ALTSEAN-BURMA

The UN Security Council must take action on the crisis in Burma. Since Burma’s military (Tatmadaw) launched its coup on 1 Feb 2021, conflict has escalated to staggering levels, even compared to other places on the Council’s agenda. Between 1 Feb and 26 Nov, there were 6,675 armed clashes and attacks on civilians, a 632% increase from the same period in 2020 (912). This was fewer than in Syria (7,029), but greater than in Afghanistan (6,340) and Yemen (5,432).

During 1 Feb–26 Nov, there were 6,675 armed clashes and attacks on civilians, a 632% increase from the same period in 2020. The junta’s crimes resulted in a massive increase in displaced persons, including around 50,000 just in Chin, Sagaing, and Magway since May 2021. Junta courts handed down lengthy sentences to high-profile NLD leaders. Sham trials against Aung San Suu Kyi moved forward, but the court delayed two verdicts without explanation. Junta military courts sentenced 21 people to death and 29 to life in prison. The junta ordered its soldiers in Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and Mandalay Regions to shoot at any male passenger on a motorbike.

Burma has failed to effectively comply with the Provisional Measures Order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 23 Jan 2020 in relation to alleged genocidal acts against the Rohingya. Instead of implementing measures to protect Rohingya people from war crimes and acts of genocide, Burma's illegal junta is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity nationwide.

The international community has repeatedly called on ASEAN to address the situation in Burma, but ASEAN action has been inadequate and the situation has worsened. Armed clashes and attacks on civilians rose by around 27% after the 24 Apr ASEAN meeting. The junta increased attacks on NLD & NUG members, and charged associates with treason.

ASEAN did nothing to facilitate dialogue between the junta and the civilian NUG. It took over six months to appoint a special envoy to Burma, who has not met with the NUG or facilitated dialogue, his two mandates. It began facilitating humanitarian aid in August through the junta, which has consistently undermined public health response and is both incapable and untrustworthy.

The National Unity Government (NUG) declared war on 7 September, officially acknowledging the nationwide civil war and recognizing the population’s right to self-defense. During 1 Feb–30 Sep, there were 5,042 attacks on civilians or armed clashes that failed to protect them, a 588% increase from the same period in 2020. As of 1 Sep, the illegal junta had charged at least 100 NLD members, including Aung San Suu Kyi, with high treason (a capital offence), corruption, and incitement. As of 30 Sep, the junta had killed at least 1,146 civilians and detained at least 8,584 politicians, activists, journalists and others, in attacks against democracy.