On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Burma. Between March 28 and March 31, the Burma military carried out several artillery and ground attacks across Burma, including in the areas devastated by the earthquake. The junta’s jets targeted civilians while people lay under the rubble, injured, traumatized, and dying. Among these attacks, two junta jet aircraft bombed the vicinity of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) Brigade 8 area in Mohnyin, Kachin State. Theseattacks have resulted in the deaths of civilians and obstructed critical rescue and relief efforts.
The Kachin Alliance strongly condemns these atrocious attacks. It is especially abhorrent that the junta continues its offensives amid a devastating humanitarian crisis. There are also reports of blockages of aid and rescue efforts by the junta. At a time when the priority should be saving lives and providing urgent assistance, the junta callously continues its airstrikes and artillery attacks.
The junta’s ongoing attacks and airstrikes in Burma are appalling and in violation of international humanitarian principles. This longstanding impunity must end immediately. We demand that the junta cease all attacks, and allow unhindered access for emergency rescue and relief efforts.
The junta’s past behavior demonstrates a clear pattern of misuse and exploitation of aid for its own gain. As such, we are deeply concerned about channeling aid through the junta. International actors must ensure that aid reaches those in need and is not manipulated, diverted or weaponized by the junta. Achieving this requires careful consideration of alternative aid delivery channels, such as local community-based organizations, ethnic service providers, and cross-border networks, which have a proven track record of delivering aid effectively.
The ultimate goal of humanitarian aid is to alleviate suffering and protect human rights. This mission is undermined when aid falls into the hands of a repressive regime. The international community must take a firm stand against the junta’s exploitation of aid and ensure that assistance is used to empower and support the people of Burma, not to further their oppression.
Communities across Burma are leading rescue and relief efforts for those affected by both the devastating earthquake and the junta’s attacks. We urge the U.S. government, the international community, and our friends around the globe to stand in solidarity with the people of Burma and provide the much-needed support during this time of devastating crisis.
Kachin Alliance
Washington D.C., USA
PDF File: Airstrike during Earthquake
