The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) stated that, following the military coup, people living in the region controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) are facing increased human rights violations by the military.
According to Saw Nanda Hsue, a spokesperson for the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), in the two years following the military coup, people have witnessed a rise in arbitrary arrests, killings, and the destruction of their homes and property by the military.
"Based on our records, we have observed an alarming increase in extrajudicial arrests, looting, and killings primarily during the period between 2022 and 2023. Particularly in areas such as Brigade 3, Brigade 6, and Brigade 5, there has been a significant occurrence of looting and destruction targeting the homes of local residents, especially those who are fleeing. They unlawfully enter people's homes, prioritizing the seizure of valuable possessions. Even worse they often resort to burning down their homes.”
KHRG also reports they are carrying out arrests and killings upon encountering people in the area. " We have noticed a rise in incidents where the public is being arrested, tortured, and killed if they are spotted in any fighting zone. These occurrences are happening more frequently,” he said.
Saw Nanda Hsue further stated that the military forcibly displaced villagers from their homes, arrested them, and employed them as human shields. In addition, airstrikes and artillery shells were unleashed, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
"These acts blatantly disregard international humanitarian law and qualify as war crimes. Consequently, We urge the international community to intensify their efforts in implementing sanctions, particularly concerning the fuel supply with a specific focus on airstrikes. We also strongly advocate for the complete cessation of military and business cooperation, accompanied by the escalation of sanctions," said Saw Nanda Hsue.
KHRG has made a plea to the international community, urging them to cut off the supply of jet fuel to the Military Council. They have also appealed for humanitarian assistance to be provided to individuals who are seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.
