Myanmar | UN fears a civil war like the one in Syria could break out

Defence Redefined

Published on 13/04/2021 at 17:46

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said today that she fears a general conflict like the one in Syria could break out in Myanmar, warning of possible crimes against humanity that are being committed by the people of the country.

“There are clear associations with Syria in 2011. There we also witnessed peaceful demonstrations being met with pointless and clearly disproportionate violence. The violent and persistent repression of the state against its own people has led some to take up arms, which in turn led to a spiral of violence across the country,” said Michelle Bachelet.

“I am afraid that the situation in Myanmar is heading towards a generalized conflict. Countries should not allow the fatal mistakes made in Syria to be repeated,” she said in a statement.

Chaos prevails in Myanmar following the February 1 coup that toppled Aung San Suu Kyi.

According to a report by the Association for the Relief of Political Prisoners (AAPP), at least 710 people have lost their lives in violent repression of anti-junta protests, including 50 children. About 3,000 people have been arrested.

The military is increasingly suppress the pro-democracy movement, which has taken thousands of Burmese to the streets and paralyzed many sectors of the economy with strikes.

“We have witnessed another weekend of bloodshed in many parts of the country, most notably the massacre of at least 82 people in Bago on Friday and Saturday,” Bachelet said.

“The military seem determined to intensify the relentless policy of violence against the people of Myanmar, openly using military-style weapons,” criticized the High Commissioner, citing inter alia the use of debris and mortars as well as the execution of air strikes.

According to the UNHCR, which did not disclose its sources, 23 people have been sentenced to death following secret trials, including 4 protesters and 19 people are accused of committing political and criminal offenses. Mass arrests have forced hundreds of people into hiding, according to the UN.

Bachelet called on countries to take “immediate, decisive and effective” measures to force the junta to end Myanmar’s “campaign of repression and slaughter.”

“Condemnation statements and limited, targeted sanctions are clearly not enough. Influential countries must put immediate pressure on the military in Myanmar to stop serious human rights abuses and possible crimes against the population,” Bachelet stated.

Also read: Biden and EU condemn Myanmar’s Saturday bloody riots

Source: ANA MPA