CSOs call for end to human right abuses in Arakan amid pandemic 

By Nyan Hein 25 Aug 2020

Nyan Hein | DMG
25 August, Sittwe 

At least 10 civil society organisations from across Myanmar including a coalition of CSOs in Arakan State issued a joint statement on August 25 calling on the government and the Tatmadaw to end human right abuses in Arakan State amid a recent spate of coronavirus infections in the state. 

The joint statement urges the government to take responsibility for internally displaced people (IDPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic and to help international organisations carry out humanitarian activities in Arakan State. It also called for the restoration of 4G internet in Arakan State as soon as possible in order to allow residents in the affected townships to access real-time information about COVID-19. 

“The government should take responsibility for violations of human rights in Arakan State amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and military tensions in Arakan State,” said U Khaing Kaung San from the coalition of Arakan State CSOs. “Our main intention is to ask the armed organisations to halt military activities in Arakan State and urge the government to upgrade 2G internet access to 4G in Arakan State.” 

From August 16-25, a total of 105 COVID-19 cases were reported in Arakan State — 81 in Sittwe Township, 12 in Pauktaw Township, three in Kyaukphyu Township, two in Thandwe Township, three in Mrauk-U Township and four in Buthidaung Township. 

The freedom of expression advocacy group Athan also called on the government to restore 4G internet access in seven Arakan State townships and Paletwa Township in Chin State in order to make timely information about the pandemic available to mobile phone users, taking public health into consideration. 

“People cannot use websites about healthcare and Facebook conveniently in some townships in Arakan State where only 2G internet access is available,” explained Maung Saungkha, director of Athan. “Concerns have been raised among the public in Arakan State because the recent spike in coronavirus cases were reported in the townships where only 2G internet access is available.” 

The seven townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township were given access to only a 2G network on August 1, after more than a year largely without any mobile internet access.