November 2024: Escalated Attacks Across Southeastern Burma, including Artillery Shelling, Airstrikes and Arson, Threaten Civilian Security

December 2, 2024

Monthly Overview of the Human Rights Situation

The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) remains alarmed at the increase in attacks perpetrated by the military junta. In the past, HURFOM’s documentation efforts focused on ten townships in Mon State, southern Karen State, and northern Tanintharyi Region, primarily areas bordering Mon State. However, since the military coup, the need for human rights monitoring has increased dramatically as violations have surged across a wider area, such as in such as Kyainnseikyi, Hpa-an, Kawkareik, Myaingkalay, Long Lone, Thayet-Chaung, Yebyu, Palaw, Pala, Boke Pyin, Myeik, Kyun Su, Taninthayi, and Kawthaung.

Throughout the year, the junta’s increased militarization has led to the formation of militia forces, granting them privileges and empowering allied groups to strengthen their control over villages. As a result, there are more threats to personal safety, severe restrictions on livelihoods and travel, and widespread property extortion. Communities have faced ongoing artillery shelling and airstrikes by the junta, often perpetrated when there are no active armed clashes nearby. The military is deliberating, targeting innocent villagers to incite fear as many local areas have turned into battlegrounds.

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A local civilian was killed, and seven others were injured in Bilin Township, Mon State, following a series of violent acts by junta troops. According to Padoh Saw Aye Naing, Secretary of the KNU’s Thaton District, the incident occurred between Mae Pa Le and Wa Khaw Pau villages when junta soldiers arbitrarily detained and attacked villagers shopping for supplies on October 11.

The assault, initiated by troops from a military junta camp based in Mae Pa Le village, resulted in the death of 57-year-old Saw San Win, a resident of Mae Pa Le, and left seven others injured.

Padoh Saw Aye Naing reported:

“It happened when the troops were shopping, and eight villagers were inside the store. When the shop owner informed them that certain items were unavailable, they began assaulting the civilians without any reason, even using gun butts.”

Among the injured were Saw Zaw Htoo, Saw Than Hla, Saw Win Bo, Saw Than Chit, Saw Bo Kee, Saw Phar Pho, and Naw Thay Yi, all middle-aged residents from Mae Pa Le and Wa Khaw Pau villages. Five were taken to the Mae Pa Le military camp, while two others were sent to Myaing Kalay Hospital for medical treatment.

Since the morning of November 2nd, the military junta has fired around 20 rounds of artillery into the Anan Kwin village area, located along the Thanbyuzayat-Three Pagodas Road near the Mon State and Karen State border and shelling continued intermittently until 3 PM., shaking the ground and instilling fear in the surrounding communities.

The 315th Artillery Battalion, stationed in Wae Ka Lee village in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, has been targeting Anan Kwin and neighbouring villages both during active clashes and in periods of no conflict. Junta forces have also intensified military operations around Anan Kwin, advancing towards nearby towns, including Thet Kaw, Sakhan Gyi, and Ye Tan Khon, where additional clashes have been reported.

In the previous month, from October 20 to October 25, the 315th Artillery Battalion, with support from junta aircraft, launched an assault on areas around Wae Ka Lee village using howitzers. This forced hundreds of residents from at least ten villages, including Kyone Kha Wun and nearby places such as Taung Dee, Khlae-Takhun Tai, and Phyar Pya, to flee their homes at night to seek safety.

Since early August, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) have engaged in an offensive against strategic junta strongholds, including Anan Kwin and Looth Shan Camp. Due to the junta’s relentless attacks, Anan Kwin village has been nearly destroyed, with significant damage inflicted on Looth Shan village’s monastery and residential structures. Continuous airstrikes and shelling throughout October have prevented displaced residents from returning home as the conflict remains unabated.

Local homes are also increasingly being burned down by the junta during and after clashes. According to members of local relief committees, the military junta burned down homes following a clash in Kyaung Naint village, Palaw Township.

The battle occurred on November 3 when junta troops entered the village, sparking a confrontation with the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). After the fighting ceased, the troops set fire to ten houses, leaving eight severely damaged and two with minor destruction.

Following the clash, some junta troops retreated to Infantry Battalion 285, located in Palaw, approximately 15 minutes away by motorcycle. Before the encounter, Battalion 285 had frequently targeted Kyaung Naint village with artillery, causing most residents to flee to safer areas.

PDF members report that ongoing regional clashes have displaced thousands of residents from over fifteen villages. Currently, junta forces are stationed in villages such as Kyel, Set Taw Ya, Zayap Seik, Kadel, and Pa Wut Kone and have taken temporary control of sections of the main road in the area.

Further, airstrikes continue to lead to widespread fear and uncertainty among civilians. A junta-led airstrike in Taku Subtown, Tanintharyi Township, Myeik District, left one civilian injured and two homes destroyed in Koe Inn village. The attack took place at 11:30 AM on November 4 in Ban Pyae village, Thein Daw village tract, dropping two 250-pound bombs. Following this, a K8W fighter jet deployed by the military dropped four additional bombs over Koe Inn village in Taku Subtown, according to reports from local sources.

“A bomb hit directly on the homes. The injured person was struck by shrapnel. At a time like this, with limited access to proper medication and skilled medical care, civilians wounded by these strikes often have to treat their injuries in makeshift ways. Some wounds worsen because proper healing is impossible,” a resident from Koe Inn shared.

“Everyone here lives in constant fear, uncertain of when an artillery shell or bomb might strike their home. People are too traumatized and fearful to even work for survival.”

The injured civilian, identified as 22-year-old Ko Wonna Kyaw, sustained shrapnel injuries to his leg as a result of the attack. Earlier, on October 26, the junta also conducted simultaneous airstrikes with K8W fighter jets and MI2 helicopters on Ban Pyae villages in East Laethit and Thein Daw village tracts, injuring three residents in Laethit village.

Arbitrary Arrests

Arbitrary arrests by the military junta have also been on the rise across HURFOM target areas as the regime increases its surveillance as part of its ongoing lawlessness. Being in military custody has resulted in death in dozens of cases documented by HURFOM. On November 2nd, the body of a young man arrested by junta forces during a raid in Thayet Hnakhwa village, Thayetchaung Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, was discovered.

The victim, Ko Htike, aged 27, from Yantaung village, was reportedly on his way by motorcycle from Thayet Hnakhwa to Oaktu village on October 28 when he encountered a military column and was detained. Days later, on November 2, locals searching the area found his body buried in a rubber plantation near Thayet Hnakhwa village, where the junta troops had been stationed.

“A group from our village and Yantaung went looking for him on November 2, after the troops left,” said a local youth from Thayet Hnakhwa village. “They found his body partially buried near a small bridge, covered with betel leaves, with one hand still visible.”

The body reportedly showed signs of severe torture, according to villagers. “When we found him, the body was already decomposing, so we had to cremate him at the site,” added another resident.

Locals also reported that Ko Htike, who had previously struggled with minor drug use, was last heard on October 29, when two gunshots rang out near the location where the military was stationed.

“After the gunshots, the troops went back into the rubber plantation, bringing a spade and a pickaxe. Later, they came out pushing a motorcycle, which they left at the village monastery for three days,” a source close to the village reported.

On October 30, a local woman from Chaung Taung village, Ye Township, Mon State, was reportedly detained by junta troops at her home under suspicions of connections with the People’s Defense Force (PDF).

Daw Tin Mar Win, a 48-year-old resident, was taken into custody in the evening by junta forces. Family members and those close to her believe the arrest may be linked to her son’s involvement in the resistance movement. “Her son is part of the resistance forces. Perhaps they took her because of him. We have no updates on her location or well-being,” a family friend shared.

As of November 5, her family remains unaware of her whereabouts, adding to their distress. “We haven’t heard any news yet. She’s a fisherwoman with no close relatives left. Given the situation, no one dares to search for her,” added another close contact.

This incident follows the September 10 detention of the father of a Ye Guerrilla Force (YGF) member, who was similarly accused of supporting the PDF. Junta forces also sealed off the man’s phone shop after his arrest. In September and October alone, at least seven residents from Chaung Taung village have been detained under similar accusations of connections to the PDF.

In a separate case, junta forces reportedly detained a civilian as they withdrew from Zayat Seik village in Palaw Township, Myeik District, after occupying the village for over 15 days. According to local sources, the junta troops had been stationed at the village monastery since October and began pulling back on the morning of November 6.

As the troops left the village, they arrested a 35-year-old resident, Ko Soe Kyi, without providing any explanation for the detention:

“He was taken to the Palaw-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 285. His family has not been allowed to see him, and he has not been released,” a local source reported.

Ko Soe Kyi, who was operating a shop at the time of his arrest, was seized by the military without warning, according to another local witness. The reasons for his detention remain unknown, leaving his family and community anxious about his well-being.

This recent arrest follows a series of detentions and violence in the area. On October 28, three other villagers from Zayat Seik—Ko Ngwe Hla, Ko Myint Pe, and Ko Wa Tote, all in their 30s—were also detained by junta forces and have not been heard from since. Their families continue to search for information on their whereabouts. Furthermore, on October 26, junta troops reportedly shot and killed two men in the region: a man in his 30s from Thingan Taw village and 50-year-old U Myint Lwin, also known as Ko Kat Pa, from Kade village.

These incidents highlight the escalating violence and arbitrary detentions being carried out by the junta in Palaw Township, adding to the fears and insecurity faced by local civilians in conflict zones.

Further, pro-democracy activists are also being targeted intensively by the junta. A doctor residing in the Thiri Mingala condominium in Mawlamyine, Mon State, was arrested by the military junta’s joint forces. On the night of November 13, a large contingent of junta forces, including police, raided the condominium and detained Dr. Aung Phyo.

“He was accused of leading protests in the past. Dr. Aung Phyo was very active during earlier protests and provided significant support. Now, he runs his clinic, but it seems the arrest is linked to his previous involvement in the movement,” shared a resident.

The military is currently interrogating Dr. Aung Phyo, and his family has not been able to contact him since his arrest.

In a similar incident on November 12, the military junta arrested U Aung Khine, an activist and former student leader of the 88 Generation. U Aung Khine had been actively involved in pro-democracy movements. The military junta allegedly detained him due to his association with the Kyaik Pa Nal 16 social welfare organization based in Mawlamyine. Nearly all members of this group reportedly joined the armed resistance following the coup.

Sources close to the military report that U Aung Khaing, who is over 50, is currently being interrogated and physically mistreated by military intelligence agents from Kan Thong Kan in Mawlamyine.

The junta has increased nighttime searches across Mawlamyine, targeting young people and detaining them with their joint forces. Reports indicate that detainees are often extorted for money or arrested under the pretext of guest registration violations. These actions have further escalated fear and insecurity among residents as the junta continues its crackdown on activists and civilians.

This arrest follows the detention of two youths on November 2 in Six Mine Kywal Cham Ward, Mawlamyine. They were apprehended and charged for posting social media messages critical of the military junta.

The military junta forces have reportedly ALSO detained five men from the Kan Bauk village tract in Yebyu Township, Dawei District, without providing any clear justification, according to local sources.

In the early hours of November 12, at 2 AM., junta forces arrested 26-year-old Ko Htet Wai Linn and another man from Hlae-Gone Ward No. 2, along with Ko Kyaw Kyaw from Ward No. 1, at their respective homes. Local sources confirm that Ko Kyaw Kyaw is involved in the purified water business, Ko Htet Wai Linn runs a betel nut shop, and another detainee works at a phone shop.

“Five people were taken. Three of them had their homes thoroughly searched, with junta forces even digging up the ground at Ko Kyaw Kyaw’s home,” said a resident.

In addition to these three men, two other men from Kan Bauk were also arrested. The detained individuals had black bags over their heads, making identification impossible.

As of now, locals report that all five detainees are being held at the Mawrawaddy Naval Command. This year alone, the Mawrawaddy Naval Command has detained over 50 civilians, with at least 10 of them currently imprisoned on terrorism charges.

Several men were detained and then arrested at their homes amid the ongoing increase in raids. At approximately 2 AM, three men were detained. Among them were Ko Htet Wai Lin, age 26, from Hlae Kone Ward 2; another unidentified man; and Ko Kyaw Kyaw from Hlae Kone Ward 1. The arrested included Ko Pyi Phyo Paing, who sells drinks and purified water; Ko Htet Wai Lin, a betel shop owner; and another man working at a phone repair shop adjacent to the betel shop.

Additionally, two more unidentified men were taken away by the military with their heads covered by black hoods, as reported by witnesses. All five men were transported to the Mawrawaddy Navy headquarters. While the phone repair shop worker was released on November 13, the remaining four are still detained and undergoing interrogation.

“These days, young people are being closely monitored. Arrests often take place at night, but no explanations are given,” shared a local resident from Kanbauk.

Since the military coup, the Mawrawaddy Navy has been conducting frequent nighttime searches and raids in the Kanbauk area, targeting locals for arrests. In 2024 alone, over 50 villagers, including migrant workers from Hpa-Ya village and residents from the Phaung Taw village tract, have been arrested.

Among those detained, five men and six women—11 in total—were sentenced under the Anti-Terrorism Act and are now serving prison terms in Dawei Prison. Four more villagers remain detained and under interrogation at the Mawrawaddy Navy base, while another individual is currently facing trial.

Tragically, a male resident from Phaung Taw village passed away due to health complications during his detention at the Mawrawaddy Navy base, further raising concerns about the treatment of detainees in custody.

Violence Against Women

This month, HURFOM released the fourth version of Voice Up, part of a series documenting human rights violations against women in target areas. The military junta has killed 176 women since the coup on 1 February 2021, in addition to 370 women wounded and 196 unlawfully detained individuals.

The military has also murdered 48 children and injured 80 others. The ongoing attacks against women and children are evidence of a regime that has yet to adhere to any consequences for its actions, as accountability remains long overdue.

On November 5, at 5:45 PM, three police officers arrived by car near Street 3 in Ward No. 5, also known as Yetkwetgyi Ward, in Theinzayat Town, Mon State. The officers fired two 60-mm artillery shells that directly struck the residence of Daw Khin Myint on Street No. 5.

Daw Khin Myint, age 70 years old, sustained severe injuries to her head and abdomen and tragically died on the spot. Her 15-year-old granddaughter, Ma Lae Lae San, was also injured, with shrapnel wounds to her right palm and further injuries from the artillery fragments. One of the shells landed and exploded in the southeast section of Ward No. 5, causing additional damage to the area. Eyewitnesses reported that one of the police officers involved in the attack was a resident of Ward No. 5, accompanied by other informants.

A woman was injured by a gunshot fired by junta troops at a palm wine shop situated between Tha Yet Hnit Khwa and Thin Kyun villages, near the Dawei-Myeik highway in Tha Yet Chaung Township, Dawei District.

The incident occurred following an attack by the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), who targeted junta troops with a landmine at 9:40 AM on November 6, between Tha Yet Hnit Khwa and Thin Kyun villages. Video footage released by the PDF on the evening of November 7 confirms the attack.

After the mine explosion, the junta troops stopped and opened fire, during which a woman at the palm wine shop was struck in the thigh. She was later transported to a hospital in Dawei by a monk’s vehicle from Thin Kyun village for medical treatment.

This event follows a recent escalation of violence in the area. Between October 25 and November 1, a young man from Yan Taung village, detained by junta troops while riding his motorcycle, was reportedly killed by the soldiers stationed along the eastern road between Tha Yet Hnit Khwa and Mae Nae Oh villages. Burma recently met a bleak record as the country with the highest landmine casualties globally in 2023, with more than 1000 people killed.

A young woman was killed and five others injured in Shin Mokthi village, Dawei Township, following artillery shelling by junta forces stationed at the Shwe Gu Bridge on the Dawei-Myeik Highway.

The attack occurred on the night of November 16, at 8 PM, after clashes erupted between junta troops and resistance forces. Earlier that evening, members of the Kawthoolei Armed Forces (KTLA) launched an attack on the Shwe Gu Bridge checkpoint. In response, the junta indiscriminately shelled nearby villages, including Yaung Maw and Shin Mokthi.

One shell struck a workers’ dormitory in Shin Mokthi village, home to several migrant workers. A 19-year-old migrant worker from Upper Myanmar, Ma Chit Moe Swe, was killed instantly. Five other individuals sustained injuries and are now receiving treatment at Dawei Hospital, according to local sources.

“Shells landed on the workers’ dormitory, killing Ma Chit Moe Swe immediately and injuring five others,” a local resident confirmed.

This incident follows earlier resistance attacks on the Shwe Gu Bridge checkpoint on November 3, 9, and 10, which did not provoke a similar junta response. However, on November 16, over ten artillery shells were fired indiscriminately into nearby villages.

The Shwe Gu Bridge checkpoint, located on the Dawei-Myeik Highway, is surrounded by several villages, including Shin Mokthi, Yaung Maw, Saw Wa, and Yaung Zin, all of which remain under threat from junta shelling.

Extortion and Bribery

The Mawlamyine-Ye highway, stretching approximately 98 miles, has become one of the most exploitative routes in the south Burma region. Over ten military junta checkpoints actively extort money from travellers. Previously, non-residents of Mon State were required to pay 10,000 MMK (5 USD) at these checkpoints. However, according to passengers and drivers, the amount has now surged to approximately 20,000 MMK (10 USD).

“Those holding Mon State identification charge 1,000 MMK (50 cents, USD) per person at each checkpoint, while some checkpoints demand up to 2,000 MMK. There are about 12 checkpoints in total. Vehicles travelling from Yangon to Ye must reach Ye by 6 PM, meaning passengers are often pre-charged before departure. Non-residents are forced to pay between 2,000 (1 USD) and 10,000 MMK (5 USD) per checkpoint.

Those who refuse are pulled aside and interrogated. Some checkpoints even disregard travellers’ professions or travel purposes, demanding bribes regardless.

“This route has become one of the most abusive in the south Burma region,” said a Yangon-Ye passenger transport service driver.

Residents expressed frustration over the worsening situation, particularly along the 57-mile stretch between Thanbyuzayat and Ye. Travellers report that even Mon State residents are now being charged, with costs of nearly 10,000 MMK. Many have had to endure threats and intimidation, including displays of firearms by checkpoint personnel.

“I once asked an elderly soldier at a junta-operated checkpoint in Thanbyuzayat why they demanded money. He said they were appointed by the Military Command from the southern Rakhine region and had to fund their expenses, including food and shelter, so they requested ‘donations.’ At other checkpoints, armed soldiers board vehicles and demand 2,000 MMK from every passenger. Resistance groups operate in the region but don’t engage in extortion like this,” said a Ye Township resident.

Reports also indicate that some checkpoint operators exploit the situation for personal gain:

“Some drivers have been charging passengers in advance for fake checkpoints, pocketing the money themselves. Meanwhile, passengers have no choice but to comply,” the resident added.

The current open season has exacerbated the extortion issue, with increased checkpoint activity targeting locals and travellers. Last year, some checkpoints on the Mawlamyine-Ye route were shut down following attacks by resistance groups. However, the junta has since reinforced its military presence and reopened additional checkpoints, worsening the plight of those passing through.

These ongoing violations highlight the junta’s systemic exploitation of civilians, burdening them with financial hardship and fear. The Mawlamyine-Ye highway exemplifies the deepening oppression experienced by communities in the south Burma region.

These tactics also extend to the junta’s forced conscription bid. Junta-appointed administrators have been collecting funds from residents in Paung Township, claiming the money is for military recruitment.

Starting in November, local administrators have sent representatives door-to-door, requesting payments ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 kyats per household to fund conscription substitutes under the upcoming military service Batch 7. Wealthier residents and business owners have reportedly been asked to contribute between 30,000 and 100,000 kyats per household (between 15 USD and 50 USD).

The administrators do not directly manage the collections. Instead, ward leaders, firefighters, militia members, and members of local administrative committees carry out the collections in civilian clothing.

“More than ten people came, with those in civilian clothes acting as security. They all wore civilian attire and carried blank notebooks, aiming to record details of 500 households,” shared a resident.

Since March 2024, when the junta implemented a mandatory conscription law, authorities in Paung Township have been collecting fees to fund these efforts. The next recruitment batch, Batch 7, is expected to be implemented nationwide in December. Payments for previous batches have ranged between 3,000,000 MYR (1400 USD) and 5,000,000 MYR (2300 USD) per person, with former migrant workers often recruited as substitutes. However, the willingness to be recruited has reportedly declined following increased deaths on the frontlines.

In Mawlamyine, administrators involved in these collection efforts have been met with resistance. A ward administrator reportedly received a bullet and a warning letter, leading them to travel with armed escorts for protection.

On October 10, another warning and a bullet were sent to a Mawlamyine ward administrator engaged in fee collections. This came after the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Mawlamyine District issued a statement on September 11, cautioning administrator U Than Htike of the Maung Ngan area that he would face serious consequences for enforcing the National Conscription Law.

On October 16, the junta-appointed Mon State Chief Minister, U Aung Kyi Thein, met with those conscripted under Batch 6 at Education School No. 6 in the Southeast Command and provided them with financial support. Although no official figures were released, photographs indicate that over 100 individuals were conscripted in Batch 6.

Of additional concern is that in coordination with the General Administration Department (GAD) and other defence forces under their control, the Mon State junta is deploying increasingly exploitative methods to meet the required conscription quotas for the upcoming Batch No. 7 of military service training. HURFOM field reporters have revealed that the junta is issuing fake Mon State identification cards to migrant workers from other regions, falsely registering them as Mon State residents to compel their participation in military training programs.

Local sources report that junta officials, including village and ward administrators, are actively creating these fraudulent identification documents. Migrant workers, often working in Mon State for daily wages, are being lured or coerced into military training under the pretext of being Mon State natives. Many of these workers are targeted because they lack the resources or influence to resist the junta’s tactics, which include falsifying household registration records and educational credentials.

A local administrator in the recruitment process shared:

“They collect lists village by village. The priority is registering Mon State residents, but when they cannot find enough people, they falsify household documents, IDs, and other records. They collaborate with immigration officials to make it appear legitimate. This is happening everywhere, including Mudon and Chaungzon townships.”

The military’s recruitment efforts have become increasingly aggressive as willing conscripts have sharply declined. The junta has resorted to offering impunity to individuals with criminal records, misleading unemployed youth with promises of financial incentives, and even targeting migrant workers with no connections to Mon State. Sources indicate that the junta has been using funds forcibly collected from the public to pay up to 5 to 6 million kyat per conscript, further deepening the financial burden on civilians.

Additionally, reports suggest that migrant workers from other states and regions, many of whom are ethnic Burmese, are being given Mon State identification cards. This has raised concerns among Mon communities about the long-term demographic impact, as there are fears of increased Burmanization and a loss of Mon cultural identity.

A local source involved in the recruitment process stated:

“This conscription is being carried out with full knowledge of the junta’s military recruitment oversight committee. They have turned a blind eye to these exploitative practices. Even young men recruited on rental contracts are being paid with funds extorted from local people.”

The ongoing forced conscription practices highlight the junta’s desperation to meet its military manpower needs, particularly in Mon State. Beyond the immediate human rights violations, these actions are causing widespread fear and distrust within local communities, further destabilizing the region. Mon State residents worry that these methods will not only continue to oppress vulnerable groups but also significantly alter the region’s demographic balance in the long term.

Some soldiers have defected amid the recruitment effort. In early November, six soldiers forcibly recruited and trained by the junta, including one navy officer, defected to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) under the Daw Na Armed Resistance Force in Tanintharyi Region. The defectors included five infantry soldiers from Infantry Battalion 273 in Kanbauk, Yebyu Township, and a navy officer from the Naval Command Department, according to Daw Na Armed Resistance Force sources.

“These six defectors didn’t join the military voluntarily. They were forcibly conscripted and trained under harsh conditions. The navy officer had already served for three years, while the infantry soldiers were fresh recruits from Training Batches 1 and 2. They didn’t want to be part of the military, but there was no way out for them earlier. They finally found an opportunity to escape and reached out to us for help,” explained Major Yan Naing, Commander of the Daw Na Armed Resistance Force.

Among the defectors, the navy officer brought an MA1 rifle, three magazines, and over 161 rounds of ammunition. The resistance forces granted them sanctuary and financial assistance according to standard protocol.

This isn’t the first time junta soldiers have sought refuge with resistance forces. In August, another forcibly conscripted soldier defected to PDF Battalion No. 1 in Myeik District, Southern Burma. The Daw Na Armed Resistance Force encourages other junta soldiers, police officers, and conscripts—especially those forcibly recruited or who wish to join the pro-democracy movement—to defect and connect with nearby resistance groups to seek asylum.

Forced Displacement

The aggressive military tactics and expanding operations have made daily civilian life increasingly challenging. The junta has created a humanitarian crisis propelled and prolonged by their constant attacks.

Due to ongoing clashes and a military offensive by the junta, more than 5,000 locals in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State, have been forced to flee their homes, according to reports from residents and the Karen National Union (KNU) Thaton District.

On October 30, a junta force of over 120 troops advanced into the Win Kalaw village tract and continued toward the Pyin Katoe Kone village tract. This movement sparked at least ten confrontations with revolutionary forces between October 31 and November 4. As a result of the conflict, 5,522 residents from 17 villages in Win Kalaw, Kyauk Phya, and Pyin Katoe Kone village tracts fled to seek refuge in safer areas.

“Locals evacuated when the operation started. While many have returned since the troops withdrew, some have yet to return,” reported Pado Saw Aye Nai, General Secretary of the KNU Thaton District.

The KNU base in Kyaikhto has collaborated with local networks to provide displaced residents shelter, food, and medical assistance. During their offensive, junta troops reportedly detained eight workers from the Win Kalaw village tract, using them as human shields. These individuals were released on November 4 when the junta forces pulled back.

Meanwhile, armed clashes along the Thanbyuzayat to Three Pagodas Pass highway, which links Mon State and Karen State, have intensified, displacing thousands of residents. Many villagers who fled remain unable to return home due to the ongoing violence.

The clashes reportedly began on November 5, initially displacing over 4,000 people from their homes. Since then, the number of individuals fleeing the conflict has increased as fighting escalates.

Heavy fighting between the Multi-Peoples’ Armed Forces and junta troops has led to mass evacuations from villages along the highway, including Yae Tagon, Zee Hnapin, and Ukhway-DawYein. On November 8, junta forces issued an evacuation order for several villages, forcing residents to flee en masse.

“Every day, there are clashes near Zee Hnapin and Payawhal villages. Nearly a thousand people are sheltering near Yae Tagon and other areas along the main road, seeking safety from the violence. These villagers live in constant fear as artillery shells continue to rain down on their communities,” reported a resident.

For months, villagers along the Thanbyuzayat to Three Pagodas Pass highway have faced repeated displacement due to the military conflict. In August, the KNU’s armed wing, the KNLA, along with allied forces, launched an attack on the junta’s Anankwin Tactical Command Base under the Moattama-based Southeast Command. These attacks have intensified, with recent reports indicating that junta troops remain active in Payawhal and Yae Tagon villages, firing indiscriminately from their Waekali-based artillery positions.

An anonymous source close to the resistance forces noted, “There are still junta troops trapped in Payawhal while reinforcements from the Waekali base continue to launch heavy artillery. We expect clashes to continue as junta forces strengthen their presence in these areas.”

The junta has responded with sustained attacks, using both heavy artillery and airstrikes, including drones. Local reports indicate that the military has also cut off phone and internet access in the conflict zones to limit communication.

Since November 4, military reinforcements from Yay have reportedly been dispatched along the Ye-Thanbyuzayat road to bolster the junta’s position at the Anankwin Tactical Command Base. As a result, residents fear for their safety, so they avoid travelling along the road and remain close to safe areas.

“People are afraid to travel on the Thanbyuzayat to Ye road due to the intense fighting and constant reinforcement of troops from the direction of Yay,” a resident of Mawkanin shared.

The Thanbyuzayat to Three Pagodas Pass highway, a vital trade route between Thailand and Myanmar, has been heavily contested recently. In previous months, Karen resistance forces captured the junta’s tactical positions along the route. They are focused on taking control of the Anankwin Tactical Command Base, which remains a central point of conflict. As violence escalates, communities along this strategic highway face prolonged displacement and insecurity, with little indication of an end to the fighting.

Due to escalating conflicts in Karen and Mon States, there has been a notable increase in people relocating to Mawlamyine, as reported by local real estate agents and residents.

This year has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people looking to buy land and houses, as well as those seeking rental properties, compared to previous years. A local real estate agent noted, “More people are interested in renting than buying. Prices for apartments and houses have increased significantly, and people are now willing to rent anything available, even just a room or small apartment.”

In Mawlamyine, rental properties are now fully occupied, with a large number of tenants being displaced individuals from conflict-ridden townships in Karen and Mon States. In October, concerns heightened as the military junta increased its presence around the Gyaing River area, raising fears among locals in Kyaikmayaw Township in Mon State and Kaw Ka Rate Township in Karen State.

From September 30 to November 13, junta forces continuously shelled villages along the Gyaing River, including Kawt Bein, Min Ywa, and Dhammasa, while deploying additional military assets and troops.

Dhammasa village has witnessed the deployment of tanks, drones, and over 300 junta troops in preparation for battle. In a significant incident on March 27, clashes between junta forces and joint PDF forces resulted in artillery fire from ground, air, and river sources, which led to the complete destruction of over 300 homes in Kawt Bein and damage to around 80 homes in Dhammasa.

The intensified conflict continues to displace thousands, driving housing demand in safer areas such as Mawlamyine.

Karen State

The 315th Artillery Battalion, stationed in Wae Ka Lee village in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, has been targeting Anan Kwin and neighboring villages both during active clashes and in periods of no conflict.

Junta forces have also intensified military operations around Anan Kwin, advancing towards nearby towns, including Thet Kaw, Sakhan Gyi, and Ye Tan Khon, where additional clashes have been reported.

In the previous month, from October 20 to October 25, the 315th Artillery Battalion, with support from junta aircraft, launched an assault on areas around Wae Ka Lee village using howitzers.

This forced hundreds of residents from at least ten villages, including Kyone Kha Wun and nearby places such as Taung Dee, Khlae-Takhun Tai, and Phyar Pya, to flee their homes at night to seek safety.

Due to the junta’s relentless attacks, Anan Kwin village has been nearly destroyed, with significant damage inflicted on Looth Shan village’s monastery and residential structures. Continuous airstrikes and shelling throughout October have prevented displaced residents from returning home as the conflict remains unabated.

Mon State

Even children are not spared by the attacks of the military junta, which relentlessly targets civilian infrastructure. This has led to bunkers being built in communal areas for fear of an unprompted attack by the regime.

Despite no active conflict in the area, military junta forces fired artillery shells into Kyone Laung Haung village in Ye Township, Mon State, on November 12, striking the compound of a Basic Education Middle School, according to local sources. At 4 AM, Infantry Battalion 343, stationed at Ar Yu Taung in Ye Township, launched at least two artillery rounds into the village.

The first shell landed near the local monastery, while the second struck the school compound, shattering windows and damaging nearby items. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among teachers or residents; however, the incident caused minor damage to the school buildings.

Parents are now deeply concerned for the safety of their children, particularly as the school is set to reopen within days. Many families are reluctant to send their children back, fearing additional attacks.

Kyone Laung Haung is known for active operations by the Ye Balu group, prompting ongoing air patrols and artillery strikes by junta forces. Earlier this year, in January and February, Infantry Battalions 343 and 587 shelled residential areas and rubber plantations in the village, resulting in the tragic death of an 11-year-old child, serious injuries to a young man still receiving treatment at Yangon General Hospital, and injuries to 14 other civilians.

In addition, arbitrary arrests in Mon State are widespread and threaten the peace and stability of the region as fundamental freedoms are consistently denied. Two youths from Mawlamyine were arrested for allegedly criticizing the military junta on social media. The young men, identified as Ko Ye Htet Naing and Ko Min Htet Naing from Chauk Mine Kwe Cham ward, face criminal charges after their online posts were deemed a threat to “peace and stability.”

The military claimed that the posts encouraged others to oppose the state, leading to their arrest on November 2 at Myine Tharyar Police Station under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, which covers acts causing public fear or spreading false information.

“A checkpoint inspection in Chauk Mine led to their phones being searched, where the authorities discovered posts criticizing the junta, resulting in their arrest. Their families have been permitted to visit them,” said a resident close to the matter.

Both youths are detained at the Myine Tharyar Police Station and face legal proceedings at Mawlamyine District Court. According to the Myanmar Internet Project, a research group, 143 individuals nationwide were detained between August and October this year for similar charges related to social media posts critical of the military junta.

Young men are also targeted for allegations of ties to the People’s Defense Force (PDF). On November 11, three youths from Kyaikhto Township, Mon State, were arrested by the military junta on allegations of participating in a PDF training session in Thane Zayat Township, as reported by the junta’s propaganda channels on Telegram.

The detained youths, reportedly aged under 18, have been identified as Maung Khant Ko Zin (15), Maung Htet Arkar Phyo (16), and Kaung Htet Kyaw, all from Zalote Gyi village in Shwe Gyin Township, Bago Region. According to the junta, the three minors allegedly completed a weekly PDF training program.

At approximately 9:40 a.m. on November 11, police from Kyaikhto Township arrested the three young men, identified locally as Kaung Htet Kyaw, Htet Arkar Phyo and Khant Ko Zin. They were subsequently charged under Article 52(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Under the military, the arbitrary arrests of civilians accused of PDF associations have become frequent, with detainees often facing demands for bribes in exchange for their release.

People are also being arrested for attempting to evade conscription. Two young men from Mottama Kywe Cham village in Paung Township, Mon State, have been charged under the National Conscription Law for evading mandatory military service. The two youths, Kyaw Chan Nyein Saw and Ko Htee Hlaing Win, both 30 years old, were accused of fleeing instead of attending mandatory military training after being selected through the conscription process.

“One has fled to Thailand, while the other remains in the village. Recently, the police notified their parents about the charges. There are efforts to arrest the one still here,” a local resident reported.

The two were formally charged on November 17 at the Mottama Township police station. If found guilty under Article 23 of the National Conscription Law, they could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

The Central Recruitment Committee, led by Lieutenant General Tin Aung San, instructed legal action against those evading conscription during a meeting on November 7.

Research organizations indicate that over 1,500 people have been conscripted in Mon State across six rounds, with many avoiding service by paying for substitutes. The incident highlights growing concerns about forced conscription and its impact on local communities amid the junta’s increasing militarization efforts.

On the night of November 19, at 10 PM, joint forces of the military junta carried out mass arrests in Sin Yaw Village, Paung Township, Mon State, targeting 20 young men from three local cobble production companies. The detainees are being forcibly conscripted into military service.

“All 20 workers were taken in a single night. They’re all young men. The junta claimed they were eligible for conscription and arrested them,” said a source close to the military junta, who requested anonymity.

The young men are being held at the Mottama Regional Police Station and are expected to be sent to military training in the coming days. This sudden mass arrest has caused widespread fear across Paung Township, with many young men already fleeing their villages to avoid a similar fate.

“We’ve never seen anything like this before. Some young men have already fled. This is the first time we’ve experienced such mass arrests, and people are overwhelmed and unsure of how to respond,” said a local resident.

Just days before, the junta charged two young men from Kywel Chan Village in Paung Township at the Mottama Regional Police Station, accusing them of attempting to evade conscription. This escalation of forced conscription highlights the junta’s growing reliance on coercion to sustain its forces, further intensifying the climate of fear and insecurity in Mon State.

To further surveil civilians, the Township General Administration Department in Thaton Township, Mon State, has issued a directive to arrest any two men riding a motorcycle together for conscription into the military, according to sources close to the junta. The order comes amidst the military’s struggle to meet recruitment targets for the upcoming Batch 7 military training program, as more individuals evade enlistment.

“The township administrator instructed that if two men are seen riding a motorcycle together, they should be taken directly to the military. Anyone suspected of evading conscription will be immediately detained. Regional authorities are pressuring local administrators and have warned of severe consequences if this information is leaked,” said a source familiar with the directive.

Recruitment for Batch 7 is expected to come from several Thaton District townships, including Kyaikhto, Bilin, Thaton, and Paung. The order extends beyond targeting two men on motorcycles. Authorities have also been instructed to detain individuals travelling at night, those under the influence of alcohol, and anyone suspected of drug use.

Since July 2022, local orders in Thaton Township have prohibited two men from riding motorcycles together and banned male passengers on motorcycles driven by women. These measures have faced significant resistance from revolutionary groups. The junta’s troop shortages have prompted aggressive recruitment efforts.

According to the Burma Affairs and Conflict Study (BACS) group, the military has conscripted over 21,000 soldiers from the first to the fifth batches of its conscription program. More than 13,000 soldiers from the first three batches have already been deployed to the frontlines. So far, the junta has trained six batches, conscripting over 1,300 recruits from Mon State alone.

This crackdown on basic freedoms reflects the junta’s desperation to bolster its declining troop numbers despite increasing public resistance.

Homes are also increasingly being sealed and taken over by the military. In the first two weeks of November, six houses in Oak Ta Dar (Inner) village, Paung Township, Mon State, were sealed off and seized by the military junta, according to human rights documentation networks and residents.

On the afternoon of November 5, over 20 junta personnel, accompanied by local administrative officials in three vehicles, arrived in the village. The homes of U Kyaw Swar, U Aung Kyaw Moe, Daw Than Oo, U Sein Thaung, U Phoe Pyaw, and U Sa Oo were sealed off under accusations of having connections with “terrorists.”

“These houses belonged to relatives and family members of those arrested with weapons and ammunition in Thae Kone village earlier in October. The junta had warned the residents to relocate about a week before the seizures,” a resident said.

Since sealing the houses, junta troops have been patrolling the area every two to three days to maintain their control. On August 19, junta security forces discovered explosive materials during a clearance operation following an explosion at the home of U Pyi Phyo Aung in Ward 6, Oak Ta Dar (Outer) village, on Bhoga Vala Road. The property was subsequently sealed. On August 28, the home of Soe Thike Aung in Ward 2 of Oak Ta Dar village was also seized under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The home of Daw Soe Soe Khaing, mother of freelance journalist Ko Htet Myat Thu, was also sealed off by junta forces in Lat Pya village, Kyaikhto Township, Mon State, on November 22 at 1:30 PM.

Local sources report that the junta accused her of alleged ties to resistance groups and claimed she had accepted explosives and ammunition on their behalf.

This tragic development follows the death of her son, Ko Htet Myat Thu, who was arrested and executed by the military junta. Daw Soe Soe Khaing, who is now caring for her two paralyzed parents, was given one day’s notice to remove belongings from the house before it was seized.

“I don’t know anything about the allegations. The police told me to move out my belongings a day before sealing the house. On the day of the sealing, they asked if I was Daw Soe Soe Khaing. I said yes and told them, ‘If you want to arrest me, go ahead.’ Both my parents are paralyzed, and I am just trying to support them by selling goods. They can do whatever they want,” she stated.

Daw Soe Soe Khaing now faces serious charges under Articles 49(a), 52(a), and 54 of the Anti-Terrorism Act at the Kyaikhto Township Police Station. If convicted, she could face a minimum sentence of 43 years in prison or a maximum penalty of two death sentences.

These incidents highlight the junta’s ongoing efforts to suppress dissent and target those accused of supporting resistance groups, leaving affected families displaced and under constant surveillance. It is also evidence of their continued use of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and severe charges to suppress dissent and silence those associated with the opposition.

Tanintharyi Region

Indiscriminate violence in the Tanintharyi region has led to widespread displacement and fear. According to local sources, junta troops stationed at an immigration checkpoint in Long Lone Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, shot and killed a man at 9 AM on October 31. The incident occurred as the man, travelling by motorcycle from Dawei towards Long Lone, stopped to move barriers near the immigration office checkpoint. While attempting to shift them in front of the military post, he was shot by junta personnel, resulting in his death.

The deceased, U Kyaw Khine, age 40 and a well-known mason from Kabu village in Long Lone Township, was respected in his community. “The military is overly paranoid. He simply stopped his motorcycle, tried to move the barriers, and they shot him. His body was left lying there, visible to all,” said a Long Lone resident.

In contrast, junta-aligned Telegram channels claimed that the immigration office was attacked by People’s Defense Forces (PDF) using small arms, prompting the junta to respond with gunfire, allegedly killing a PDF member. However, after the shooting, local witnesses reported seeing junta soldiers dress U Kyaw Khine’s body in guerrilla-style clothing, often associated with PDF members and leave it beside the road.

In September alone, 16 civilians in the Tanintharyi Region were killed by junta forces through shootings, artillery strikes, and drone attacks, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by locals in the area.

Arbitrary arrests are also ongoing in yet another extension of the junta trying to control the population. On November 9, junta troops entered Mu Du village in the Nabule area of Yebyu Township, Dawei District, and arrested two villagers—a woman and a man.

The military column, consisting of over 80 soldiers, reportedly marched from Nyaung Pin Sate village in Long Lone Township’s Pan Tin Inn village tract and reached Mu Du around 11:30 AM. The detained villagers were identified as 44-year-old Daw Wa Wa Khine and a 33-year-old man. In addition to the arrests, troops searched vacant homes, broke down doors, and fired artillery shells at least three times.

On November 6, the junta forces reinforced their presence at the Maung Ma Kan police station before advancing towards Mu Du. These reinforcements supported troops stationed at the Dawei Special Economic Zone on November 7.

The day before, the Tavoy People’s Liberation Force (TPLF), in coordination with its Drone Team and Joint Revolutionary Forces, executed a drone bombing attack on the Maung Ma Kan police station in Long Lone Township, as confirmed by TPLF. This action is part of ongoing clashes in the region.

On November 5, wo junta regiments comprising over 100 troops, launched a military operation targeting several villages, including Maung Ma Kan, Kyauk Wat Pyin, Out Kyauk Wat, Nyaw Pyin, and Kyauk Ni Maw in Long Lone Township, Tanintharyi Region.

On November 8, the troops entered Pan Tin Inn village, arresting 40-year-old U Myint Aung, a resident of Pyin Gyi village, along with another villager. U Myint Aung managed to escape but sustained severe back injuries from cuts inflicted during his detention, according to a resident of Maung Ma Kan. However, the second villager from Pyin Gyi was forced to accompany the troops and had not been released as of November 11.

The junta soldiers also searched and looted homes in Pan Tin Inn village before moving on to Tha Pyay village on November 10. After the regiment left, Maung Ma Kan residents cautiously returned to their homes. However, residents of Nyaw Pyin, Out Kyauk Wat, and Kyauk Wat Pyin villages have been unable to return due to continued threats.

“It’s hard to estimate the number of displaced villagers as many are just beginning to return,” a Long Lone Township resident shared.

In a similar operation in October 2024, the junta’s forces conducted a week-long offensive in Long Lone Township, resulting in the deaths of five residents and the destruction of numerous homes.

Violence throughout the area is also indicative of the landmines being placed by the junta in areas where conflict is active. On November 10, a 40-year-old woman from Ya Line village, Yebyu Township in Tanintharyi Region, sustained injuries after stepping on a landmine while at a rubber plantation. The woman had travelled to Kyauk Ka Nyar village to purchase rubber slices. While moving through the plantation area, she inadvertently stepped on a landmine.

“Her plantation is located in Kyauk Ka Nyar. She was buying rubber slices from another plantation and stepped on the landmine while collecting them,” a local source reported.

The injured woman was admitted to Dawei General Hospital for further treatment.

According to local sources, the landmine was planted by junta forces, who have restricted villagers’ access to the area. The ongoing conflict between the junta and resistance forces has led to frequent landmine incidents in Tenasserim, Dawei, Tha Yet Chaung, and Yebyu Townships, leaving residents in constant danger.

HURFOM has received reports that junta soldiers in the Tanintharyi Region are forcefully conducting a census by visiting households at gunpoint in villages within Palaw and Tanintharyi Townships. This armed census operation, which began on October 1, was initially scheduled to end on October 15 but has been extended multiple times and is now continuing into November as junta troops struggle to obtain accurate population data.

Local sources in Zayatseik village, Palaw Township, report that on November 4, armed soldiers—not designated census officials—arrived to conduct the census directly. The soldiers reportedly entered each home with weapons in hand, intimidating residents as they took names and photographs and asked questions about individuals’ current residences.

“They made us return to the village, then gathered around 50 villagers and registered all of us,” said a resident.

This operation follows weeks of instability in Zayatseik. The junta’s armed column had arrived in the village on October 23, leading to widespread displacement as villagers fled to escape potential abuses. After the census was forcibly conducted, the soldiers finally withdrew from the area on the evening of November 6.

Similar incidents were reported in Kadaeleik village, Tanintharyi Township, where junta soldiers entered and were accompanied by two local informants. There, only basic information, including household numbers and current residents, was collected, with soldiers reportedly demanding this information at gunpoint.

The same day the census was conducted in Kadaeleik, junta jets conducted airstrikes on the nearby villages of Koe-Inn and Banpyae. This marked an escalation in military pressure on local communities, which has intensified as the junta attempts to enforce its planned census activities in areas under conflict.

Earlier in October, similar forced census activities were reported in Myinthar and Kyaenantai villages of Myeik Township, where junta troops entered the villages in a military formation, demanding household information from villagers.

HURFOM continues to monitor and document these violations, as such operations represent not only a gross intrusion into civilian lives but also an abuse of fundamental human rights. This armed census campaign carried out in a climate of fear, raises further concerns that the data collected could be used for forced enlistment, voting manipulation, and population control in future junta-led activities.

Junta forces in Dawei have begun conducting raids on residential areas they deem “unsafe” for their operations. These actions include forced entry into homes, confiscation of valuables, destruction of property, and orders for immediate eviction, leaving many civilians in distress.

Starting on November 18, these pressures were reported in Sinseik and Eain-Shae-Pyin wards in Dawei. In the early hours of the morning, soldiers raided approximately five homes in the area, seizing motorbikes, TVs, phones, money, and other valuable items. In addition to looting, the junta forces ordered residents to vacate their homes immediately, citing that the area was no longer safe for habitation under their rule.

“They barged into our homes without warning, raided the place, and told us we couldn’t stay here anymore,” shared one resident. “They told us to pack up and leave immediately, threatening to destroy everything if we didn’t comply. We’ve done nothing wrong, yet we’re being punished like this. It’s impossible to understand.”

Nearly ten homes have been targeted with immediate eviction orders. Families are now struggling with displacement, unable to return to their homes, and are unsure of where to go next.

This is not the first time junta forces have enforced such brutal measures in Dawei. Earlier this year, following urban clashes near the Kyet-Sar-Pyin ward, the junta ordered forced evictions of around 70 homes along the Saw-Mi-Nyo Street area in Dawei City, leaving many families in similar distress.

On November 23, the military junta launched a retaliatory raid on Sin Din village in Tanintharyi Township, Myeik District, following a mine attack by revolutionary forces. The raid resulted in the arrest of two residents and the destruction of six houses, according to local sources.

The incident unfolded at 6 AM when junta troops entered Sin Din village and arrested 60-year-old U Maung Aye and 30-year-old U Chit San Maung. The arrests came in the wake of a landmine attack near Kyauk Chaung Mountain, between Za Wae and Yan Pho villages, which reportedly inflicted casualties on the military forces.

“A mine attack occurred near the village, and there were casualties among the troops. As a result, they entered the village and arrested those they encountered. The two villagers were taken to Light Infantry Battalion No. 556 in Za Wae Base,” said a local resident.

In addition to the arrests, the junta troops ransacked several homes, looted valuables, and set six houses ablaze, leaving residents devastated. According to revolutionary sources, the mine attack was carried out by joint resistance forces targeting the junta troops from Battalion 556, who were marching with approximately 80 soldiers from their base in Za Wae village. The troops are reportedly planning reinforcement operations in nearby villages, including Ban La Mote and Yan Pho, heightening concerns of further violence and destruction.

The attack and subsequent retaliation highlight the ongoing escalation of violence in Tanintharyi Township, where civilians are increasingly bearing the brunt of military reprisals. The recent actions reflect an ongoing strategy by the junta to destabilize communities, strip civilians of their fundamental rights, and maintain control through intimidation and violence. Residents are left with no choice but to flee, adding to the growing number of internally displaced people struggling to survive amidst the military’s campaign of terror.

Recommendations for International Governments and International Agencies

Impose Targeted Sanctions: Increase sanctions against military leaders and entities directly involved in human rights abuses. Target key financial sources supporting the junta’s operations, including extracting and selling natural resources in Burma.
Advocate for a Global Arms Embargo: Support a comprehensive arms embargo on Burma to prevent the junta from acquiring weapons used in attacks against civilians and ethnic minority areas.
Promote International Accountability Mechanisms: Encourage the establishment of an international tribunal or support the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating and prosecuting human rights violations committed by the junta. Engage with organizations like the UN Human Rights Council to push for independent investigations.
Support Cross-Border Aid Delivery: Work with humanitarian organizations to provide cross-border aid, as many areas in conflict zones remain inaccessible. Direct resources to trusted local organizations capable of reaching these communities.
Pressure for Independent Monitoring of the Census: Given the concerns regarding the current junta-led census, advocate for international monitoring to ensure transparency and to protect ethnic minority populations from being misrepresented or targeted.

Recommendations for Humanitarian Donors

Increase Funding for Local Organizations: Allocate funds to community-based organizations (CBOs) like the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), which has on-the-ground access and established networks to support victims of forced conscription, displacement, and violence.
Support Mental Health and Trauma Services: Recognize the psychological toll of the conflict on civilians, particularly children. Donors must fund programs aimed at providing mental health support for trauma recovery.
Provide Resources for Civilian Protection Measures: Fund initiatives that assist local communities in constructing bomb shelters, securing safe spaces, and implementing early warning systems to protect themselves from sudden attacks.

Recommendations for the National Unity Government (NUG)

Strengthen Diplomatic Outreach: Increase efforts to garner support from ASEAN countries and other regional partners. Position the NUG as a legitimate government committed to democratic values and the protection of ethnic minorities.
Enhance Communication with Ethnic Groups: Foster strong, unified alliances with ethnic armed organizations and civil society groups. Emphasize a commitment to federalism and respect for the rights of ethnic minorities in a future democratic Burma.
Establish Civilian Safe Zones: If and when possible, the NUG must work with ethnic armed organizations to designate and protect civilian safe zones in collaboration with international observers. This could help mitigate displacement and casualties from ongoing military actions.

Recommendations for Other Stakeholders

Raise Awareness and Advocate for Media Coverage: Encourage international media to continue reporting on the situation, highlighting the junta’s actions, particularly the targeting of ethnic minorities, forced conscription, and restrictions on movement.
Promote Digital Literacy and Secure Communication: Provide resources for digital security training to help civilians and activists protect their communications and data from junta surveillance, especially as monitoring increases in southeastern Burma.
Support Education on Risks of Unexploded Ordinance: Fund educational initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of unexploded artillery and landmines left in conflict areas, which continue to pose significant risks to civilians, especially children.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Monthly Report, News