“The Resistance and Resilience of Civilians in Southeastern Myanmar: Human Rights Violations from January to June 2023”, a newly released report by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) provides an overview of the rights landscape in Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region in the first six months of this year.
It details the admirable and deeply courageous acts of resistance exemplified by people of all ethnicities, genders, and religions in Southeastern Myanmar in response to the violence waged by the military junta.
Amongst its findings HURFOM documented that between January and June 2023, 840 civilians were arrested and detained, 315 injured, and 146 killed.
HURFOM says that these numbers are particularly worrying given that in Southeastern Myanmar, by the end of 2022, nearly two years after the coup. At least 1,155 innocent people had been arrested and detained, 146 killed, including 26 women and children, and nearly 500 injured, of which 120 were women and children. At the current rate, this year’s casualties will equal or exceed the casualties from the 1 February 2021 coup until the end of 2022.
The junta has shown no signs of easing its military operations and as resistance to the attempted coup intensifies, the Myanmar Army responds with warfare tactics that attempt to isolate and terrorise those caught amid the conflict.
Despite the daily brutalities being waged, the report also highlights how civilians have organized to defy the regime’s distorted narrative that it is ‘business as usual ’in a country ravaged by conflict.
Some ongoing resistance activities are silent strikes, online organising and participation in People’s Defence Forces, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and establishing local governance structures.
“Our resistance is still strong, although we are still in jeopardy. We still face and overcome various difficulties to live. We received much support from social organizations, revolutionary comrades, ethnic resistance organisations (EROs), and local communities. As for me, I am preparing to improve my mental strength to have higher resistance. We continue to help each other,” a 30-year-old former physician told HURFOM.
It is clear in the conclusion of the report that widespread resistance has not eased or slowed since the failed coup on 1 February 2021. Quite the contrary, HURFOM says that the people remain even more determined to ensure an end to military rule once and for all.
Their unwavering dedication and commitment are evident, as indicated by the findings in this report and others authored by civil society organisations. The needs remain urgent as Myanmar is in an ongoing state of emergency, and it is certainly not too late to act.
HURFOM calls upon international and regional actors to stand with those who believe in supporting and advancing a future in Myanmar firmly rooted in democracy.
This includes providing life-saving aid through cross-border channels and working with local responders. Relationships and trust building must be established with organisations with decades of experience providing emergency support to vulnerable and displaced communities. Further, the voices of the people of Myanmar must be amplified for all to hear that the junta is not a partner in peace, negotiation, or humanitarian assistance.
