Myanmar’s military is upping its use of uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs) after suffering heavy losses from opposition forces’ use of the capability. Having purchased UAVs from China and Russia, the
Sept 26 (Reuters) – Myanmar’s ruling military on Thursday urged its armed opponents to abandon what it called “terrorism” and join the political fold in a general election next year,
Rebel groups have rejected a peace offer from Myanmar’s embattled junta, which is reeling from battlefield losses and defections in a civil war that has dragged on for more than
Killing of Civilian, Mass Arson, Unlawful Recruitment in Rakhine State Human Rights Watch: August 12, 2024 A family who fled from Buthidaung, Myanmar, at a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar,
A rebel soldier patrols an abandoned house in Loikaw, Myanmar. January 31, 2024. (Adam Ferguson/The New York Times)] By: Jason Tower, country director for the Myanmar program at the U.S.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis is widespread but varies geographically, as humanitarian outcomes and responses depend on the varied ways in which the junta has targeted civilians, local capacities for delivering
BANGKOK — Anti-junta forces captured a vital town near Myanmar’s heartland this week, bolstering their position against the military junta. The offensive, in northern Shan state, involved a coordinated effort
By David Rising July 5 2024 BANGKOK (AP) — New fighting has broken out in northeastern Myanmar, bringing an end to a Chinese-brokered cease-fire and putting pressure on the military
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.
