UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. UN warns of escalating violence in Myanmar ahead of elections Human rights
The security and human rights situation in Myanmar is rapidly deteriorating ahead of elections scheduled for December 28, which will be held under full military control. This was announced on Tuesday by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted that citizens face threats from both the military and armed groups opposing the junta. According to him, pressure on the population is taking on increasingly cruel forms. Turk said the military should stop using violence to force people to vote, and stop arresting those who disagree with government policies.
Harsh sentences and mass detentions
According to the UN, dozens of people were detained under the so-called “election protection law”, but in reality – for expressing their own opinions. Some of those arrested received extremely harsh sentences. Thus, three young residents of Yangon were sentenced to terms ranging from 42 to 49 years for posting posters calling for a boycott of the elections. Among those arrested were famous cultural figures: director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Thut and comedian On Daing. They each received seven years in prison for “undermining public trust” after criticizing a propaganda film promoting participation in elections.
Threats against displaced persons
Human rights activists are particularly concerned about reports coming from internally displaced persons, including from the Mandalay region. Eyewitnesses said they were threatened with attacks and confiscation of property if they did not return to their homes to vote. One source said: “They are telling the displaced people, ‘Go back to the city to vote. If you don’t come back, we will continue to bomb you.'” Turk stressed that forcing people to return in unsafe conditions is a violation of international law. Armed groups opposed to the junta have also resorted to intimidation. In mid-November, nine teachers were abducted on their way to election-related training. They were later released after threats and intimidation. In mid-November, the self-proclaimed “Yangon Army” bombed several administrative buildings, injuring election officials. The group has announced its intention to continue attacks on election organizers. According to Turk, the current situation completely excludes the possibility of free expression of the will of citizens in Myanmar. “These elections are taking place in an atmosphere of violence and repression. The conditions for the exercise of freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly, which are necessary for the full participation of people in the political process, are completely absent,” the High Commissioner stated.