The Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma Releases New Briefing Paper,‘Attacks from the Air’ on Human Rights Day
10 December 2024
On Human Rights Day, the Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma (ND-Burma) releases its latest briefing paper, “Attacks from the Air,” which includes cases of airstrikes throughout the month of November 2024 in Kachin, Karenni and Shan States. ND-Burma condemns all forms of violence against innocent people and calls for immediate action by the international community to ensure the protection of civilians living in constant terror and fear of attack by the Burma Army.
Desk research compiled by ND-Burma in English and Burmese, combined with data from our members, found twenty-five incidents of airstrikes took place in November in these specific areas, leading to 25 adults killed and ten children, 74 wounded, including 23 adults and 51 children. There were at least 77 damaged properties, including a church, monastery, hospital, tea shop, five office buildings, and six vehicles. The junta perpetrated all of the airstrikes.
Airstrikes are increasing throughout the country as the regime is weakened by an ongoing lack of morale and defections. Significant gains by the armed revolutionary groups have also led to historic defeats and the reclamation of land and territory belonging to ethnic people. Attacks from the air are regularly deployed by the Burma Army to isolate and target civilians. Vulnerable and unprotected, the military’s actions in attacking displaced and conflict-affected groups reveal their cowardice and blatant disregard for human life.
The airstrikes documented in the briefing paper occurred during the early hours of the morning and evening when traumatized civilians were attempting to rest. Temporary shelters and camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) were targeted with airstrikes, as were local teashops. Women and children were among those killed and wounded, as families continue to suffer immense devastation and loss from the junta’s relentless attacks.
ND-Burma welcomes the International Criminal Court’s application to file an arrest warrant for war criminal Min Aung Hlaing for his long-standing crimes against the long-persecuted Rohingya. Every individual has the right to life, live free from harm, and have fundamental rights and freedoms upheld and protected. The military junta is not above the law, and this pivotal step towards justice must lead to an end to the dictatorship so that peace can prevail in Burma.
It is vital to acknowledge and pursue pathways of transitional justice for reparations for communities who have suffered immensely under authoritarian rule. The cases included in ND-Burma’s briefing paper of airstrikes and bombs deployed upon civilians are to be taken seriously by the international community, including ASEAN and UN bodies, which must end all and any existing ties with the illegitimate junta. Global stakeholders must fund human rights defenders to ensure their meaningful work can continue as they inform communities of their human rights and give them the courage to resist oppressive regimes.
The future belongs to the people of Burma.
For more information:
Nai Aue Mon
Signal: +66 86 1679 741
San Htoi
Signal no: +66649369070
Download briefer : https://bit.ly/3VuZCfn
The Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma (ND-Burma) consists of 13 organisations representing a range of ethnic nationalities, women, and former political prisoners. Since 2004, ND-Burma member organisations have been documenting human rights abuses and fighting for justice for victims. The network has nine full members and four affiliate members.
