Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma (ND- Burma) | August 26, 2016

ND-Burma has documented 98 human rights violations in Burma in the first six months of 2016, showing a stark increase from the 84 human rights violations documented throughout the entire year of 2015.

The report highlights the escalation of killings and torture in the first six months of 2016; 15 killings and 40 cases of torture were documented by ND-Burma between January and June 2016 compared to the 11 killings and 26 torture cases documented throughout 2015. The drastic increase in these figures highlights the escalation of violence in ethnic conflict areas and reflects human rights violations perpetrated by both the Burma Army and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs).

In the report, ND-Burma acknowledged the positive steps taken by the government to attempt to resolve the ongoing conflict, announcing a ‘21st Century Panglong Conference’ to be held at the end of August 2016. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of inclusivity of the conference given reports that only Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement signatories would have decision making rights and of the Burma Army’s refusal to negotiate unless three of the EAOs agreed to disarm. The report re-iterates the importance of a fully inclusive political dialogue for achieving sustainable peace and respect for human rights.

ND-Burma urges the government to involve military representatives, all EAOs and civil society in the peace process. Moreover, given the escalation of torture and extrajudicial killings in the past six months, ND-Burma calls on the government to ratify the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol. This would demonstrate the new governments commitment to prioritize building a culture of respect for human rights in Burma.

For more information please contact:

Burma/Myanmar
Ma Su Su Swe, Advocacy Officer
Mobile: + 95 (0) 942 502 7682

Thailand
Han Gyi, Coordinator
Mobile: +66 (0) 8 196 159 92

Download the Report (PDF) in English

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