Attacks Against Burma’s Health Workers Must Cease Immediately; Protection Must be Granted to Those in Hiding and Facing Unjust Charges

April 7, 2022

On World Health Day, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) strongly condemns ongoing violence which targets health workers in Burma by the military junta. Frontline medics, including nurses, doctors and first responders have taken exceptional risks to treat injured protesters, civilians and armed resistance soldiers who have been harmed by the Burma Army. Their courage is being tested on a daily basis as the junta cracks down on those involved with pro-democracy activities. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, some 600 medics have been forced into evading arrest warrants issued for them by the junta. Over 200 medical students have been arrested since 1 February 2021.

May be an image of text that says "7 April HURFOM calls for health workers to be protected to ensure they are able to freely and safely continue their urgent work. Their rights as medical professionals and innocent civilians must be enforced. In addition, HURFOM also calls upon international donors and aid agencies to support EHOs who are working tirelessly to treat IDPs and human rights defenders who are in hiding. World Health Day HURFOM"

Existing local health infrastructures have long been established by ethnic communities. Ethnic health organizations (EHOs), many of which were established by various ethnic armed organizations, are governing bodies which represent multiple ethnicities. They were formed outside of the authority of the Burmese Army and have run smoothly for many years. Local people look to EHOs for protection and reliable treatment.

A reduction in cross-border aid has significantly limited the operations of border-based EHOs in HUROFM target areas. EHOs have been impacted by the lack of resources to treat the growing number of civilians injured by the junta’s indiscriminate firing. Despite the challenges they face, EHOs are still providing health services to internally displaced people (IDPs) and to activists who have been forced underground.

The right to health is a fundamental human right which grants protection from interference from the State. And yet, since 1 February 2021, attacks on health care workers and their patients have been escalating. Horrific scenes of medical personnel being beaten have been captured on CCTV footage, while bodies of deceased health workers in the streets across the country have sent alarm and sparked fear. In October 2021, Burma was declared one of the most unsafe places in the world for healthcare professionals.

In Mon State, HURFOM reported that Dr. Kyin Thein, an elderly man of age 80, was abducted by the military junta on 19 March. He was taken away by security forces including Burma Army soldiers, para-militia troops, special police and General Administration Department officers. There was no warrant for his arrest, nor any evidence to explain his abduction. HURFOM believes he was targeted as a supporter of pro-democracy activities who had been providing pro-bono medical services to local people. Last year, a pediatrician from Hpa-An, Karen State was also jailed for refusing to treat children of police officers amid the junta’s killing spree of young people.

Among the many responsibilities health care professionals take on, preserving life is fundamental to their roles. Doctors and nurses have gone above and beyond during these turbulent times to respond to families in dire need of treatment and care for their loved ones. On the battlefield, medics have been deliberately fired at by the Burma Army. Clinics are being raided sporadically as doctors and nurses are held hostage.

HURFOM calls for health workers to be protected to ensure they are able to freely and safely continue their urgent work. Their rights as medical professionals and innocent civilians must be enforced. In addition, HURFOM also calls upon international donors and aid agencies to support EHOs who are working tirelessly to treat IDPs and human rights defenders who are in hiding.

The Burma Army has single handedly derailed the country and all prospects for peace and tranquility. Despite their quest for a dictatorship, human rights are not debatable. On World Health Day and every day, it must be made clear that civilians are not a target.

Media Contact

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

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News