Weekly Overview: Human Rights Situation in Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi Region

September 23, 2024

Flooding in Southeastern Burma Demands a Compassionate and Coordinated Response

Flooding across Burma has led to the deaths of over 200 people and the displacement of at least 300,000. The rising flood waters of Typhoon Yagi have devastated communities already impacted by the junta’s humanitarian crisis. Thousands who have sought temporary shelter have once again been uprooted, and many remain out of reach for life-saving assistance. In target areas of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), such as Mon State, Karen State and the Tanintharyi region, there are growing concerns over the lack of food security and shelter amid the already worsening human rights situation.

On 20 September, HURFOM released a statement calling for the rehabilitation and recovery of the affected people nationwide, especially in war-affected areas. Approximately 40 to 60% of rice fields, many of which were nearing harvest, have now been submerged and destroyed across all affected areas, according to reports from the human rights defenders network from Shan State, middle-Burma, Bago and HURFOM targeted areas.

The catastrophic figure presents a grave threat to the country’s food supply. As local communities struggle to cope with the loss of their homes and possessions, the junta has proven to be utterly incapable of preventing or managing these natural disasters. Therefore, cooperation with local organizations is critical to ensure the safe passage and delivery of localized assistance.

As the junta denies and blocks access to humanitarian aid, they are still committing widespread human rights violations with impunity. On the night of September 14th, at 9:30 PM, an artillery shell was launched from a junta security checkpoint. A young girl was severely injured in Phoe Wa Thein village, Bilin Township, Mon State, despite no active fighting in the area.

As a result, 17-year-old Naw Ya Min, who was sleeping in her home at the time of the attack, sustained critical neck injuries from the shrapnel. She is currently receiving intensive medical treatment at Bilin Hospital, located under KNU’s Thaton District, is predominantly inhabited by Karen residents. This latest artillery attack has further heightened fear and insecurity in the region. Earlier, on September 9, a female traveler and two other locals were also injured in an attack near the iron bridge checkpoint.

Women and children are increasingly being wounded or killed in the junta’s attacks, which are indiscriminate and have continued to occur without consequences. There must be immediate and urgent intervention through international accountability mechanisms to cease the violence and bring an end to the junta’s cruelty.