A year of suffering in Myanmar
It has been exactly 1 year since the military junta seized control of Myanmar from the democratically elected government
Exactly 1 year ago today, the people of Myanmar had their lives completely reshaped. It has been a year of great suffering and heartbreak for them and international support is slowly dwindling.
From the removal of their democratically elected leader, to the shutdown of public internet, to the public murder of innocent civilians, the military occupiers have done everything in their power to cripple any public dissent.
Death to democracy
When military leader Min Aung Hlaing seized control of Myanmar, it was only the start of what would be horrific example of human rights abuses in the country.
The military have committed horrific acts against protestors. Excessive force has been used at almost all rallies, strikes and protests. Nearly 1,000 people have been killed in protests, as the junta began using live rounds to control crowds.
Atrocities committed by military forces, such as the massacre on Christmas Eve, are becoming a more regular occurrence. Survivors and the displaced are fleeing cities in in an attempt to seek asylum in neighbouring Thailand and Bangladesh.
The unlawful arrest of both local and foreign citizens continues to grow. Sean Turnell, Australian economist and advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested just days after the military took power in 2021 and is still being held in detention.
Before being arrested, Sean was working with elected official on Myanmar’s economic recovery plans following the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the prosecution, Sean was accused of “violating the official secrets law”. The exact details of his alleged offence have not been made public, and Australian officials have be barred from entering the courts to attend his case.
Since the 1 February 2021, as a result of the military junta occupation there have been:
over 8500 arrested
1917 people evading arrest
1503 people killed
Over 400,000 have been forced to flee their homes
Source: https://aappb.org/
Diplomatic failure
While a coalition of united governments condemns the actions of the military oppressors, it is clear the leverage nations such as Australia have over the junta is minimal.
ASEAN, as a regional body, also continues to fail in its obligation to protect the oppressed people of Myanmar. Millions are unemployed, there are nationwide food shortages, poverty is rising and the covid hit health sector is on the verge of collapse.
This hasn’t stopped the citizens from holding strikes and protests across the streets of Myanmar as they continue to fight back against their oppressors.
The junta's attempts to gain full control are being frustrated by the people of Myanmar as they carry out one of the biggest and most unified resistance movements the country has seen in its long history of democratic struggle against military rule.
Rebel Militia’s such as the Karenni Nationalities Defense Forces (KNDF) are forming groups to help protect innocent civilians and fight back against the military forces.
For an up close look at how some of the rebel military groups are operating, I highly recommend checking out @llarkarphotography.