The Human Rights Foundation of Monland Condemns Increasing Violence Against Civilians in Mon State, Burma
December 29, 2023
[For Immediate Release]
Ongoing violations of human rights are being perpetrated by the Burma Army with impunity in Mon State. Between November and December 2023, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) reported a steady increase in crimes against civilians. These violations include arbitrary arrest, destruction of properties, indiscriminate firing of weapons and interrogations that resulted in death. In December 2023, HURFOM documented that 22,000 people in Mon State were forcibly displaced, at least 22 people were injured, and 10 were killed.
Most recently, according to a statement from residents and the Karen National Union, Thaton district, nearly 1,500 people have fled due to artillery weapons launched by the military during a battle at the Win Tar Pan camp near Win Tar Pan village, Bilin Township, Mon State.
The following are cases recently reported by the HURFOM. We strongly condemn these attacks and express our utmost concern for those on the ground who are impacted by the ongoing violations of human rights and call for their immediate protection.
Two sisters arrested by junta in Kan Bauk
December 25, 2023
HURFOM: On December 21, 2023, soldiers from Mawrawaddy Navy Command arrested two sisters from Kan Bauk Town, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division.
Both 30-year-old Ma NawN aw Shein and Ma Maw Maw Shein operated a beauty salon in Hle Gone Ward, Kan Bauk Town.
Read morePregnant woman killed by artillery explosion in Thaton
December 22, 2023
HURFOM: On December 19th, 2023, even though there were no armed clashes in the area, the military junta intentionally targeted Kyone Main village, Kaw Hline village tract, located in Thaton Township, Mon State.
Read moreJunta arrests Chair of a social welfare association for social media comments
December 21, 2023
HURFOM: On December 16th, 2023, Daw Saw Su Su Htwe, the Chair of “Shin Tan Chin Twelve Lat” Social Welfare Association, based in Thu Dhamma Watti New Town, Thaton Township, Mon State was arrested, according to a source close to her family members.
Read moreGAD vice chief and two staff arrested by junta in Thanbyuzayat
December 21, 2023
HURFOM: On December 17th, 2023, the Vice Chief of the Thanbyuzayat Township General Administration Department (GAD) and two staff were arrested by the military junta after being accused of sharing information with the People’s Defense Forces.
Read moreSecurity forces conduct more interrogations and extort Mawlamyine residents
December 20, 2023
HURFOM has learned military junta soldiers and the police have been interrogating and extorting money from local motorists and motorbike riders in Mawlamyine, Mon State.
Security forces stationed at junctions in the city stop motorists to check ID cards and driving licenses. They also open motorbike tool boxes. The stops are followed by efforts to extort money, say Mawlamyine residents.
Read moreFour residents arrested by junta in Kan Bauk
December 20, 2023
HURFOM: On December 17th, 2023, a man and three women from Kan Bauk Town, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division were arrested by the military junta in their home at midnight.
Read moreMore than 30,000 residents flee and 100 homes damaged in Kaw Ka Rate battle
December 20, 2023
Since December 1st, 2023, there has been an ongoing battle between the military junta and the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army in Kaw Ka Rate Town, Karen State. More than 30,000 residents fled their homes and roughly 100 houses were damaged.
Read moreYoung Yebu villager arrested by junta still not released
December 20, 2023
HURFOM: On November 14th, 2023, military forces entered Kyauk Sake Gone village, Nyin Htwe village tract, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division and arrested 10 young men.
Read moreArmed groups extort money from rubber plantation workers in Thanbyuzayat
December 19, 2023
HURFOM: Local people have reported to HURFOM that armed groups active along the Thanbyuzayat – Ye Highway Road have been extorting money from rubber plantation workers.
According to the sources, each plantation worker had to pay 30,000 MMK.
“30,000 MMK per worker – They gave us a receipt saying we must show the receipt when another group checks us. I think it’s an annual fee,” said an extorted rubber plantation worker.
Read more