UN states number of civilians killed since 2021 now 6,000
The U.N. stated on Monday that the number of civilians killed in Burma, since the 2021 military coup, has reached 6,000. It has called for urgent international action against the regime in Naypyidaw, which seized power after the coup. International human rights experts have detailed how “unlawful killings by junta forces are common and characterised by their brutality and inhumanity.”
“There are now 6,000 reminders that the international community is failing the people of Myanmar,” stated the U.N. Human Rights Council in a press release on Dec. 2. “It is time for a change, starting with moving this disaster out of the shadows of international attention.” Tom Andrews, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, called for more targeted sanctions to reduce the military’s ability to procure weapons.
Nearly 2,000 people have been killed in custody in Burma, with 365 victims executed and 215 burned alive, according to the U.N. Over 21,000 people have been arrested and jailed since 2021, with many being held incommunicado, such as State Counsellor Aung Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. The U.N. expressed alarm at the widespread use of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance to silence opposition to the military.
Regime claims no dead in navy attack on Thai boats
The regime claimed on Monday that no one was killed or injured by the Burma Navy after it opened fire on two fishing boats that had entered its territorial waters. It added that 27 Burma nationals and four Thais were arrested from 15 fishing boats for alleged ties to “terrorist groups” on Saturday. Thanathip Sawangsaeng, Thailand’s Defence Ministry spokesperson, told media that one Thai fisherman died and 31 crew members were arrested.
“We followed our procedure and conducted operations against the fishing boats that encroached Burma’s waters to fish. There were no casualties or deaths. But we are still investigating them as we found items related to terrorist groups [on their boats],” said Zaw Min Tun, the regime spokesperson, at a press conference in Naypyidaw on Dec. 2. However, he did not provide any further details.
Naypyidaw claimed that its vessel stationed in Kawthaung Township, located in Burma’s southernmost Tanintharyi Region, signaled to the 15 fishing boats that it would inspect them on Nov. 30. The regime told Thai authorities that only one Thai national was arrested but Thanathip Sawangsaeng said that Thai authorities are negotiating the release of four detainees. The regime added that it has “good relations” with the Thai military.
Presenting DVB Peacock Film Festival Dec. 8-10
The DVB Peacock Film Festival Dec. 8-10, 2024 is our first-ever event dedicated solely to showcasing the work of documentary filmmakers from Burma. Our 30 selected films shine a spotlight on under-reported stories since the 2021 military coup. These films amplify the voices of the people of Burma in their pursuit of democracy against an unrelenting military.
“It is more than just a showcase of documentaries; it’s a platform for voices that often go unheard. Through these stories, we connect, inspire, and celebrate the resilience within us all. Each film opens a window into the real experiences, hopes, and dreams of communities facing extraordinary challenges, reminding us of our shared humanity and courage,” said Chan, the film festival’s organizer.
The DVB Peacock Film Festival 2024 will feature 10 DVB Short Docs (DSDC), 10 Citizen Journalist (CJ) Shorts, and 10 news features, along with special screenings of international documentary films focusing on Burma. A food court with a variety of Burmese cuisine will be set up to tempt your tastebuds. Free filmmaking, storytelling and podcasting workshops will be hosted. We hope to see you at the DVB Peacock Film Festival.
News by Region
SHAN—One civilian was killed and three others were injured by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on Saikhun village of Pekon Township, located in southern Shan State near Karenni State, on Tuesday. Pekon is located 104 miles (167 km) south of the Shan state capital Taunggyi and 21 miles (33 km) northwest of the Karenni State capital Loikaw.
“At least 40 bombs landed [on the village] during the airstrikes. A 14-year-old boy was killed instantly,” a Pekon resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. An unknown number of homes and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp were destroyed, according to Saikhun residents.
MANDALAY—The Burma Air Force carried out retaliatory airstrikes against the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Twinge village of Thabeikkyin Township, where fighting with the military intensified last week. The TNLA called for peace talks with the regime on Nov. 25. Thabeikkyin is 89 miles (143 km) north of the city of Mandalay.
“Burma Army personnel were deployed inside the village and the resistance forces had them encircled for more than three months. The TNLA didn’t attack and offered talks. The [military] took advantage of this and launched an offensive,” Ni Ni Kyaw, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson, told DVB. TNLA-led resistance forces, including the People’s Defense Force (PDF), seized control of Thabeikkyin on Aug. 25.
ARAKAN—DVB data collected from local media outlets states that 18 civilians have been killed and 27 others have been injured by airstrikes in central Arakan’s Thandwe and Taungup townships, as well as southern Arakan’s Gwa and northern Arakan’s Maungdaw townships, in November.
“People are afraid to stay at home and have dug [air raid shelters] to flee to for their own safety,” a Thandwe resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. A total of 66 civilians were killed and at least 121 others were injured by airstrikes in October. The AA launched its most recent offensive against the military for control of Arakan on Nov. 13, 2023.
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