I must admit, I had been too overwhelmed with work, remote learning, and the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep up with global news. That changed one morning as I browsed through my news app with my children asleep beside me. The headline read, “She was shot dead, her body exhumed, and her grave filled with cement. But her struggle is not over.” My emotions surged as I read on, anger and horror flooding over me at the lack of attention these grave injustices are receiving.
This could easily have been my child, who, even at a young age, stands up for what is right and speaks out against unfairness. The tragic story of a 19-year-old girl named Aisha, who was shot in the head by the military, exemplifies the fight against human rights violations in Myanmar. She stood up for her right to a democratic society, striving for a better future for herself and her fellow citizens. Yet, the military has seized control of Myanmar, a small nation in Southeast Asia.
On the day Aisha lost her life, 38 others perished in protests, victims of a military regime that refuses to accept responsibility. Myanmar urgently needs the world’s attention to help rectify these egregious abuses against humanity and support its citizens who are yearning for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States.
Before the military coup in February, the people of Myanmar had just emerged from nearly five decades of military rule. On February 1, the military detained President Aung San Suu Kyi, and by February 3, social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were banned. The following days saw further restrictions with the blocking of Instagram and Twitter, leading to an internet blackout.
Despite these restrictions, thousands took to the streets in courageous protests. The internet was restored, but social media remained blocked, crippling communication for demonstrators. According to the BBC, the military has killed over 400 protesters since February, including children, in a desperate attempt to silence the movement toward democracy. The “All about Myanmar” Reddit thread offers harrowing accounts of the violence, including homes set ablaze with people trapped inside and families forced to hide in fear.
Myanmar’s history is marred by discrimination and a lack of trust in government. The military coup has intensified the struggle for power, leading to reports of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and the disappearance of individuals. Since the coup, the military has used tear gas and rubber bullets against protestors, escalating to live ammunition when faced with resistance. Cover-ups and enforced disappearances are tragically common.
For a decade, the people of Myanmar experienced the freedoms of a democratic society. However, following the arrest of their elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, the military has thrust the nation back into a dark and perilous reality devoid of basic human rights.
It took President New Name ten days to acknowledge the atrocities occurring in Myanmar. In his statement, he focused on economic sanctions, announcing that the U.S. would freeze $1 billion in funds and impose strict export controls, stating, “the military must relinquish the power it seized.” He further emphasized, “We will identify the first round of targets this week.” That same day, he enacted two executive orders sanctioning Myanmar.
Twelve days later, during a virtual UN Human Rights Council meeting, Myanmar was a focal point. UN Secretary-General New Name urged the military to cease its repression, release political prisoners, and respect human rights. He condemned the coup, stating it has no place in our world and highlighted the severe violations against minorities, including the Rohingya population.
As healthcare workers and educators join the protests, Myanmar is in turmoil. The ongoing events are reminiscent of struggles for democracy that we have witnessed, reminding us that human rights are universal. Everyone deserves safety and freedom of expression without fear of retribution. The military in Myanmar must face consequences as the international community increasingly calls for the restoration of safety and democracy.
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In summary, the human rights violations occurring in Myanmar are heinous and require immediate global attention. The international community must hold the military accountable for its actions and support the people of Myanmar as they fight for their fundamental rights.