Ceasefire Violations Persist Amid Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts
Despite a declared ceasefire aimed at facilitating earthquake relief, fighting continues in Myanmar, raising concerns about humanitarian access. Reports from the UN Human Rights office indicate that the military has conducted at least 14 attacks since the ceasefire was announced. The ongoing conflict complicates efforts to assist those affected by the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which has left thousands dead and many more in urgent need of aid.
Military Actions Contradict Ceasefire Agreement
Since the ceasefire was declared on April 2, fighting has erupted between the military junta and rebel groups. The military accused two rebel factions of launching attacks, while one rebel group claimed their actions were defensive, responding to military offensives. Major General Zaw Min Tun, the military council spokesman, stated that the military would retaliate if their bases were attacked without justification. This ongoing violence undermines the ceasefire’s intent and raises questions about the military’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to military operations, emphasizing the need for a focus on assisting those impacted by the earthquake. He urged for unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to affected regions. The civil war, which has persisted since the junta’s coup in 2021, complicates the situation further, as ethnic militias and resistance forces continue to clash with the military.
Earthquake Aftermath and Humanitarian Crisis
The official death toll from the earthquake has reached 3,564, with over 5,000 individuals injured and 210 still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, with workers recovering bodies from collapsed structures in Mandalay. However, rain over the weekend has hampered these efforts, complicating the already challenging situation for rescue teams.
Humanitarian access remains severely restricted due to longstanding military-imposed limitations. The UN Human Rights office reported that while some progress has been made in areas where access was granted, many severely affected regions remain inaccessible to emergency assistance. Local residents have been left to organize aid efforts on their own, highlighting the dire need for external support.
Urgent Needs and Ongoing Challenges
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, speaking from Mandalay, emphasized the urgent needs of the affected population, stating they require food, water, electricity, and shelter. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing aftershocks, including a recent 4.9 magnitude quake, leaving communities traumatized and in a state of uncertainty. Before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were already in need of assistance. The combination of the earthquake, ongoing conflict, and pre-existing humanitarian crises has created a compounding disaster. The international community is urged to respond swiftly to provide the necessary aid and support to those affected by this multifaceted crisis.
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