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JUNTA-CONTROLLED MYANMAR NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IS RETURNED TO SENDER

January 22, 2025/in News

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp; Arakan Army seizes village in Ayeyarwady Region

January 22, 2025/in News

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp The Arakan Army (AA) claimed that a total of 28 people, including children, were killed and 25 others were injured by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on an undisclosed location near Ram Creek in Mrauk-U Township of Arakan State on Saturday. The AA […]

JUNTA-CONTROLLED MYANMAR NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IS RETURNED TO SENDER

January 22, 2025/in News

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp; Arakan Army seizes village in Ayeyarwady Region

January 22, 2025/in News

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JUNTA-CONTROLLED MYANMAR NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IS RETURNED TO SENDER

January 22, 2025/in News

GANHRI’s removal of the MNHRC is a step in the right direction in terms of paving the way for a future in which the promotion and protection of human rights in Myanmar is strengthened, whilst also hollowing out the military junta’s false claims of legitimacy.

In a blow to the junta’s efforts to claim false legitimacy on the international stage, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has confirmed its decision to remove the accreditation status of the junta-controlled Myanmar National Human Rights Commission. Long a proxy and a smokescreen for the military junta to try and whitewash its grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, Myanmar civil society welcomes the removal of the MNHRC’s international status. This achievement is a result of years of work by the CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) (Working Group), of which Progressive Voice is a convener, and its rights-based civil society partners. It establishes a precedent that can be followed by other countries around the world which are faced with defective national human rights institutions (NHRIs).

The Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of GANHRI—comprised of NHRIs from throughout the world—recommended in 2023 to conduct a special review of the accreditation status of the MNHRC. This was due to concerns repeatedly raised about its lack of independence and its inability to exercise its mandate effectively, as well as a report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to the UN Human Rights Council that noted that the MNHRC had “effectively been subsumed under military control, thus eliminating any element of independence and credibility.” Subsequent to this review, GANHRI’s SCA recommended that the MNHRC have its accreditation status removed, pending a one-year period for the MNHRC itself to respond to concerns. This is the second time that the MNHRC had an opportunity to provide evidence that it is compliant with the Paris Principles—the international standards that guide NHRIs—with the first being the special review period. After this recommendation, the MNHRC was interviewed again, but failed to satisfy the SCA. Thus in 2024, the GANHRI-SCA repeated its view and recommendation that it “is not satisfied that the MNHRC has adequately addressed its concerns and therefore reiterates that the MNHRC has not demonstrated its compliance with the minimum requirements of the Paris Principles.” A 20-day appeal period followed, during which the MNHRC lodged an appeal which subsequently failed, and GANHRI’s final decision stands.

There are several grave concerns that the SCA noted, and these reflect the points that have been consistently documented and raised by the Working Group and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI). In particular is the complicity of the MNHRC in the junta’s war crimes and crimes against humanity by acting as a shield against further criticism and scrutiny. The GANHRI-SCA pointed to a January 2023 statement by the MNHRC that welcomed the military junta’s release and reduction of sentences of prisoners as “humanitarian” and an “indication of goodwill of the government.” The SCA noted that it “considers that this message of endorsement from the MNHRC, coupled with the absence of public positions on the widespread violations allegedly taking place across the country, provides evidence that the MNHRC is operating in a manner that seriously compromises its independence.” Other pointsmade by the SCA include its concern that the MNHRC has not demonstrated “adequate efforts in addressing human rights violations in a timely manner” and it “has neglected to speak out in a manner that promotes protection for human rights in response to credible allegations of serious and widespread violations during the state of emergency, including attacks on civilians.”

The MNHRC has long had issues with independence since its inception, but since the coup attempt by the junta, it has been a proxy of one of the worst human rights violating militaries in the world, proving itself to be an accessory to the junta’s crimes by defending and promoting its actions. It is telling that the GANHRI-SCA report notes that when interviewed, the MNHRC questioned the “accuracy and thoroughness” of reports by both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar—a repeat of junta propaganda when its human rights violations are exposed.

The removal of the MNHRC’s status is also a result of many years of hard work, advocacy and campaigning by the Working Group and its partner ANNI. In joint submissions to GANHRI dated 23 February 2023 and 31 May 2023, the Working Group and ANNI have advocated for the removal or suspension of the junta-controlled MNHRC from GANHRI, along with its affiliated regional networks: the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) and the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institution Forum (SEANF). Therefore, following GANHRI’s decision, the regional and subregional bodies—the APF and the SEANF—must remove the MNHRC from their membership for being non-compliant with the Paris Principles. In fact, the APF uses GANHRI accreditation status as the basis for its own membership criteria and is therefore required to remove the MNHRC from its network.

GANHRI’s removal of the MNHRC is a step in the right direction in terms of paving the way for a future in which the promotion and protection of human rights in Myanmar is strengthened, whilst also hollowing out the military junta’s false claims of legitimacy. It also provides space for the establishment of a new, independent and Paris Principles-compliant national human rights institution that has credibility and the trust of the people in a future federal democratic Myanmar—a longstanding call from Myanmar civil society to the leading revolutionary entities. Given the tragedy and violence that the Myanmar people have experienced and continue to suffer at the hands of a cruel and brutal military junta, a human rights-centered government, with an independent NHRI able to effectively and actively exercise a mandate to protect and promote human rights, is essential for a just and inclusive Myanmar. The decision by GANHRI is therefore a positive move towards this future—a future that the discredited and toothless MNHRC will thankfully not be a part of.

_______________________

[1] One year following the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, the former military junta changed the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar overnight. Progressive Voice uses the term ‘Myanmar’ in acknowledgement that most people of the country use this term. However, the deception of inclusiveness and the historical process of coercion by the former State Peace and Development Council military regime into usage of ‘Myanmar’ rather than ‘Burma’ without the consent of the people is recognized and not forgotten. Thus, under certain circumstances, ‘Burma’ is used.

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp; Arakan Army seizes village in Ayeyarwady Region

January 22, 2025/in News

Airstrikes kill 28 military family members at detention camp

The Arakan Army (AA) claimed that a total of 28 people, including children, were killed and 25 others were injured by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on an undisclosed location near Ram Creek in Mrauk-U Township of Arakan State on Saturday. The AA seized control of Mrauk-U, located 88 miles (142 km) northeast of the Arakan State capital Sittwe, last February.

The death toll included children aged two, eight, 11 and 12, as well as those over age 60. They were members of military families scheduled to be released, who had been detained by the AA in Mrauk-U since fighting ended, according to the AA. The military has intensified its aerial bombardments on areas under AA control in recent months as it has seized 14 out of Arakan’s 17 townships.

So far this month, airstrikes have killed over 40 civilians in Ramree Township and at least nine in Kyauktaw Township. The Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of anti-coup activists, is calling for a global aviation fuel ban on Burma. The U.N. urged both the regime in Naypyidaw, which seized power after the 2021 military coup, and the AA to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Arakan Army seizes village in Ayeyarwady Region

The Burma Air Force also carried out airstrikes on Bawmi village of Shwethaungyan town, located 43 miles (69 km) northwest of the Ayeyarwady Region capital Pathein, after it was seized by the AA on Saturday. This is the second village in northern Ayeyarwady to come under AA control since Jan. 10.

“Homes were destroyed and no one who was left behind in the village would have survived,” a Shwethaungyan resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Military personnel withdrew from Bawmi village on Jan. 18 after fighting with the AA ended. Residents said that over 200 homes were destroyed by airstrikes on Friday.

A source close to the military told DVB that 80 soldiers were injured and 100 are still missing in Bawmi. The AA took control of Magyizin village of Shwethaungyan town, which is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Gwa Township in southern Arakan, after it seized full control of Gwa on Dec. 29. The Burma Navy has stationed its warships off the coast of Ayeyarwady.

Chin National Front members allegedly arrested in India

India’s Mizoram State authorities announced that they arrested five members believed to belong to the Chin National Front (CNF), including a senior leader, with six AK-47 rifles, 10,050 rounds of ammunition, and 13 magazines during a raid near Saithah village in Mizoram’s Mamit district, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported on Thursday.

“One of [the five arrested] is a member of CNF but not the [Chin National Army]. The weapons and ammunition are also not for the CNF,” Salai Htet Ni, the CNA spokesperson, told Chin World on Jan. 17 in response to the arrests. Indian police accused the CNF members of smuggling the weapons from neighbouring Bangladesh into India.

The authorities also accused a Bangladeshi armed group called the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-P) of being involved in the weapons smuggling. Mizoram State shares a 316 mile (510 km) long border with Chinland. The CNF is a founding member of the Chinland Council, one of the two factions of the Chin resistance formed after the 2021 coup.

News by Region

Makeshift homes located next to the railway tracks in North Okkalapa Township of Yangon. (Credit: DVB)

YANGON—North Okkalapa Township residents told DVB that more than 16 households, near Paywatseikkon train station in Tadagyi ward, have been ordered to leave their homes by Feb. 1. The 16 households are planning to file an appeal at the township court. Residents claimed that they received “smart” identification cards from the National League for Democracy (NLD) government which allows them to remain in their homes.

“More than 60 people are staying in the area,” said a Tadagyi ward resident. A Myanma Railways employee told DVB that the residents are being evicted to make way for a new Yangon Circular Railway project planned by the regime’s Ministry of Rail Transportation. North Okkalapa has four train stations and all households near them may soon be facing eviction.

MAGWAY—A resistance group calling itself the Brave Warriors for Myanmar claimed that nine military personnel, including two officers, were killed during its attack on the regime’s No. 21 Defense Equipment Factory in Seikphyu Township on Saturday. Seikphyu is located 73 miles (117 km) south of the regional capital Magway.

“The number of casualties, deaths and damages could be increasing. We are quite satisfied with this mission,” the group’s spokesperson told DVB. He added that the military carried out an artillery attack in response. The Defense Equipment Factory, also known as KaPaSa, produces various munitions allegedly used in airstrikes.

MANDALAY—The People’s Defense Force (PDF) claimed that four civilians were killed and two homes were destroyed in Nyaungkon village of Taungtha Township, by two Burma Air Force members from Meiktila Air Base using paramotors, on Saturday. Taungtha is located 82 miles (131 km) southwest of Mandalay.

“Those things used to come at night time. It happens frequently during this month, causing civilian casualties,” the PDF spokesperson told DVB. He added that at least six rounds of attacks were conducted by the military on Taungtha from Dec. 25 to Jan. 18. Paramotors are a motorized steerable parachute, which can carry at least one pilot, that can fly at speeds from 30-90 miles per hour.

DVB News

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ND Burma

ND-Burma formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process. The 13 ND-Burma member organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to advocate for justice for victims. ND-Burma trains local organizations in human rights documentation; coordinates members’ input into a common database using Martus, a secure open-source software; and engages in joint-advocacy campaigns.

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