Statement: HURFOM Reflects On One Year Since the Attempted Coup

February 1, 2022

HURFOM: It has been 365 days since the Burmese junta unlawfully and unconstitutionally attempted to seize power through a failed coup. One year ago, the Burma Generals made it clear that their desire to rule with violence and authoritarianism was more important than preserving civilian safety and upholding rule of law. The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has witnessed extreme violence being waged against innocent people across the country, including in our target areas of Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi region. In marking this solemn anniversary, HURFOM condemns the ongoing brutality and emphasizes our calls for justice and accountability in Burma.

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We also affirm our unwavering support for the Spring Revolution and mark this day commemorating the efforts of so many brave individuals, including those who have lost their lives fighting for their freedom.

Between 1 February 2021 and 31 January 2022, HURFOM documented over 1000 human rights violations perpetrated with impunity by the military junta in southeastern Burma. Among the dozens of cases detailing the junta’s abuse of power, civilians have been forcibly displaced, tortured, arbitrarily arrested, detained and killed. Villagers caught in the crossfire of violence have been struck with artillery shelling as schools, refugee sites and displacement camps are not spared by the junta’s air and ground assaults. Women, children and the elderly encompass the majority of internally displaced people and are in urgent need of food and medicine.

More than 1500 people have been killed in the last year. This number, alongside estimates of those being arrested and detained, continue to grow at an unprecedented rate. In our combined target areas alone, HURFOM has documented at least 2,383 civilians arrested and detained, 346 injured and 72 killed. Therefore, it is with the utmost urgency that these attacks, unrelenting assaults and widespread violence against innocent civilians end immediately. The international community must respond to the situation in Burma with concrete actions and consequences which hold the Burma Army accountable for their undisputed war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Media Contact
Nai Aue Mon, HURFOM Program Director
Email: info@rehmonnya.org
Signal: +66 86 167 9741

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Commentary, News