Mizzima
The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) says that it shares the collective disappointment at the lack of meaningful progress shown at the 4 April 2024 United Nations Security Council open briefing on Myanmar.
HURFOM said that while the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council recognises the severity of the crisis, it fails to accept that international stakeholders, notably ASEAN, cannot be relied upon as drivers to end the crisis when they are constantly engaging with the junta.
It said that in reality the UN body still does not exercise the accountability tools needed to ensure the junta is held criminally responsible for its ongoing attacks against civilians. In addition, world leaders must recognize that ASEAN or foreign stakeholders do not drive success and developments on the ground.
The resilience and competencies of civil society organisations, ethnic revolutionary organisations, and ethnic health organisations that have spearheaded the People’s Revolution must be taken seriously. ASEAN, the UN, and the international community must stand with them and the people of Myanmar, says HURFOM.
Unfortunately, the situation remains dire and underreported in HURFOM target areas of Mon and Karen states and Tanintharyi Region. In Mon State, the regime has been reinforcing security around Mawlamyine Airport and nearby areas with a significant troop presence.
On 8 April, between 6:00 and 9:00 am, a large military transport aircraft took off and landed seven times in Mawlamyine. Another cargo military aircraft also took off and landed twice during the same time frame on the morning of 8 April. Additionally, an ATR 72-600 aircraft took off from Mawlamyine Airport at around 9:48 am and returned at approximately 10:19 am, according to HURFOM.
It said that these flights were believed to be connected to a request made by the junta military headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw to the Thai Foreign Minister seeking permission to use Mae Sot Airport in Thailand for 72 hours. The request mentioned Mae Sot to Yangon flights, but a resident who lives close to the airport said Mawlamyine Airport was also being used. After these flights, the military junta lost control of Myawaddy, a key border town, with yet another victory for the resistance movement as about 200 soldiers abandoned their bases.
The military junta also continues to weaponise the rule of law in Myanmar, according to HURFOM. It said that Army officials in Mon State charged two individuals from Mawlamyine under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Act. A case has been filed against a man, U Zin Min Oo, and a woman, Ma Cho Cho Khaing, for allegedly donating money to opposition groups.
On 4 April, it was reported that U Zin Min Oo had been raising funds on social media to support the local People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) and provided financial assistance through the Kpay platform. Similarly, Ma Cho Cho Khaing is accused of donating to the resistance efforts through the Wave Pay service. The junta alleges that both individuals had been actively collecting money and donations on social media to support various pro-democracy affiliates. Their case, numbered (P) 30/2024 under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, is being investigated by corrupt officials, according to HURFOM.
It says that the use of Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Act has had a significant impact on civilians since the failed coup. Many have been arrested, detained, and faced severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, for activities that the Junta deemed supportive of opposition forces. This, says HURFOM, has created a climate of fear and repression, severely limiting freedom of expression and association in Mon State.
