Today marks the first anniversary of the Military Takeover in Myanmar.
SAFFoRB strongly condemns the unconstitutional coup d’état executed by the Myanmar’s military one year ago, and denounces the gross human rights violations it has committed and continues to commit against the people of Myanmar, including against ethnic and religious minorities, which amount to crimes against humanity.
Since the seizure of power on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military has been committing human rights violations at large scale. The military continues to tighten its grip on power by brutally cracking down the protests with lethal
forces, and arbitrarily detaining political leaders, religious actors, activists, protesters, journalists, civil society leaders, and forcibly disappeared hundreds of people.
The military also launched series of offensive attacks against the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), Local and People Defence Forces where the military’s both targeted and indiscriminate attacks in populated areas caused civilian casualtiess, damage to civilian property including religious sites, and displacement. Among the regions most affected by this conflict are the states of Chin, Kayah, and Karen – home to ethnic and religious minorities.
Multiple news and reports including UN Fact Finding Mission and Human Rights Commissioner indicated that the military has been responsible for violations of freedom of religion or belief particularly those targeting religious and ethnic minorities with impunity for decades, and such attacks escalated since beginning of the coup. These violations include raids and attacks on places of worship, leading to damage and destruction. Some of these attacks could amount to war crimes under international law.
In other cases, the military has set up military encampments in places of worship. There have been reports of arrests of religious leaders and religious minorities, who were later prohibited from practicing their religions while in detention and some were exposed to torture and ill treatments causing deaths in custody.
SAFFoRB expresses its deep concern at the frequent attacks on protected structures such as churches, mosques, schools and medical facilities, and the arrests and killings of religious leaders.
SAFFoRB expresses its utmost support for the people of Myanmar in their struggle for democracy, freedom and human rights.
SAFFoRB calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political leaders and all others who have been arrested on unfounded accusations.
SAFFoRB calls for a firm, unified and resolute international response to pursue accountability for the Myanmar military and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
SAFFoRB working committee:
Mahendra Bhattarai
Mohammed Firthous
Masooma Ranalvi
Safina Marian
Suvra Dev Kar
Ja Seng
Samuel Jayakumar (coordinator)
1st February, 2022