Groups demand action against human rights abusers

By Win Nyunt 26 Jun 2020

Win Nyunt | DMG
26 June, Sittwe
 
Five advocacy organisations have called on the government to take effective action against perpetrators of human rights violations, torture and sexual abuse.

The Women’s League of Burma, Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma (ND-Burma), Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, Vimutti Women’s Organisation and Asia Justice and Rights released a statement on June 26 marking International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

U Aung Zaw Oo, a member of ND-Burma, told DMG that the residents of whole villages had been displaced from their homes due to clashes in Arakan State, which he said was plagued by the highest rates of human rights violations.

“Whether it is relocation of all villagers from their place of origin, or interrogating villagers in war-affected areas, they are a kind of torture. Currently, the situation in Arakan State is the worst,” he said.

U Aung Myo Kyaw, a member of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, told DMG that torturing civilians and charging them under Myanmar’s laws on unlawful association and terrorism should stop.

“We do not accept torture of civilians, whoever commits it — government armed organisations, or any other armed groups or any authorities. The existing government is responsible for protecting people from being tortured,” he said.

Clashes are occurring in multiple ethnic areas including Arakan State, the five groups’ statement said, adding that despite the Tatmadaw having declared a unilateral ceasefire, civilians were being detained and interrogated on dubious justifications of “suspicion”, tortured, and mowed down by airstrikes.

Furthermore, the government’s internet ban in several Arakan State townships and Paletwa Township, Chin State, has been imposed for more than a year and is helping to conceal information on crimes committed, U Aung Zaw Oo said.

The statement also calls for withdrawing Tatmadaw troops deployed in ethnic regions, ending armed conflict, releasing all political prisoners and halting arrests of activists.
 
The demands will be submitted to the president, state counsellor and other international human rights bodies, ND-Burma said.