In the aftermath of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand, human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International are urging Myanmar’s military junta to facilitate relief efforts. As of today, the official death toll stands at 2,065, though experts caution that these figures could rise significantly without prompt humanitarian intervention.
The junta, having requested international aid, continues to impose restrictions that impair effective relief operations. The nationwide curfew deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic remains in effect, and there are ongoing airstrikes targeting civilian areas impacted by the earthquake. The situation is compounded by media blackouts and unreliable government accounts, which obscure the full extent of the disaster.
The conflict in Myanmar has persisted since the Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Myanmar, took control in a 2021 coup d’état. In response to the recent disaster, resistance movements such as the National Unity Government have declared a partial unilateral ceasefire to support relief efforts. However, the junta, under President Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership, has reportedly continued its military operations, dismissing the proposed ceasefire.
The junta has a history of obstructing aid efforts, drawing criticism for their mishandling of previous natural disasters, as seen during Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and Cyclone Mocha in 2023. On both occasions, the junta restricted visa issuance for international aid workers and withheld essential supplies.
HRW has appealed to the junta to adhere to international law by allowing humanitarian access and channeling donations through independent local organizations rather than government-controlled channels. For additional details, refer to the full article on JURIST.