Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
After Coup, Myanmar Military Puts Chokehold on People’s Basic Needs
The Myanmar military has been carrying out indiscriminate attacks on its civilian populations and obstructing access to necessities critical to their survival since it seized power nearly a year ago on February 1, 2021, Amnesty International said today.
December 16, 2021
Press Release
Amid Surging Death Toll in Myanmar, End Use of Lethal Force Immediately
Responding to the reports that 18 people were killed and many more wounded as police and military forces confronted peaceful protesters across Myanmar, Emerlynne Gil, Deputy Regional Director for Research of Amnesty International said: “It is shocking and deeply alarming that the police and military responded with lethal force against entirely peaceful protesters, leading to a surge in fatalities yesterday. These protesters must be allowed to exercise the right to gather peacefully to express their opinion about the country’s current situation.
March 1, 2021
Press Release
Police Deployed Sub-Machine Guns Against Peaceful Protesters in Myanmar, Despite Denials
A young woman was shot in the head by Myanmar’s security forces during protests, Amnesty International has confirmed after investigating footage showing the attack. This evidence also contradicts Myanmar military claims that security forces were not carrying lethal weapons.
February 11, 2021
Press Release
Aung San Suu Kyi Reportedly Charged for Having Walkie-Talkies in Myanmar
Responding to news that Aung San Suu Kyi has been charged with breaching import-export laws for having walkie-talkies in her home, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Research, Emerlynne Gil, said:
February 3, 2021
Press Release
UN Security Council Must Act Urgently, Hold Military Accountable in Myanmar
Ahead of the UN Security Council’s emergency closed meeting on Myanmar today, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director of Advocacy Sherine Tadros said:Â
February 2, 2021
Press Release
Aung San Suu Kyi, others arrested in Myanmar as military coup underway
Responding to the arrest of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and others amid reports that a military coup is underway in Myanmar, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Campaigns, Ming Yu Hah, said: “The arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, senior officials and other political figures is extremely alarming. Unless those detained can be charged with a recognizable criminal offense under international law, they must be immediately released. “The Myanmar military must clarify on what legal basis they have been detained. They must also guarantee that the rights of those arrested are fully respected, including against ill-treatment, and that…
February 1, 2021
Report
Leaked documents in Myanmar reveal global business ties to military crimes
An Amnesty International investigation has exposed how international businesses are linked to the financing of Myanmar’s military, including many units directly responsible for crimes under international law and other human rights violations. Leaked official documents analyzed by Amnesty International reveal how Myanmar’s military receives huge revenues from shares in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL), a secretive conglomerate whose activities include the mining, beer, tobacco, garment manufacturing and banking sectors. MEHL has partnerships with a range of local and foreign businesses including Japanese beer multinational Kirin and South Korean steel giant POSCO. MEHL shareholder records show that military units, including combat divisions, own about one…
September 9, 2020
Report
Release Jailed Human Rights Defenders and Activists in Myanmar
Aung San Suu Kyi and her government have overseen the continuing harassment, intimidation, arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of human rights defenders and activists since coming to power in Myanmar four years ago, Amnesty International said in a new briefing published today.
April 13, 2020
Press Release
World Court Orders Myanmar to Protect Rohingya
In response to today’s ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Myanmar to take “provisional measures” to prevent genocidal acts against the Rohingya community, Amnesty International’s Regional Director, Nicholas Bequelin, said:
January 23, 2020
Press Release
Aung San Suu Kyi Denials Must Not Distract From Ongoing Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar
Responding to the statement made by Aung San Suu Kyi at the International Court of Justice in The Hague today, Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s Regional Director, said:
December 11, 2019
Press Release
Aung San Suu Kyi Appears Before ICJ in Genocide Case
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s State Counsellor and de facto head of state, is leading Myanmar’s delegation to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, to respond to a case alleging that Myanmar has breached its obligations under the UN Genocide Convention. The case was filed by The Gambia on November 11, 2019. On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Myanmar will respond to The Gambia's allegations in court for the first time.
December 10, 2019
Press Release
Military Atrocities ‘Relentless and Ruthless’ in Myanmar’s Northern Shan State
Amnesty International has gathered fresh evidence that the Myanmar military is continuing to commit atrocities against ethnic minorities in the north of the country, with civilians bearing the brunt of offensives against multiple armed groups. The conflicts show no sign of abating, raising the prospect of further violations.
October 23, 2019