military caused by its February 2021 military coup. In addition, the Counselor voiced appreciation for the NUG’s robust leadership and its efforts to promote respect for the human rights of all individuals in Burma, regardless of ethnicity or religion. They also discussed Secretary Blinken’s recent announcement of the U.S. determination that members of the military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya and exchanged views on ways to further promote accountability and justice for the military’s atrocities.
On 8 April 2022, USAID posted a press release regarding the meeting between Deputy Administrator of USAID Isobel Coleman with U Aung Myo Min, Human Rights Minister of the National Unity Government of Burma, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Burma and efforts to support the restoration of Burma’s path to inclusive democracy. The statement said that Deputy Administrator Coleman reinforced U.S. support to the pro-democracy movement, including the National Unity Government (NUG) of Burma. She also underscored USAID’s commitment to stand with the people of Burma and promote democracy, as well as justice and accountability for the genocide and acts of horrific repression committed against the Rohingya and the violence against activists and peaceful protestors by Burma’s military. She noted the centrality of human rights as underpinning the U.S. Government’s relationship with the NUG and thanked Aung Myo Min for his persistent joint efforts to advance human rights for all people in Burma, including all ethnic and religious populations. They further discussed steps to continue to support the NUG and other pro-democracy groups and the people of Burma’s brave efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
During the UN daily press briefing on 11 April 2022, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric provided a quick update from Myanmar, where the UN team there remains alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation, with civilians continuing to suffer amid continued fighting, particularly in the country’s south-east and north-west. Dujarric said that across Myanmar, more than 900,000 men, women and children are displaced, including more than 560,000 people who remain uprooted due to the conflict since the military takeover in February last year, and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates that 35,700 people from Myanmar have crossed into neighbouring countries.
Mr. Dujarric further mentioned that the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan seeks to reach a record 6.2 million people and requires $826 million. He added it is only 4 per cent funded to date. He said that the U.N. urges donors to give generously in solidarity with the people of Myanmar, supporting them to live in safety and dignity, and protect hard-won development gains while there is still a window to do so. He underscored that aid organizations, together with local partners, continue providing assistance to displaced people and host communities wherever they can, amid serious access challenges. He said predictable, humanitarian access is paramount to help as many vulnerable people as possible, especially in conflict areas. Mr. Dujarric said that the humanitarian community in Myanmar continues to urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure that people in need have access to humanitarian assistance. He also said that the U.N. is concerned by reports of escalating casualties from land mines and other explosives as well as reports of forced recruitment.
On 11 April 2022, the National Union of Journalists (UK) released a statement calling for the release of Win Naing Oo, who is charged with incitements against the military. In the statement, it was mentioned that the NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in calling for the release of Win Naing Oo, sentenced to five years in prison under Myanmar's counter-terrorism law. Win Naing Oo was former chief correspondent at Channel Mandalay and had previously been targeted and charged with incitement. Expecting amnesty by the Obo prison court under junta control, he was instead sentenced to prison on 5 April. The IFJ urged, "Myanmar’s military authorities to immediately drop all charges against the journalist,” and called, "for a repeal of the draconian counter- terrorism law, which has been used to justify the arbitrary arrests of journalists in Myanmar." The NUJ has strongly condemned censorship in the country, calling for the protection and safety of those working within media. Journalists working in Myanmar do so with reporting restrictions and in a hostile environment that has led to several being detained for their work.
On 11 April 2022, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement on the occasion of Burma’s New Year, Thingyan, as follows: “On behalf of the United States of America, I extend best wishes to the people of Burma on the occasion of Burma’s New Year, Thingyan. Thingyan is an opportunity to wash away the previous year’s tribulations. Since the military coup, the people of Burma have endured unimaginable suffering and shown incredible courage and resilience in opposition to the military regime. The United States will continue to stand by the people of Burma and to promote accountability in connection with the coup and the violence perpetrated by the regime. The United States is unwavering in its commitment to help restore Burma’s path to inclusive democracy and achieve lasting peace. In these difficult times, please accept our warmest regards for the people of Burma.”
On 11 April 2022, UNHCR issued Myanmar Emergency Update as of 6 April 2022. In the highlights of the update, it was explained that the security situation remained tense across Myanmar with armed clashes that continued to trigger displacement. As of 4 April 2022, there were an estimated 907,500 Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) across Myanmar including 560,900 newly displaced since 1 February 2021 which include 234,600 IDPs in South-East Myanmar and 227,300 IDPs in the North-West.
According to UNHCR, in the South-East, intensified armed clashes continued with incidents reported in Kayin State’s Hpapun, Kawkareik, Myawaddy and Kyainseikgyi townships, Mon State’s Kyaikhto Township and Bago Region’s Shwegyin Township. Some 1,700 IDPs in Myawaddy Township have arrived in Tak border villages after they fled clashes which began at the end of March 2022. Some 1,500 IDPs in Kayin State have returned to their place of origin in Kawkareik Township due to fewer armed clashes over the past weeks. Intensified clashes in Southern Kawkareik resulted in new displacements and during intensified clashes in Kayin, Mon and Kaya States and in Tanintharyi Region, there were reports of the killing of civilians during airstrikes and shelling.
In the North-West, armed clashes continue to displace families. The number of IDPs crossed the 300,000 mark this month. In Chin State, around 1,500 new displacements were reported in Kanpetlet Township due to fear of clashes. Displacement numbers are expected to further increase as security operations and armed clashes continue. In the North-West, clashes have resulted in 227,300 IDPs in Sagaing Region, 45,000 in Magway Region and 36,300 in Chin State.
In Kachin and Shan (North) States, the security situation remained tense and fighting continued in multiple townships. In urban areas such as Hpakant and Myitkyina, explosive devices continue to feature heavily in armed conflict incidents reported, while in more rural areas, such as Mohnyin, Mansi, Putao, and Waingmaw, clashes, including the use of artillery and airstrikes, have continued. In Shan State (North), clashes decreased compared to February 2022, while fighting in northeastern Shan State (Muse) has continued. There was also less new displacement in both Kachin and Shan (North) States in March compared to February 2022.
On 12 April 2022, the U.S. Department of State issued a 2021 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Myanmar. The report covers seven sections: (1) Respect for the Integrity of the Person, (2) Respect for Civil Liberties, (3) Freedom to Participate in the Political Process, (4) Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government, (5) Governmental Posture Towards International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights, (6) Discrimination and Societal Abuses and (7) Workers’ Rights.
On 13 April 2022, the Embassy of Canada in Myanmar issued a statement on the occasion of Myanmar New Year, Thingyan Festival, and honoured the resilience of the Myanmar people and their hope for a more peaceful and prosperous New Year. The statement further mentioned that the Embassy hoped this time of renewal might bring moments of solace to those who are suffering. Canada will continue to support the aspirations of the Myanmar people and those who work to promote peace and an inclusive democratic future.
On 14 April 2022, Thomas Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar tweeted thanks for the Reuters story of a horror the world must not ignore - the junta's war against the people of Myanmar. He further mentioned that the military’s campaign of terror includes torching well over 100 villages - and counting - in 2022.
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Date: 17 April 2022
Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York