Laid to waste: Motorists riding past a burnt-out building in Lashio in Shan State, following fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in the region. — AFP
THE United Nations condemned what it called the “deeply concerning trend” of spiralling violence in Myanmar, where civilians are caught between the junta and ethnic minority groups.
“We condemn in the strongest terms (the) escalation of violence that has led to heavy civilian casualties in the country in recent weeks,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres, on Monday.
Farhan said there had been “alarming reports of civilians being killed in the towns of Maungdaw in Rakhine State, and Lashio in Shan State while attempting to flee fighting.”
He said such incidents “are part of a deeply concerning trend and intensifying conflict with civilians bearing the brunt of a conflict that has offended millions of lives.”
The UN reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian property.
“The parties should also allow all communities safe access to humanitarian assistance,” Farhan said.
He added that 18.6 million people, including six million children, need this aid.
Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been mired in violent conflict between the army and its adversaries – be it from the political opposition or groups of ethnic minorities.
In recent months, the generals have suffered several setbacks of unprecedented magnitude in the border regions, facing reinvigorated armed groups, in the absence of any prospect of dialogue. — AFP
