United Nations: Restrictions On Humanitarian Aid In Myanmar Are War Crimes

PHOTO UNSPLASH/Jonathan Ansel Moy de Vitry

JAKARTA - The increasingly stringent restriction on humanitarian aid imposed by Myanmar's military rulers can be interpreted as war crimes, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The United Nations in its statement said the restrictions could fall into the category of war crimes like other crimes such as intentional murder, torture and demeaning treatment, omission of hunger, and collective punishment.

"Deliberation of such intentional (humanitarian assistance) can also be (categorized) crimes against humanity such as murder, annihilation, torture and other inhumane acts, or persecution," the statement said.

Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, OHCHR has documented how Myanmar's million continues to put its goals ahead of other priorities, including the urgent need to receive life safety assistance.

Although the military opened access for humanitarian workers to deliver aid, their movement was actually limited and strictly controlled, the report said.

Not only that, the military has also been operating as if it were those who provided assistance to civil society.

Myanmar's human rights and humanitarian crisis is expanding. An estimated 1.5 million people have fled, and some 60,000 civilian buildings have reportedly been burned or destroyed.

More than 17.6 million people -- third of the total population -- require humanitarian assistance.

Overall, the United Nations reported at least 3,452 people died in the hands of its military and affiliates, and 21,807 people have been arrested during the period February 2021 to April 2023, citing "trustworthy sources".

"Our report says the security situation is getting worse... aiders are consistently faced with the risk of arrest, harassment or other ill-treatment, or even death," OHCHR spokesman Ravina Shamdasani told a news conference.