Violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state has escalated, with civilians paying a heavy price.
Since November 2018, more than 30,000 people have been forced out of their homes, seeking shelter in temporary camps, schools, and monasteries.
They are terrorised and have absolutely nowhere to go.
In a newly published report conducted by Amnesty International researchers, we have found that:
- The Myanmar military has fired indiscriminately in civilian areas, killing and injuring civilians and damaging homes and property
- Soldiers have obstructed access to medical treatment for injured civilians
- Arbitrary arrests have occurred in areas of the clashes, with some detainees subjected to torture
- Searches of homes involved looting and taking valuable items – including gold, livestock, food, and solar electricity panels
- Civilians have been forced into labour, including making them transport soldiers, weapons, and food, and perform sentry duty at night
- Soldiers used schools as barracks, putting the life and safety of children at risk and restricting their access to education
Despite this, the Myanmar authorities have imposed severe restrictions on humanitarian access, preventing international organisations from providing medication, medical supplies, and food for people in need.
This new surge in violence is being ordered by the highest levels of the Myanmar military.
The decision to deploy these units could only have come from the office of the Commander-in-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
This is why, now more than ever, it is time to step up international pressure via countries which can influence Myanmar.
Donate today so that together, we can call on the Australian government to:
- Immediately cut ties with the Myanmar military
- Implement sanctions against military officials implicated in crimes against humanity
- Pressure the Myanmar authorities to allow humanitarian agencies and investigators into Rakhine state.
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