A/HRC/43/59
Rakhine State, including those sheltering in other villages, monasteries and religious
buildings. The majority of the displaced are ethnic Rakhine, while an estimated 1,800
people, mainly ethnic Chin, are displaced within Chin State. In January, it was reported that
soldiers from Tatmadaw Light Infantry Division 66 destroyed a temporary displacement
site in Myebon, firing shots in the air to oust the internally displaced persons and giving
little reason or warning to the camp organizers.
45.
On 3 February, a total suspension of mobile Internet services was reimposed in
Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung and Myebon in Rakhine and Paletwa in Chin for three
months, as a “security requirement” and for the “public interest”. These townships had
already been subject to an Internet shutdown from June to August 2019. Persons in the
towns of Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw and Minbya have been deprived of access to
mobile Internet services, indefinitely, since June 2019. The shutdown severely impacts on
the fundamental rights of more than 1 million people. The Government has failed to justify
the blanket shutdown as being necessary and proportionate, and it may amount to collective
punishment. The Special Rapporteur is deeply troubled to have received reports that
security operations in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung have escalated in February
2020, with some civilians killed and dozens injured. Thousands of people fled their villages
in Buthidaung and Rathedaung, as well as Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U, townships amid daily
shelling, which is reported to have set fire to many homes. On 13 February, 21 Khami
children in Kha Mawe Cahung village, Buthidaung, were injured after their school was
reportedly shelled.
46.
Strictly enforced curfews imposed in all conflict-affected townships since April
2019, adding to those already in place in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung, have a
far-reaching impact on rights, livelihoods and services, including health care and education.
Restrictions on humanitarian access have been imposed by the Government since January
2019, which has exacerbated the effects of the conflict.
47.
There have been many reports of indiscriminate fire and fighting in close proximity
to villages causing multiple deaths of and injuries to civilians, including children. Reports
have also been received of arson in villages. In December, Tatmadaw soldiers are reported
to have entered Satetara village in Minbya Township firing their guns, reportedly killing a
woman. The soldiers then reportedly beat the village administrator to death. The body of
the Kyaukmaw village administrator, who had been visiting, was also found. Investigations
must be carried out by the Government into all these incidents, and perpetrators held to
account.
48.
By November 2019, the number of people arrested for alleged association with the
Arakan Army reportedly reached over 500 in Rakhine State. The Special Rapporteur is
concerned about allegations of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment in custody,
with several deaths in custody in Rakhine State reported in 2019. She is also very
concerned about the family members of senior Arakan Army members, including those
residing outside Myanmar, being targeted for arrest for political purposes. She has received
reports of the Arakan Army kidnapping local officials, including the administrator of Taung
Shey village, Myebon Township, on 21 February.
49.
The escalation of conflict has led to a significant rise in the use of children by the
Tatmadaw, including for digging trenches, building fences, carrying bricks, clearing bushes
and harvesting fields. The Special Rapporteur notes that recruitment and use of children by
the Tatmadaw represent violations of the country’s international obligations and the Child
Rights Law of 2019 and, as such, perpetrators must be held accountable.
2.
Kachin and Shan States
50.
War crimes and crimes against humanity are alleged to have been perpetrated in
Kachin and Shan since 2011. In September 2019 the Tatmadaw did not renew its unilateral
ceasefire in five regional commands that included northern Shan State. The Brotherhood
Alliance – comprising the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, the Arakan Army and
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army – has announced its unilateral ceasefire
extends until 25 March 2020.
10
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