UN Report: Myanmar Military Killed Over 700 Civilians During Six-Month Election Period

Yangon. The United Nations has stated that the Myanmar military killed more than 700 civilians during a six-month election period last year. According to a new report released by the UN Human Rights Office, credible sources have confirmed that at least 702 people died between August and January. Among those who lost their lives were 224 women and 153 children.

This report covers the six months following the Myanmar military's seizure of power by overthrowing the democratically elected government five years ago, after which it announced a so-called election, excluding major opposition parties. This election process was criticized worldwide as a 'farce' because opposition parties were not allowed to participate.

The report warns that the suffering of millions of people in Myanmar is worsening due to a decline in international aid. Civil war, which began after the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced so far. Large parts of the country are still under the control of armed opposition groups.

According to the UN, airstrikes by the military have become the biggest cause of destruction and civilian suffering. The Sagaing region, where the military is trying to establish its control, has become the most dangerous for civilians, with 191 deaths, including 60 women and 30 children. Last October, in an attack by the military on civilians gathered in front of a school in Chaung-U, Sagaing, 23 people, including four children, were killed and more than 60 were injured. 'At that time, civilians had gathered with candles to celebrate a Buddhist festival, demand the release of political prisoners, protest mandatory military conscription, and reject the military election,' the report states.

Similarly, in December, military aircraft bombed a tea shop in Tabayin, Sagaing, where people had gathered to watch a football match, killing at least 19 people.

The report also mentions the Arakan Army's forced recruitment of minority Rohingya community members into the military, their killings, arbitrary arrests, and sexual violence.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said, 'The people of Myanmar have suffered enough at the hands of the military, and it seems they have also been forgotten by people outside the country.' He stated that the reduction in local aid amidst continuous targeted attacks is like adding salt to the wounds of the citizens.

Five years ago, the military seized power by imprisoning democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Although rebels achieved significant success in some areas two years ago, the military has now pushed the rebels to a defensive position in most parts of the country by increasing mandatory military conscription and drone power.

Last April, General Min Aung Hlaing, who staged the coup, became president himself. The results of this election were almost predetermined, as voting could not take place in many areas due to the civil war, and popular parties were banned. Myanmar's parliament is now filled with loyalists of the president, with 25 percent of seats reserved for the military, while the military's USDP party won about 80 percent of the remaining seats.