Myanmar: Humanitarian crisis is worsening, says UN envoy

The United Nations envoy to Myanmar warned that the humanitarian crisis in the country caused by the coup staged by the generals is worsening. The warning follows the latest air raid by the military on the region of Kachin that killed dozens.

Speaking to the UN General Assembly’s Human Rights Committee Tuesday, special envoy Noeleen Heyzer condemned the recent air strike on Kachin that killed up to 80 people and wounded 100.

Heyzer added that over 13.2 million people in the country do not have enough to eat, while 1.3 million people have been displaced since the coup as the military continues to attack the country indiscriminately.

However, Heyzer added that the resistance to the military’s rule is continuing. Heyzer also said she made several requests when she visited Myanmar in August and met the coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing. This included putting an end to air strikes and the burning of civilian infrastructure.

“There is a new political reality in Myanmar: A people demanding change, no longer willing to accept military rule,” said Heyzer.

As part of her requests, Heyzer also called for the release of all child and political prisoners, put a moratorium on executions, ensure the well-being of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and allowed the return of over one million Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh.

This comes as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN – of which Myanmar is a member – have expressed frustration with the junta and the lack of progress on the five-point peace plan that was agreed upon shortly after the generals seized power in February last year.

Last week, the UN’s refugee agency called on the neighboring countries to stop the forced return of Myanmar refugees who sought to flee from the junta-ruled country, describing the forced returns as “placing countless lives at risk.”

“Myanmar nationals already abroad should not be forced to return when seeking international protection,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Gillian Triggs in a statement.

“UNHCR remains gravely concerned about multiple reports of the forcible return of refugees and asylum seekers since February 2021 from countries neighboring Myanmar.”