December 10th marks the 75th Human Rights Day and activists are calling for organizations committing human rights violations across the country to take responsibility for their actions.
Nai Aue Mon, head of the Human Rights Foundation of MonLand, stated that armed organizations should cease fighting, refraining from firing mortar shells, small arms, and laying landmines that threaten the public.
“It is a crime for armed individuals to engage in conflict with the civilian population. These situations are no longer forgivable; those responsible must be held accountable for their transgressions. I encourage more people who have been violated to speak out,” he added.
In 2023, apart from Bilin, territorial instability and conflicts escalated in Kyaikto in northern Mon State and in Kyaikmarraw Township, which borders Karen State. There have been over 200 bombing attacks by military aircraft, added Nai Aue Mon.
“We are at risk of losing our lives at any time. People can lose their lives without any warning. There’s no time to flee. It happens in a matter of seconds, and before you hear a sound, the weapon has already fallen. These unpredictable situations have also occurred in our Mon region,” he said.
According to data from the Human Rights Foundation of MonLand, since the February 2021 military coup, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mon State, southern Karen State, and northern Tanintharyi is estimated to be between 50,000 to 90,000.
In 2023, the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) reported an escalation in the military junta’s mortar shelling and airstrikes across the country, leading to yet more civilian casualties. These attacks also caused significant damage to crucial public infrastructure, including schools, clinics, hospitals, and religious buildings.
According to KHRG records, the military junta conducted at least 95 airstrikes in southeastern Burma in 2023, resulting in more than 134 civilian casualties and injuries. Additionally, 249 mortar shells were fired, leading to at least 38 civilian casualties and injuries.
