Monthly Overview of Violations in HURFOM Target Areas (December 2021)

January 4, 2022

HURFOM: Throughout the month of December, documentation by HURFOM found an increase in the number of those arrested, detained and killed. The junta’s violence has sparred no one as their onslaughts have trapped the most vulnerable and created new, worsening hardships for civilians. Predictions for 2022 estimate that millions more will be even deeper in poverty, including children. [Download the report in PDF Format]

The arbitrary arrests of innocent civilians have not eased. Since November 5, the junta has arrested more than 60 individuals in Dawei alone. About 30 have been released by ransom. Approximately 30 are still detained, and some have been charged with Panel Code 505 A, B, and the Terrorist Act. In HURFOM’s final briefing paper of 2021, “Trajectory of Terror,” between February 7 and 6 December 2021, at least 2,184 civilians were arrested and detained, at least 303 injured and 60 killed.

The military junta has intensified fighting in Burma’s ethnic states. With a dark history of over 70 years of warfare, the Burmese Army has never been sincere in their commitments to peace. This is evident across a trajectory of broken ceasefires, including with the Karen National Union. Fighting with junta-backed forces and the Karen National Liberation Army led to more displaced of thousands of civilians who remain in limbo – uncertain of their futures in Thailand where they face hostile policies and yet are unable to return to their homelands.

The path forward for 2022 is unfortunately grim as the situation on the ground is still in need of a timely and urgent response by the international community.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Monthly Report, News