December 1, 2023

As Burma Reaches a Tipping Point, the U.S. Can Help Ensure Democracy Prevails

On October 27, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (TBA) launched a coordinated offensive – called Operation 1027 – against Burma’s military. The TBA, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA), has gained significant ground in northern Shan State. With the assistance of allied People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), the TBA has captured more than 200 military outposts, police stations, and strategic positions, and established control over several towns and key highway junctions along the China-Burma border. Hundreds of junta soldiers have surrendered to alliance forces. Concurrent with Operation 1027, allied resistance forces launched offensive attacks against junta positions in other parts of the country, including Karenni (Kayah)Chin, Mon, Kayin, and Rakhine States, as well as Sagaing and Mandalay Regions. In response, the State Administration Council (SAC), as the junta calls itself, held an emergency National Defense and Security Council meeting on November 8, where the military-installed president warned that Burma was at risk of breaking apart and declared martial law in eight townships in Shan State. 
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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.