Bloodshed in Bago Subdued Water Festival in Myanmar and Thailand
AMBASSADOR OUSTED Myanmar military take control of UK Embassy
ISSUE 16, VOL. 10, April 15, 2021 l Issued every Thursday l mizzima.com
EDITORIAL
WEEKLY
Editor In-Chief and Managing Director udging by developments in While Myanmar has long had Soe Myint Myanmar over the last ten days, the death penalty in its penal code, the military junta appears to the country has not carried out an Contributors Jbe stepping up the violence execution in over 30 years, said Phil and the fear in order to attempt to Robertson, deputy director of the Sai Wansai, crush the country’s entrenched Civil Asia division for Human Rights Watch. Andrew Landen, Marc Jacob Disobedience Movement (CDM). He said it indicates the military is prepared to go back to a time when The bloodshed in Bago and the Myanmar was executing people. MIZZIMA MAGAZINE sentencing of 19 people to death, Neither this publication nor any using a military tribunal, demonstrates Trying cases in a military court part of it may be reproduced, a ratcheting up of pressure on the means there can be no appeals, and people of Myanmar. there are no guarantees of a free stored in a retrieval system, and fair trial in any way, shape or or transmitted in any form As we report in this issue of form, he added. The sentences could or by any means, electronic, Mizzima Weekly, the bloodshed be a tactic to force protesters off the mechanical, photocopying, worsened last week, with accounts streets and back to work, he said, as a recording or otherwise without trickling out from Bago of the nationwide boycott has brought much prior permission from Mizzima deaths of over 80 civilians in a brutal of Myanmar's economy to a halt. crackdown bringing heavy weapons to Media Co. Ltd. bear. What is clear, according to Robertson and others, is the junta Photos are by Mizzima As we attempt to keep up with core mission is to use force and Unless otherwise credited. the total death toll, it now more than violence to get everybody off the likely stands at 700 or more in what streets and to break apart the civil © 2015 MIZZIMA All rights is little short of a civil war pitting disobedience movement. Using a reserved armed security forces against a largely combination of violence, intimidation unarmed protest movement. and arrests – the arrests targeted INFORMATION and untargeted – Myanmar’s State Mizzima is owned by Mizzima Last week, an international Administration Council is seeking to Media Group in Yangon, human rights group condemned crush the freedom and democracy Myanmar's junta for sentencing 19 movement and bend the people to Myanmar. people to die, in the first known use their will. of the death penalty since the military Subscriptions and sales in seized power. What is clear is that the military Myanmar junta did not expect the massive State media reported Friday that public pushback when they executed Mizzima Weekly is currently 19 people had been sentenced to their coup back on 1 February. available as a PDF. death for robbery and murder by a military court, with 17 of them tried Now the military is demonstrating Contact: Mizzima Media Group in absentia. They were arrested in the lie that they are there to protect Email: [email protected] Yangon's North Okkalapa township - the people. Their actions street by one of six areas in the commercial hub street, city by city, indicate they are at Phone: +95-9421010100 currently under martial law, meaning war with their people. No PR spin can anybody arrested there is tried by a cover this up. military tribunal. The six townships are home to about two million people - more than a quarter of Yangon's sprawling population. mizzima WEEKLY
16 Astrological stars bring strength to NEWS & INSIGHT women in face of brutality
3 EDITORIAL 18 Myanmar group compiles junta rights abuse dossier 6 IN FOCUS 20 INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE 8 NEWS ROUNDUP US urges UN Security Council action on Myanmar 10 AMBASSADOR OUSTED Myanmar military take control of UK 21 Rights group condemns Myanmar Embassy death sentences
14 Bloodshed in Bago 22 Ambassadors to Myanmar jointly issue strongest statement to date
23 UN envoy to Myanmar still barred 10 from visit during Asia tour
24 Russia warns Myanmar sanctions could spark 'full-blown civil conflict'
25 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Arrests of Myanmar celebrities continue
26 MEDIA Myanmar youth fight internet outages with underground newsletter 14
4 April 15, 2021 28 Major new criminal syndicate 47 LAST WEEK IN NAY PYI TAW trafficking illegal Myanmar timbers into China BUSINESS 29 UN calls for countries to sign ban on anti-personnel mines 48 Singaporean businesses in Myanmar feel the pinch 32 COVID-19 UPDATE White House rules out a US vaccine 49 Small Thai firms struggle in Myanmar 'passport' 50 Korean unions decry POSCO & KOGAS 32 AstraZeneca UK vaccine trial in investments in Myanmar children paused as clot link probed 51 BUSINESS ALERTS 34 CHINA FOCUS China sentences Uyghur ex- government officials to death for 'separatism' CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
36 CENSORSHIP 52 IN FOCUS YouTube says rule-breaking videos get scant views 54 Subdued Water Festival in Myanmar and Thailand 38 IMF warns more funding needed to safeguard global economy
40 Biodiversity 'hot spots' devastated in 23 warming world
42 'Suddenly we heard people scream: Flood!' - Horror in Indonesia
44 COMMENTARY Guterres highlights power of sport for inclusive, sustainable future
46 ETHNIC NEWS ROUNDUPS
Photo of Myanmar Ambassador standing outside the Myanmar Embassy in London by EPA 54
April 15, 2021 5 6 April 15, 2021 On the road in Mandalay
rotesters take to the streets last week in Mandalay calling for justice and a return to democracy after Pthe military coup. Photo: EPA April 15, 2021 7 Pope shares solidarity with Myanmar youth as protesters decorate Easter eggs
nti-coup demonstrators in On Easter, decorated eggs became current situation to get back to Myanmar decorated boiled the latest emblem of resistance as democracy." eggs, as Pope Francis in his scores of Myanmar protesters painted Easter message expressed political messages on them and left Delivering his Easter message Asolidarity with the country's youth. them on neighbours' doorsteps. at the St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, Pope Francis singled out Myanmar Myanmar has been gripped Pictures posted on social media youth "committed to supporting by turmoil since a February 1 coup showed eggs adorned with images of democracy and making their voices ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi Suu Kyi and three-finger salutes -- a heard peacefully, in the knowledge and derailed the country's tentative protest gesture -- while others said that hatred can be dispelled only by transition to democracy. "save our people" and "democracy". love".
Security forces have sought to "I am Buddhist but I have joined Myanmar's most senior Catholic, quell a mass uprising with lethal this campaign because it is easy to get Cardinal Charles Bo, also shared an force and the death toll reached a hold of eggs. I spent almost one hour Easter message on Twitter: "Jesus has 564 as of late Sunday, according to decorating my eggs," a Yangon-based risen: Hallelujah - Myanmar will rise local monitoring group Assistance protester told AFP. again!" Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). "I am praying for Myanmar's AFP
Total to continue gas production in Myanmar
rench energy giant Total will not Hundreds have been killed in Total paid around $230 million halt gas production in coup-hit demonstrations since the military to the Myanmar authorities in 2019 Myanmar, its chief said Sunday, ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and $176 million in 2020 in the form despite growing calls for foreign on February 1, prompting widespread of taxes and "production rights", Fcompanies to sever ties with the junta calls for foreign companies to halt according to the company's own as it escalates a brutal crackdown on operations that benefit the junta. financial statements. dissent. Italy's Benetton and Sweden's It has not yet paid any taxes -- Chief executive Patrick Pouyanne H&M have suspended all new orders worth around $4 million per month said Total had a duty to stay the course from the country and French energy -- to the military since the putsch, because gas it produces supplies giant EDF suspended its activities, because the banking system in the electricity to millions in Yangon as well including a $1.5-billion project to build country has ceased to operate, as western Thailand. a hydroelectric dam. Pouyanne said.
"Can a company like Total decide Demonstrations against the He said Total had decided not to to cut off the electricity supply to coup -- supported by a widespread put the taxes into an escrow account millions of people -- and in so doing, strike by civil servants -- have crippled saying it could put local managers at disrupt the operation of hospitals, Myanmar's economy, leaving gas risk of being arrested and imprisoned. businesses?" he said in an interview exports as one of the junta's main with the Journal du Dimanche. sources of revenue. Total would donate the "equivalent" of the taxes it will Pouyanne said he was "outraged The military-controlled owe the Myanmar government to by the repression" in Myanmar but Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise organisations working on human would refuse to "act to the detriment has partnerships with Total and US rights in the country, Pouyanne added. of our local employees and the rival Chevron and generates annual Burmese population who are already revenues of around $1.0 billion from AFP suffering so much." the sale of natural gas.
8 April 15, 2021 South Korea considering Myanmar travel ban
he government could consider reported. So far, a total of 411 out of some banning travel to Myanmar and 3,500 South Koreans living there arrange additional temporary The government has helped have returned home on those flights, flights to help South Koreans organize one or two temporary flights according to the official. Tleave the country if the political unrest a week from the Southeast Asian there worsens, a foreign ministry nation since the Feb. 1 military coup Another 274 people will be flying official said Monday, Koreabizwire that plunged the nation into turmoil. home this week, the official said.
Is Australia finally stepping up to the plate on Myanmar?
he Australian Embassy in Special Envoy’s recent warning pressure from local and global human Myanmar joined 11 other to the UN Security Council that ‘a rights activists, Payne announced embassies this week signing a bloodbath is immanent.’ Indeed, the suspension of Australia’s limited heartfelt statement in support as one commentator observed, the military engagement with the Junta. Tof those on the streets and putting bloodbath is happening. their lives on the line for democracy This move came after it appeared and freedom. Australia’s co-signing of the that the Australian Government’s Embassies statement parallels the was unable to secure the release of This is the second statement Australian defence force’s co-signing respected economist and advisor to released by the twelve embassies of the Joint Chiefs of Defence letter Aung San Suu Kyi, Professor Sean in Myanmar. Their 12 February to the military junta released on 27 Turnell who was arbitrarily detained in statement was conventionally directed March. Naypyidaw on 6 February. state-to-state calling on the military junta ‘to refrain from violence against This was a powerful message to By 9 March, the military junta demonstrators and civilians, who the military junta as Asian countries announced it had charged Turnell are protesting the overthrow of their Japan and Korea were signatories. The under the colonial era official secrets legitimate government.’ last time a joint statement by Chiefs of act which carries a maximum penalty Defence was issued was 30 years ago of 14 years imprisonment. Australian Embassy’s signing of during the Cambodian Peace process. the statement aligning itself with the Despite new and increasingly Myanmar people is significant. Protocol dictates that the strong targeted sanctions imposed Australian Embassy’s signing of the by the US, UK, EU, Canada, and New The statement positions the joint statement would have been Zealand, the Australian Government Australian embassy in a more friendly pre-approved by the Australian has not revised its pre-coup sanctions and open orientation regarding the Government. However, the regime. Australia’s limited sanctions civil disobedience movement (CDM) statement’s empathetic tone contrasts fails to target Min Aung Hlaing, the and democracy activists. starkly with the overall inaction of the military’s cash cow conglomerates, Australian Government to date. the Myanmar Economic Corporation It is an effort that may alleviate (MEC) and the Myanmar Economic some frustration of Australian Australia’s Minister for Foreign Holdings Limited (MEHL) or other diplomats in Yangon in the face of Affairs and Trade, Marise Payne significant junta figures and their Canberra inaction. (pictured), has released two short families. statements since the crisis began. On The statement appears to 1 February, Payne expressed deep Other Ambassadorial signatories respond to widespread calls on the concern over the military’s seizing to the statements include Canada; the streets for R2P; desperate calls for control of government apparatus. It Delegation of the EU and European effective international action to stop was not until a 12 February statement Union Member States with presence the military regime’s continuing by Australian representatives at the in Myanmar: the Czech Republic, commitment of atrocity crimes. UN Human Rights Commission that Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, a government formally declared the Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and ‘Violence has to stop, all political junta’s actions a coup. Sweden; New Zealand; Norway; the detainees must be released, and Republic of Korea; Switzerland; the democracy should be restored,’ the Payne’s second statement came United Kingdom and the United States. statement demanded. on 7th March. Following mounting evidence of atrocity crimes and This is pertinent given the UN April 15, 2021 9 Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn gestures to journalists last week outside the Myanmar Embassy in London. Photo: EPA
10 April 15, 2021 AMBASSADOR OUSTED Myanmar military take control of UK Embassy
yanmar’s struggle for control played out on the streets of London last week after what was described as a “mini-coup” took place at the Myanmar Embassy. Britain Mcondemned "bullying" by the Myanmar junta after the country's ambassador to London was ousted in an extraordinary diplomatic coup having called for the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Diplomats loyal to the Myanmar military authorities seized control of the embassy on 7 April, leaving ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn locked out in the street.
April 15, 2021 11 The ambassador said the defence ambassador, who spent the night in deputy ambassador Chit Win as attache had taken over the mission in his car outside the embassy. charge d'affaires. "a kind of coup", two months after the military seized power in Myanmar, and "We condemn the bullying actions Myanmar's military spokesman urged the international community to of the Myanmar military regime in Zaw Min Tun confirmed the country's help his country. London yesterday, and I pay tribute foreign affairs ministry had been in to Kyaw Zwar Minn for his courage," touch with their UK counterparts in "Please assist our country Raab wrote. London over the incident. and help our country as without international assistance we will not be "The UK continues to call for an "We have sent an official able to get out of this mess," he told end to the coup and the appalling appointment letter already for Chit reporters outside the embassy. violence, and a swift restoration of Win as the chief of mission there. They democracy." have accepted," he said, adding the The junta recalled Kyaw Zwar ambassador was required to return Minn last month after he issued a UK sources said the Myanmar home. statement urging them to release Suu authorities had given official notice Kyi and deposed civilian President Win of Kyaw Zwar Minn's termination Daily protests in Myanmar Myint. as ambassador, and in line with demanding a return of democracy diplomatic policy, the government following a February military coup British foreign minister Dominic had no choice but to accept it. have rocked the country and brought Raab tweeted his support for the a brutal response from the armed The defence attache has installed
Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn stands locked out of the embassy. He spent the night in his car. Photos: EPA
12 April 15, 2021 forces, with more than 600 civilians regarding Kyaw Zwar Minn, after he Thursday on behalf of the ambassador killed according to a local monitoring was locked out of the embassy last by Min Hein, a member of the group. week. Myanmar community in London said the ousted envoy's defence attache, Kyaw Zwar Minn raised the Kyaw Zwar Minn, a former colonel Chit Win, had taken over the mission prospect he could die if he returned of 30 years standing in the military, in "a kind of coup", two months after to Myanmar. Asked if thought he spoke ahead of a meeting at Britain's the military seized power in Myanmar would be killed if went back as military foreign ministry at 1:00 pm (1200 leadership has requested, he said: GMT), and characterised the move by "We have also learned that Chit "Who knows?" the UK not to recognise him "a British Win's team are threatening embassy decision, not mine." staff with severe punishment if those Britain confirmed that it could staff do not continue to work for the no longer recognise Myanmar's He also said he was in no doubt military junta," Min Hein added. ambassador in London after the junta that the military junta in Myanmar issued a formal notification that he would regard him as a traitor because Britain has reportedly offered the had been withdrawn for supporting he condemned the recent coup. He former Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw the deposed government. added he had not been in contact with Zwar Minn safe shelter. arrested civilian leader Aung San Suu UK sources said the government, Kyi following his removal. in line with diplomatic policy, had to accede to the junta's decision In a statement read out earlier on AFP, additional reporting by Mizzima
The Myanmar Embassy takeover was described as a "mini-coup". Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 13 Bloodshed in Bago
here was shock last week after Bago, where medical treatment had the use of capital punishment reports seeped out that the been "denied' to the injured. "unacceptable". Myanmar security forces had used rifles and heavy weapons "We call on the security forces 'Fight the common enemy' Tto kill over 80 people in a district in to allow medical teams to treat the Bago city. wounded," it said. The mounting bloodshed has also angered some of Myanmar's 20 or Myanmar has been in turmoil Bago's violence will add to AAPP's so armed ethnic groups, who control since the military ousted civilian current death toll of 618 civilians killed swathes of territory mostly in border leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, since the coup. regions. with protesters refusing to submit to the junta and demanding a return to The junta has a far lower number: Unrest erupted Saturday in democracy. 248, according to a spokesman Friday. northern Shan State, as Ta'ang
After over two months of military 'They will not rule us' rule, efforts to verify deaths and Unrest also erupted Saturday in confirm news of crackdowns have the northwestern town of Tamu, near been curtailed by the junta's throttling the Myanmar-India border, where of mobile data within the country -- protesters fought back when soldiers shunting most of the population into tried to tear down barricades erected an information blackout. to protect their community. Shocking attack Two civilians were killed when Details of a brutal crackdown soldiers started randomly shooting, in the city of Bago, 65 kilometres (40 said a local, with protesters retaliating miles) northeast of Yangon, took a full by throwing a bomb that exploded day to emerge, as residents told AFP and overturned a military truck, killing of continued violence by the army over a dozen soldiers. which forced them to flee to nearby "Some are in hiding - we are villages. worried that our people will be hurt By Saturday evening, the as a reprisal" she told AFP, adding that Assistance Association of Political all Tamu's residents are calling for is Prisoners -- a local monitoring group "down with the dictatorship". tracking deaths -- confirmed "over 80 Despite the daily bloodshed, anti-coup protesters were killed by protesters have continued to take security forces in Bago on Friday". to the streets, with demonstrators AFP-verified footage shot early manifesting their discontent in Friday showed protesters hiding pointedly creative ways. behind sandbag barricades wielding In commercial hub Yangon, homemade rifles, as explosions could crimson paint - representing the blood be heard in the background. already spilled - was splashed across Authorities had refused to let the streets in view of the historic rescue workers near the bodies, said Shwedagon Pagoda. a resident. Flyers with the words "They will "They piled up all the dead bodies, not rule us" were scattered across loaded them into their army truck and Yangon neighbourhoods. drove it away," he told AFP. State-run media announced State-run New Light of Myanmar Friday night that 19 people had been newspaper on Saturday blamed the sentenced to death for robbery and crackdown on "rioters" and reported murder under a military tribunal - with only one dead. 17 of them tried in absentia.
The United Nations office in Human Rights Watch condemned Myanmar tweeted late Saturday night the sentences Saturday as a way to that it was following the bloodshed in sow fear in the anti-coup movement, as Norway's foreign minister called 14 April 15, 2021 National Liberation Army (TNLA), the anti-coup movement. military. an ethnic rebel group, mounted a pre-dawn attack on a police station, Two other outfits - the Karen An independent analyst with said TNLA's Brigadier General Tar National Union (KNU) and the Kachin the International Crisis Group, also Bhone Kyaw, who declined to say Independence Army (KIA) - have warned the council that Myanmar was more. stepped up attacks on military and "at the brink of state failure". police in recent weeks. Local media reported more than a "(The junta's) actions may be dozen police officers were killed, while The military has retaliated with creating a situation where the country TNLA said the military retaliated with air strikes in KNU's territory, which the becomes ungovernable," said Richard air strikes on their troops, killing at rebel group said has displaced more Horsey. least one rebel soldier. than 24,000 civilians in Karen state by Saturday. China and Russia wield veto State-run television reported power at the Security Council and in the evening that "terrorist armed 'At the brink of state failure' generally oppose sanctions. groups" attacked the police station with heavy weaponry and set it on fire. "Your collective, strong action But Beijing - the top ally of is needed immediately," Myanmar's Myanmar's military - has voiced The attack comes the same day Ambassador to the UN Kyaw Moe growing concern about instability, and TNLA's ally, the Arakan Army (AA) - Tun told a Security Council meeting has said it is speaking to "all parties". also a prominent rebel group based on Friday, proposing a no-fly zone, in western Rakhine state - issued a an arms embargo and more targeted AFP statement reiterating their support for sanctions against members of the
Over 80 people were reported killed in the fighting in Bago. A protestor fires a firework at security forces. Photo: Facebook
April 15, 2021 15 Astrological stars bring strength to women in face of brutality Zin Min Maung
ith the coming out of the holding a water pot in one hand and The friendship with big democratic Thingyan letter or an a flower branch in other hand while countries would be strengthened, annual prediction based riding a buffalo,” said Daw Cho, a and trade and investment would on astrological aspects mother of two, living in Yangon. be improved. People’s power and Wfor the coming year of the Myanmar activities would bring a good result calendar which begins in mid-April, “It brings a good omen that a and the aspirations of the people will Myanmar people, mostly women, peace will prevail in our country be realized. Philanthropic activities have gained strength from the soon,” she said. “According to my will be alive with more participation predictions based on the astrological experiences, a pot filled with water in from the people.” aspects of Myanmar astrologers the hand of the god of Sunday Planet amidst the military’s crackdown on means clashes and brutal crackdown “According to this prediction for the people. will end soon,” she said, hopefully. Tagu month, I am confident that our country will be reeling back to normal While trying to summon up The Thingyan letter for the after new year’s day,” Daw Cho said,” the strength from the optimistic 1382 ME predicts for every month. Not only the Thingyan letter, other predictions of the astrologers since Its prediction for Tagu (which starts astrologers have predicted that the coup, some Myanmar women are in mid-April and the beginning our country will recover from bad looking to the predictions for hope. month of Myanmar calendar) says situation after 12 April.” “With high prestige and success at “The god of Sunday Planet will home and abroad, the image of the Like other women, Daw Cho and descend to the human abode while country will be higher and improved. neighbouring housewives have been
Looking to astrologers for answers. Photo: Zin Min Maung
16 April 15, 2021 struggled for a livelihood since the COVID-19 pandemic which started to hit Myanmar in March 2020.
The military coup on 1 February was another blow to lives of the people given the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another housewife operating a teashop together with her husband is Daw Moe, 52, living in Bago, about 50 miles northeast of Yangon.
She put high hope on the vaccines to recover from the pandemic because her business has been damaged by the pandemic.
“I felt hopeless when the coup Seeking advice from an astrologer. Photo: Zin Min Maung happened. I gained strength from predictions of the astrologers,” said Daw Moe while browsing posts on her Facebook. “Whenever I see optimistic predictions for the country’s future I shared it to others so that they can also gain strength.” The military coup on 1 February Daw Moe has also sought strength from a man and she called was another blow to lives of the him “special customer” because his wife is a professional traditional astrologer. Whenever he came to her people given the problems caused tea shop to sit for tea, she requested him to tell her what his wife translated by the COVID-19 pandemic. concerning the stars of Myanmar and the public movement.
“Whenever he conveyed a good message from his wife that the people will win in this revolution, I feel that I escaped from choking with stress for a while,” said Daw Moe.
Special instruction from local astrologer 70 in Bago noticed that five planets received phone calls from his friends came to close together on 27 January asking about the country’s situation. Meanwhile, a group of women and another planet “Tuesday” came went to a prominent traditional to the group, forming a six cluster of After the deadly crackdown, the astrologer in their circle of planets on 9 February. people turned to black clothes and a acquaintances for several times to black campaign against the military translate the stars of the country’s Then, the astrologer wrote a post junta and also hoisted black flag giving leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the on his Facebook Page and warned the message to the troops that they country. the people to take care of themselves will abandon peaceful protest and will starting from 3 March as the stars are fight back against them. They conveyed the optimistic pointing out that atrocities and killings massages from the astrologer to will happen. According to the astrologer, the their friends and requested them to six planets which came close together follow the special instructions of the “The dark plane has formed will depart from each other as from astrologer in attempts to turn the between the Rahu Planet and Keith 14 April and Myanmar will return to country’s dark star to bright. planet. It reflects that brutal activities normal as from 18 April. or atrocities will happen. These “I offered six red Thitsarpan two planets encourage wars and “It means people will win in the (Truth) flowers to the Buddha and I bloodshed. Due to the effects of the revolution and those who did brutal solemnly made a wish for escaping dark plane between the two planet, killings will drop down after our new from the rule of the military as soon as I predicted that black colour would year,” he said. possible by swearing by my morality,” be popular among the people and said Daw Htay. the death toll will be high,” said the Many may be looking to the stars astrologer on condition of anonymity. and astrologers for salvation, but it is Myanmar’s star to shine? unclear how the situation will roll out in the coming weeks and months. A prominent astrologer aged over After his FB post, the astrologer April 15, 2021 17 Myanmar group compiles junta rights abuse dossier
group representing prisoners in custody, torture, illegal With many protest supporters Myanmar's ousted civilian detentions and disproportionate use and NLD activists now in hiding to government said last week it of force against peaceful protests, the escape arrest, the junta is increasingly has gathered 180,000 pieces statement said. taking their family members hostage, Aof evidence showing rights abuses according to AAPP. by the junta including torture and Demonstrations calling for the extrajudicial killings. return of democracy and the release UN meeting of Suu Kyi from detention have rocked The country has been in turmoil Myanmar almost daily since the coup. International powers have voiced since the army deposed civilian anger and dismay at the junta's brutal leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February Civil servants, doctors and other approach, and imposed sanctions on 1, with nearly 600 people killed in a key workers have downed tools as key officials. crackdown on anti-coup protests. part of a civil disobedience movement aimed at preventing the military from But while the UN Security Council The Committee for Representing running the country. has condemned civilian deaths, it Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) - a group has stopped short of considering of MPs from Suu Kyi's party -- said its In response, the security forces sanctions. lawyers would meet UN investigators have used rubber bullets and live to discuss alleged atrocities rounds to break up rallies and Both China and Russia have come committed by the junta. detained thousands of activists, some out against sanctions, arguing they in night raids. risked making the situation worse. "CRPH has received 180,000 items of evidence. This evidence shows The Assistance Association for And so far, the diplomatic widescale abuses of human rights Political Prisoners (AAPP), a local pressure appears to be having little by the military," the group said in a monitoring group, says 581 civilians effect, as deaths and detentions statement. have been killed in the crackdown and continue every day. more than 2,700 arrested. They include more than 540 The CRPH, which claims the right extrajudicial executions, 10 deaths of Nearly 50 of the dead were to speak for the country instead of children. the junta, said its lawyers are to meet the UN's Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar on Wednesday.
"This meeting is intended to discuss the modalities of dialogue and cooperation between Myanmar The Committee for Representing (acting through CRPH) and the IIMM in relation to the atrocities committed by the military," the statement said, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) - a group without giving details of when and where the meeting would take place.
of MPs from Suu Kyi's party -- said its Rights group Amnesty International last month reported lawyers would meet UN investigators to that the junta was using battlefield weapons on unarmed protestors and carrying out premeditated killings discuss alleged atrocities committed by orchestrated by their commanding officers. the junta. The growing bloodshed has prompted warnings that Myanmar could slide into broader civil conflict, particularly after 10 ethnic rebel armies came out in support of the protest movement.
As well as breaking up protests and making arrests, the security forces have also sought to shut off news of the crisis. 18 April 15, 2021 Internet access has been publishing on Twitter. in the November election which Suu throttled, and independent media Kyi's party won comfortably. outlets raided and shut down. The military insists that it is responding proportionately to what it AFP In response, some activists have says are violent, armed protesters. started a daily two-page newsletter called "Voice of Spring", rounding It has defended seizing power, up independent media reports and pointing to allegations of voting fraud
Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 19 INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE US urges UN Security Council action on Myanmar
he United States on 9 April "Will the Council quibble over this horrible situation," said Estonia's demanded swift action from language in yet another statement ambassador, Sven Jurgenson. the UN Security Council on or will we act to save the lives of the Myanmar amid a push for a Burmese people?" she said, using Russia and China both hold veto Tresolution to pressure the military Myanmar's former name of Burma. power and have historically opposed junta to restore democracy. international sanctions, although Estonia, a non-permanent Beijing -- the military's primary ally -- "The military needs to feel the member of the Security Council, has voiced increasing concern about cost associated with its horrific said that the 15-nation body needed the instability in its neighbor. actions. The stability and prosperity of to start drafting a resolution that the region depends on swift action," could include sanctions on Myanmar The military on February 1 US Ambassador Linda Thomas- including an international arms toppled democratic leader Aung Greenfield told a Security Council embargo. San Suu Kyi and has since violently meeting. suppressed pro-democracy protests, "The United Nations Security with the United Nations saying that "The military has ignored our Council is the only entity in the world, more than 600 people have died. condemnations, posing a test for the which has the legitimate power to Security Council," she said. protect nations at risk and must AFP explore every tool in its toolbox to end
The UN Security Council meets. Photo: EPA
20 April 15, 2021 Rights group condemns Myanmar death sentences
n international human about two million people -- more and violence to get everybody off the rights group condemned than a quarter of Yangon's sprawling streets and to break apart the (civil Myanmar's junta Saturday population. disobedience movement)," Robertson for sentencing 19 people said. Ato die, in the first known use of the While Myanmar has long had death penalty since the military seized the death penalty in its penal code, Norway also reacted to the death power. the country has not carried out an sentences on Saturday, calling them execution in over 30 years, said Phil "unacceptable and a deeply worrying Myanmar has been in turmoil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia development". since civilian leader Aung San Suu division for Human Rights Watch. Kyi was ousted on February 1, with "Norway strongly urges Myanmar security forces killing more than 600 "It indicates the military are not to carry out the executions, to people as protesters refuse to submit prepared to go back to a time when stop the violence and allow the UN to military rule. Myanmar was executing people," he Special Envoy to visit," said Norwegian said. foreign minister Ine Eriksen Soreide in State media reported Friday that a tweet. 19 people had been sentenced to Trying cases in a military court death for robbery and murder by a means there can be no appeals, and United Nations officials say the military court, with 17 of them tried in there are "no guarantees of a free and special envoy, Christine Schraner absentia. fair trial in any way, shape or form", he Burgener, is in neighbouring Thailand added. hoping to enter Myanmar for face- They were arrested in Yangon's to-face meetings with the generals to North Okkalapa township -- one of six The sentences could be a tactic negotiate a path out of the crisis. areas in the commercial hub currently to force protesters off the streets and under martial law, meaning anybody back to work, he said, as a nationwide The junta has so far refused her arrested there is tried by a military boycott has brought much of entry. tribunal. Myanmar's economy to a halt. AFP The six townships are home to "Their core mission is to use force
Protesters in California speaking out against the Myanmar military junta. Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 21 Ambassadors to Myanmar jointly issue strongest statement to date
n a statement released last week, Their statement referred to the and democratic Myanmar, where the Ambassadors to Myanmar decried deaths of those killed by Myanmar rights and the potential of all people the deaths of over 600 civilians security forces since the military coup, can be fully respected and developed." while protesting for “hard-won which took place on 1 February. Idemocratic rights and freedoms.” "Violence has to stop, all political “We are humbled by their detainees must be released and Those in the statement included courage and dignity. We are united to democracy should be restored.” ambassadors from Australia; Canada, accompany the grief of their families EU, Czech Republic, Denmark, and friends." The statement appeared this Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the morning on social media accounts of the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, New The Ambassadors stated, "(w) various signatories. Zealand, Norway, South Korea, e stand together to support the Switzerland, United Kingdom and the hopes and aspirations of all those United States. who believe in a free, just, peaceful
UK Ambassador Dan Chugg
22 April 15, 2021 UN envoy to Myanmar still barred from visit during Asia tour
UN Envoy to Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener, left, with Aung San Suu Kyi. Library photo by AFP
he UN envoy to Myanmar is generals but added that there had effort involving neighboring countries expected to begin a tour of been no telephone conversations for who can leverage influence towards Asia in the coming days but is weeks. stability," he said. still barred from visiting the TSoutheast Asian nation, in turmoil The goal is to resume "face to According to diplomats at the after a military coup, a spokesman face" discussions, he said. UN, Asean countries at times have said last week. divergent positions on Myanmar. "She is ready to visit Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener will any time," said Dujarric, recalling "At one end, there are Thailand, start her trip in Thailand and will also that with the support of the Security Laos and Cambodia, who are in the visit China, UN spokesman Stephane Council she wants to meet detained mode of 'back off, there's nothing to Dujarric said, but did not give details civilian leaders, including President see, it's a question of internal politics,'" on dates and any other country that Wint Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi. one diplomat said. might be on the agenda. The envoy will begin her tour in "And at the other end, Singapore, He said the junta in Myanmar Bangkok where she will meet Thai Malaysia or Indonesia, who are more has not yet given Burgener a "green authorities, UN officials in the region open to a more active role of Asean to light" to visit the country, where and ambassadors accredited to try to find a solution to this crisis." hundreds have died in mass protests Myanmar, said Dujarric. demanding a return to democracy An Asean summit on Myanmar is after the February 1 putsch. Discussions are underway for a scheduled for the end of the month. visit to other member countries of the "She, of course, stands ready to regional association Asean, and states The UN Security Council is set to resume dialogue with the military to in the region, the spokesman also meet informally Friday on the initiative contribute to a return to Myanmar's reported. of Britain to hear, among others, democratic path, peace and stability," Daw Zin Mar Aung, an elected civilian Dujarric said. "As she has highlighted member of Myanmar's parliament, repeatedly, a robust international and an academic, Sai Sam Kham. He said Burgener continued to response to the ongoing crisis in be in written contact with Myanmar's Myanmar requires a unified regional AFP
April 15, 2021 23 Russia warns Myanmar sanctions could spark 'full-blown civil conflict'
ussia said last week it opposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and derailed unanimously "expressed deep sanctions against the junta the country's experiment with concern at the rapidly deteriorating in Myanmar, warning that democracy. situation." punitive measures could spark Ra large-scale civil war in the country. According to a local monitoring Russia has sought to develop ties group, more than 550 people have with the military junta and Russian "A course towards threats been killed in anti-coup unrest. deputy defence minister Alexander and pressure including the use Fomin joined last month's annual of sanctions against the current International powers have sought parade showcasing Myanmar's Myanmar authorities has no future to pile pressure on the military military prowess. and is extremely dangerous," news by hitting its sprawling business agency Interfax quoted a Russian interests, which include the lucrative As the regime held the parade foreign ministry spokesperson as jade and ruby trade. for Armed Forces Day more than a saying. hundred people were killed. But so far neither sanctions nor Such policies would "push the calls for restraint have shown any At the parade Russia showcased Burmese towards a full-blown civil sign of holding back the junta as it its equipment including T-72 tanks, conflict." struggles to quell the widespread MiG-29 fighter jets and Mi-24 unrest. helicopters. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 1 coup ousted civilian Last week the UN Security Council AFP
Moscow. Photo: AFP
24 April 15, 2021 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Arrests of Myanmar celebrities continue
popular poet and comedian is wanted for arrest, some of whom In the article, he describes his time the latest in Myanmar to fall have since been detained, according in prison and told Index: “Freedom of foul of the military junta. The to Index On Censorship. speech and freedom of expression military, led by General Min is very important for our country, for AAung Hlaing, has recently targeted Popular comedian, poet, actor openness and transparency.” poets, comedians and celebrities in and director Maung Thura, known order to silence protest against its commonly as Zarganar, was arrested “Over the 40 years [of the last power grab following democratic and detained on 6 April without military regime], we were living in elections last November in which charge. Zarganar spoke to Index On a dark room. People could not see Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League Censorship in 2012, a year after his us,” he said. “Free art, free thought, for Democracy party won a landslide release from an earlier 59-year prison freedom. It is very important.” victory. sentence imposed in 2008 by the former military dictatorship in the Zarganar is just one of a growing The military authorities recently country. number of celebrities that the military published a list of 120 celebrities junta is putting behind bars.
Zarganar has been arrested. Photo: Mizzima
April 15, 2021 25 MEDIA
Myanmar youth fight internet outages with underground newsletter
yanmar youth are Molotov to appeal to young people. fighting the junta's internet shutdown and "This is our response to those who information suppression slow down the flow of information - Mwith an explosive underground and that's a threat to us," he told AFP. printed newsletter they are secretly distributing across communities. Thousands of readers across the country are downloading the PDF For 56 days straight there have version of the publication and printing been internet outages in coup-hit out and distributing physical copies Myanmar, according to monitoring across neighbourhoods in Yangon group NetBlocks. and Mandalay and other areas.
The country has been in turmoil Lynn Thant is conscious of the since democratically-elected leader risks involved. Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted in a February 1 coup, triggering a mass Police and soldiers arrested more uprising that has resulted in a brutal than 3,000 people since the putsch, security crackdown and more than according to local monitoring group 700 civilian deaths. Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Thirty-year-old Lynn Thant, not his real name, started the underground About 180 high profile celebrities newsletter and gave it the edgy name including actors, singers and social media influencers are on an arrest
The underground newsletter is being shared widely. Photo: AFP
26 April 15, 2021 warrant list and could face three falls. This Molotov newsletter will The country has a long history of years' jail if convicted of spreading continue to exist until the revolution is underground publications attempting dissent against the military. successful." to circumvent junta suppression.
"If we write revolutionary He said the publication had a Independent media is under literature and distribute it like this, reach of more than 30,000 people threat, with 64 journalists arrested we could end up in prison for many on Facebook so far and the main since the coup and 33 still in years," he said, his face concealed audience was Generation Z activists. detention, according to monitoring by one of the Guy Fawkes masks group Reporting ASEAN. popularised by the dystopian movie "V Copies of the newsletter are also for Vendetta". being distributed under the radar at The junta has also revoked the produce markets. licences of five media outlets including "Even if one of us is arrested, Mizzima. there are young people who will carry Myanmar lived under military rule on producing the Molotov newsletter. for 49 years before it transitioned to AFP, additional reporting by Even if one of us is killed, someone democracy in 2011. Mizzima else will come up when someone
One of the editors of the underground newsletter, hiding his identity behind a mask. Photo: AFP
April 15, 2021 27 Major new criminal syndicate trafficking illegal Myanmar timber into China
espite meaningful efforts by tonnes of wood worth tens of millions and warehouses to process timber, China to stem illegal timber of dollars. presumably on order from traders in trafficking from Myanmar, a China. sophisticated new criminal While enforcement in China has Dnetwork is openly smuggling timber significantly affected the criminal Further information indicates across the Myanmar-China border, syndicates in Myanmar almost that a new syndicate is now involved according to the Environmental halting illegal logging in Kachin State, in the processing and transporting of Investigation Agency (EIA). criminal syndicates have now shifted the timber led by Mr Da Shi Naw, this operations to the Government- operation involves at least five other The syndicate named by EIA controlled Sagaing Division. sawmill owners – Ah Chying, Ah Ba, is headed by a Mr Da Shi Naw and Kawn Gam, Kyang Hpang and Sham involves at least five other sawmill EIA alleges a significant cut of this Maw. owners in the processing and money is being taken by the Myanmar transportation of the timber, from Forest Department and military, who EIA argues that, “the sheer scale which the military junta continues to at various stages demand taxes, road of this operation can only take place benefit financially. fees and bribes. with the knowledge and involvement of the State.” Scrutiny on the trade over the The agency also outlined how the last decade and increasing action European Union, Asian and US-based Since the 1 February coup, it by Chinese authorities have led to traders’ further profit from this crime has been impossible for timber the slow of illegal timber trafficking through illegal importation practises monitors to continue working with through the border town of Ruili in aimed at skirting regulations. local partners and Forest Department Yunnan province. officials to strengthen forest Following the military coup on governance. The agency has called on Action taken by the Chinese 1 February, EIA alleges the Dazu China to increase its monitoring and authorities included a seizure in syndicate had resumed operations enforcement action. August 2019 of more than 100,000 on the China-Myanmar border and expanded to now include sawmills
Trucks carrying cargo at the China-Myanmar border. Photo: Supplied
28 April 15, 2021 UN calls for countries to sign ban on anti-personnel mines
N Secretary General Antonio a Vietnamese diplomatic source said. He said these are "the greatest Guterres has called on The southeast Asian nation, scarred threat" to UN forces in Africa, from countries that have not done by the Vietnam War in the 1960s and Somalia to Mali. so to sign an international 70s, needs decades to get that work Utreaty banning anti-personnel mines. done, the source said. "New explosive threats are emerging in the Central African The accord, which went into Signatories are expected to have Republic and the Democratic Republic effect in 1999, bans the acquisition, ceased production and development of the Congo," he said. production, stockpiling and use of the of anti-personnel mines, destroyed weapons. their stockpiles and cleared all their "Landmines, IEDs and explosive mined areas within 10 years of remnants of war represent the worst The countries that have not ratifying the treaty, although this of humanity. But efforts to eradicate signed up include the United States, timeframe can be extended. them reflect humanity at its best. China, Russia, India, Iran, Israel, Let us today commit to intensify Myanmar, North Korea and Vietnam, Children playing outdoors in our efforts to rid the world of these which called for Thursday's debate. former war zones are among the inhumane threats," said Guterres. main victims of anti-personnel mines "More than 160 states are party around the world. The weapons can The council later approved a to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban be small and rudimentary or terribly statement saying it was "deeply Convention. I call on those that have destructive. concerned" by anti-personnel mines. not yet acceded to the convention to do so without delay," Guterres Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh, a It "emphasizes the importance said during a Security Council debate Vietnamese official working to rid of mine action and the need to after a short video featuring the actor the country of mines, was warmly enhance international efforts in this Daniel Craig, who works for the UN applauded after addressing the field, particularly in situations of drive to eradicate anti-personnel Security Council -- a rare overt show of armed conflict. The council also calls mines. approval by members. upon member states to comply with their respective international treaty "Our main worry is that this In his speech Guterres also obligations related to mine action." convention only gives a short amount warned against development of of time for neutralizing mined areas," improvised explosive devices (IEDs). AFP
Mine-clearing team being given instructions in Cambodia. Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 29 COVID-19 UPDATE White House rules out a US vaccine 'passport'
he White House last week "The government is not now, Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. ruled out imposing any form nor will be, supporting a system of a coronavirus vaccine that requires Americans to carry a So-called vaccine passports, passport in the United States, credential. There will be no federal showing that someone has been Tbut said private businesses were free vaccinations database and no federal inoculated against Covid-19, have to explore the idea. mandate requiring everyone to obtain been touted around the world a single vaccination credential," Press as a potentially powerful tool in
Fears are being voiced that the Western world may have draconian tracking systems imposed, such as the Social Credit System in China. Photo: EPA
30 April 15, 2021 The idea has prompted widespread pushback over concerns due to potential privacy or other civil rights abuses.
safely reopening countries to mass will be issuing "guidance" with gatherings and travel. "important answers to questions that Americans have in particular around However, the idea has prompted concerns about privacy, security or widespread pushback over concerns discrimination." due to potential privacy or other civil rights abuses. "Our interest is very simple from the federal government, which is Psaki said that the strongest Americans' privacy and rights should interest comes from private be protected, and so that these businesses looking to reopen sites systems are not used against people where "there are large swaths of unfairly," Psaki said. people," like in stadiums or theaters. AFP She said the government
April 15, 2021 31 AstraZeneca UK vaccine trial in children paused as clot link probed
British trial of the AstraZeneca The university, which helped Medicines and Healthcare products coronavirus vaccine on develop the embattled vaccine, said Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before children has been paused, in a statement that there were "no restarting the study. Oxford University said last safety concerns" in the trial, but Aweek, as global regulators rush to acknowledged fears over a potential "Parents and children should assess its possible link to rare blood link to clots by saying that it was continue to attend all scheduled visits clots in adults. awaiting additional data from Britain's and can contact the trial sites if they
Alarm is growing over the rising cases of adverse effects, including death, arising from the experimental COVID-19 vaccines. Photo: EPA
32 April 15, 2021 It is the latest drama to hit AstraZeneca, which has been embroiled in controversy over its failure to deliver promised doses to the European Union, and over the jab's efficacy and safety profile.
have any questions," it added. "In my opinion, we can say it now, it is clear there is a link with It is the latest drama to hit the vaccine," Cavaleri told Italy's AstraZeneca, which has been Il Messaggero newspaper in an embroiled in controversy over its interview. "But we still do not know failure to deliver promised doses to what causes this reaction." the European Union, and over the jab's efficacy and safety profile. Germany and France have both restricted use of the vaccine to older The MHRA is one of many bodies people over fears that younger across the globe analysing real world recipients are potentially more at risk data from the AstraZeneca rollout to from clots. see if there is a definitive link between the jab and a rare form of blood clot, Britain and the vaccine's after cases were initially reported in developers had until now resisted any Norway and continental Europe. restrictions in its use, saying that there was no proof of any link. The MHRA reported over the weekend that there had been 30 Adam Finn, professor of blood clotting cases, seven fatal, out paediatrics at Britain's University of the 18 million doses administered of Bristol, said that the benefits in Britain. continued to outweigh the risks.
The European Medicines Agency "We need to know more about said Tuesday it "has not yet reached a the people affected and we need to conclusion and the review is currently understand exactly how the illnesses ongoing". came about," he said.
EU Health Commissioner Stella "If you are currently being offered Kyriakides later said that the agency a dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, was expected to make its decision your chances of remaining alive and "late Wednesday", adding that she well will go up if you take the vaccine was in "close contact" with the EMA. and will go down if you don't," he added. The statement came after the EMA's head of vaccine strategy Marco AFP Cavaleri was quoted in Italian media as saying that there was a "clear" connection and that the agency would announce it within hours.
April 15, 2021 33 CHINA FOCUS China sentences Uyghur ex-government officials to death for 'separatism'
wo Uyghur former government has been sentenced to death with a a press conference. officials in China's Xinjiang two-year reprieve on the charge of have been handed death "splitting the country", according to a Bawudun was found guilty of sentences for carrying out statement released last week on the colluding with the East Turkestan T"separatist activities", a court said, as Xinjiang government website. Islamic Movement (ETIM) -- listed Beijing comes under increasing fire for as a "terrorist" group by the United its actions towards minority groups in Bawudun had conspired with a Nations -- after meeting a key member the region. terrorist organisation, taken bribes, of the group in 2003, according to and carried out separatist activities, state news agency Xinhua. Shirzat Bawudun, a former head Wang Langtao, vice president of the of the Xinjiang department of justice Xinjiang Higher People's Court, said at The US removed the group from
34 April 15, 2021 its list of terror groups last November, violence, terrorism, and religious The United States says "genocide" saying there was "no credible evidence extremism content into textbooks in has been inflicted on the Uyghurs and that ETIM continues to exist." the Uyghur language, officials said. other Muslim minorities in the region, while Beijing has denied all allegations Bawudun also illegally proved The court said the textbooks of abuses and has insisted its policies "information to foreign forces" as had influenced several people to in Xinjiang are necessary to counter well as carrying out "illegal religious participate in attacks in the capital violent extremism. activities at his daughter's wedding", Urumqi including riots that resulted in Xinhua said. at least 200 deaths in 2009. China keeps data on its use of the death penalty secret, although The court statement said Sattar Others became "key members of rights group Amnesty International Sawut -- former director of the a separatist group" headed by former estimates the country is the top Xinjiang education department -- college teacher Ilham Tohti -- a Uyghur executioner globally -- with thousands was also sentenced to death with a economist jailed for life on separatism executed and sentenced to death two-year reprieve after being found charges in 2014. each year. guilty of crimes of separatism and taking bribes. Rights groups believe at least A death sentence with a reprieve one million Uyghurs and other is usually commuted to a life sentence. Sawut was found guilty of mostly Muslim minorities have been incorporating ethnic separatism, incarcerated in camps across Xinjiang. AFP
Protester at a rally in Turkey raising alarm over the treatment of Uyghur people in China. Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 35 CENSORSHIP YouTube says rule-breaking videos get scant view
ouTube said last week that O'Connor said. spread of misinformation and other rule-breaking videos get abuses that can cause real-world YouTube did not provide a looked at very little before harm. being removed by the Google- breakdown of which rules were being ownedY platform. violated by videos involved in the Since it started releasing calculation. community guideline enforcement YouTube added "Violative View reports in 2018, YouTube has Automated systems at YouTube Rate" to its quarterly transparency removed more than 83 million videos detect 94 percent of violating content report to indicate what percentage of and 7 billion comments, according to flagged, removing 75 percent of views come from content that violates the service. its policies, and said the figure was a it before a video gets 10 views, small fraction of a percent in the final according to the streaming platform. The VVR is calculated by sending three months of last year. samplings of videos on YouTube to Internal teams at YouTube have reviewers to determine whether they used the VVR as a metric for their "It's a very low number," violate policies in a system O'Connor efforts since 2017, and it has fallen YouTube director of trust and safety touted as statistically reliable. Jennifer O'Connor said while briefing some 70 percent as the company has journalists. invested in technology and workers "By sampling, we gain a more to catch unwanted videos, O'Connor comprehensive view of the violative "Of course we want it to be lower, said. content we might not be catching with and that's what my team works day in our systems," YouTube said in a blog More than 20,000 people at and day out to try to do." post. Google are devoted to keeping the The rate derived by sampling platform safe, she added. "We believe the VVR is the YouTube content indicated that best way for us to understand how Google and YouTube are among violating content accounted for 16 harmful content impacts viewers, and internet services that have been to 18 of every 10,000 views on the to identify where we need to make hammered with criticism that they platform, where the biggest category improvements." for rule breaking is typically spam, have not done enough to stop the
Photo: EPA
36 April 15, 2021 April 15, 2021 37 IMF warns more funding needed to safeguard global economy
Heather Scott
arning that the recovery The IMF now projects global from the pandemic growth of six percent this year after crisis is not yet over, the 3.3 percent contraction last year, the IMF last week called and credited the $16 trillion in global Won policymakers to continue to public spending during the pandemic spend money to shore up the global with keeping the worst peacetime economy and ensure no one is left recession in a century from being behind. three times as severe.
Without that aid, and additional Yellen highlighted the $1.9 financing from both the fund and trillion US aid package President Joe the World Bank, developing nations Biden signed last month, as well as and the poor in many countries his proposal announced last week to could struggle to rebound from the spend $2 trillion on infrastructure and downturn caused by Covid-19, the jobs. International Monetary Fund said at the conclusion of its spring meeting. Boosting resources
Continued support is needed to Yellen said that with stimulus "mitigate and heal economic scars," already boosting the recovery IMF managing director Kristalina from the pandemic shutdowns, Georgieva told reporters. the US economy "could reach full employment as soon as next year," "We want to make sure everybody but many developing countries do has a fair shot to a better life." not have similar resources to support their economies. That means accelerating access to vaccines and taking advantage of the Georgieva warned about a opportunity presented by the crisis to "dangerous divergence" in low-income invest in green technology, which can countries' prospects compared to create good paying jobs and address rich nations, which could worsen if climate change. advanced economies like the United States raise interest rates sooner than US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expected. joined the call, urging "significant" new spending to ensure a solid rebound She also praised the IMF from the damage inflicted by the members who agreed to allow the Covid-19 pandemic. fund to issue $650 billion in new Special Drawing Rights, an additional While the economic outlook has pool of IMF currency that will add "improved significantly," especially to nations' reserves and boost their due to substantial government ability to access financing. support, "the job is not yet done, given high uncertainty and the risk of The IMF is expected to present permanent scarring," Yellen said. a proposal to its board in June, and Georgieva said the fund is working "I urge major economies to not with rich nations to shift some of just avoid removing support too early, their share of those reserves to help but to strive to provide significant aid developing nations, which "face a amounts of new fiscal support to crucial policy transition from crisis to secure a robust recovery," she said. recovery." 38 April 15, 2021 Vaccines as economic policy vaccination... and to work toward Development. ensuring robust, equitable, and The officials again stressed that transparent vaccination deployment." Georgieva said those investments ending the health crisis remains could create jobs in growing industries central to the economic recovery, Shift to green to replace those lost in sectors that and the closing statement from the are shrinking. IMFC, the fund's steering committee, The crisis offers policymakers lamented the "uneven access to a vehicle to capitalize on the need "Climate risks are growing, vaccines." for investments to accelerate green and they are substantial for projects that can provide good-paying macroeconomic and financial stability, The committee emphasized jobs. climate action can generate green "the need for strong international growth and green jobs," she said. cooperation to accelerate vaccine "Government efforts to support production and support affordable the recovery need to take advantage The IMF and World Bank have and equitable distribution to all." of the opportunity to accelerate the also announced plans to intensify transition towards a low-carbon the focus on green investment and Yellen pledged US support for economy and limit the long-term climate-friendly aspects of their vaccine rollouts, including efforts threat from climate change," said lending programs. to "make sure financing does not Angel Gurria, head of the Organization become an obstacle for global for Economic Cooperation and AFP
Badly thought-out lockdowns and restrictions imposed by governments to combat the COVID-19 virus spread have badly affected economies around the world. Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 39 Biodiversity 'hot spots' devastated in warming world Marlowe Hood
nless nations dramatically climate change than more widespread improve on carbon cutting flora and fauna, and 10 times more pledges made under the likely than invasive species. 2015 Paris climate treaty, Uthe planet's richest concentrations of Trapped in an enclosed sea animal and plant life will be irreversibly ravaged by global warming, scientists "Climate change threatens areas warned Friday. overflowing with species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world," An analysis of 8,000 published said lead author Stella Manes, a risk assessments for species showed researcher at the Federal University of a high danger for extinction in nearly Rio de Janeiro. 300 biodiversity "hot spots", on land and in the sea, if temperatures "The risk for such species to be rise three degrees Celsius above lost forever increases more than preindustrial levels, they reported in 10-fold if we miss the goals of the the journal Biological Conservation. Paris Agreement."
Earth's surface has heated up More and more scientists 1C so far, and the Paris Agreement concede that capping global warming enjoins nations to cap warming at at 1.5C target is probably out of reach. "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. But every tenth of a degree National commitments to slash matters when it comes to avoiding greenhouse gas emissions -- assuming impacts, they say. they are honoured -- would still see Some concentrations of wildlife temperatures soar well above 3C by are more vulnerable than others. century's end, if not sooner. In mountain regions, 84 percent So-called endemic species -- of endemic animals and plants plants and animals found exclusively face extinction in a 3C world, while in a specific area -- will be hit hardest on islands - already devastated by in a warming world. invasive species - the figure rises to From snow leopards in the 100 percent. Himalayas and the vaquita porpoise "By nature, these species cannot in the Gulf of California to lemurs in easily move to more favourable Madagascar and forest elephants environments," explained co-author in central Africa, many of the Mark Costello, a marine ecologist planet's most cherished creatures from the University of Aukland. will wind up on a path to extinction unless humanity stops loading the Marine species in the atmosphere with CO2 and methane, Mediterranean are especially the study found. threatened because they are trapped in an enclosed sea, he added. Endemic land species in biodiverse hot spots are nearly three Overall, more than 90 percent times as likely to suffer losses due to of land-based endemic species, and
40 April 15, 2021 95 percent of marine ones, will be been habitat loss due to expanding not be able to act as species refugia adversely affected if Earth warms urban areas, mining and agriculture, from climate change," said co-author another two degrees, the international on the one hand, and hunting for food Mariana Vale, also from Federal team of researchers found. and body parts to sell on the black University. market, on the other. Safe havens not so safe Even before the impact of A key strategy in the face of global warming has truly kicked in, In the tropics, two out of three this onslaught has been carving out scientists have ascertained that Earth species could perish due to climate protected areas, especially around is at the outset of a so-called mass change alone. biodiversity hot spots. extinction event in which species are disappearing at 100 to 1,000 the The findings may impel But these safe havens may be of normal, or "background", rate. conservationists to rethink how to little use in the face of global warming. best protect endangered wildlife. There have been five previous "Unfortunately, our study shows mass extinctions in the last 500 million Up to now, the main threats have that those biodiversity rich-spots will years.
Photo: EPA
April 15, 2021 41 'Suddenly we heard people scream: Flood!' - Horror in Indonesia
Pedro Paolo
omeless, injured, and with his The 60-year-old was asleep with forever. daughter dead, Sugeng stares his family on Sunday night as torrential blankly as he comes to grips rain battered the community at the "Suddenly we heard people with the devastation left by eastern end of the vast archipelago scream 'flood!'" said Sugeng, who like Hfloods and landslides on Indonesia's nation. many Indonesians goes by one name. Adonara island. In seconds, their lives changed He and his wife fled their home,
Flood victims try to deal with the flood waters. Photo: EPA
42 April 15, 2021 "We buried my daughter yesterday... I'm devastated."
but their 20-year-old daughter Indri Catholic island when tragedy struck. did not make it out alive and her body was later found on a beach. "We had rushed home from church because my elderly parents "She was trying to hold on to were there," she said. a cupboard but the current was so strong that she lost her grip," Sugeng "Suddenly I heard a thundering said. noise... and I screamed to my sleeping husband that there was a flood." "We buried my daughter yesterday... I'm devastated." Her neighbours sobbed in fear as chaos struck, while Huki's family Adonara island, home to about searched frantically around their 125,000 people, was among the waterlogged home for her nephew areas hardest hit by the floods and Yeremias. landslides that killed more than 150 in Indonesia and neighbouring East "He's still missing," she sobbed, Timor. remembering the 33-year-old she thinks of as a son. The disaster was triggered by heavy rain and wind from one of the "I want him to be found, even if region's most destructive cyclones in it's just his body... so we can lay him to years, which ripped across a cluster of rest and visit his grave. That's my only islands in the neighbouring Southeast hope now." Asian nations. With just the clothes on their Far-flung Adonara, dotted with backs, Huki and her extended family beaches and a volcano, is accessible also have to think about their own only by boat. It has no local hospital. survival in the weeks ahead.
More than 50 residents were "I need diapers for my elderly killed and a dozen were still missing parents but the stores are closed," she on Wednesday. said.
'Thundering noise' "We're all exhausted and weary. I'm not thinking about wealth and Indonesia's disaster agency possessions right now -- I just want my said it is trying to airlift the injured family to have shelter." in helicopters to a city and provide shelter for those left homeless. AFP
Among the evacuees was Elisabet Lena Huki, 61, who took refuge at a local government office with her husband, elderly parents, children and grandchildren.
She was coming back from an Easter mass on the predominantly
April 15, 2021 43 COMMENTARY Guterres highlights power of sport for inclusive, sustainable future
he United Nations Secretary- In a message commemorating sustainable development. General has urged everyone International Day of Sport for involved in the sport sector to Development and Peace, Secretary- “Those involved in sport also help advance climate action, General António Guterres highlighted have responsibilities: to reduce its Tcombat discrimination and prejudice, the power of sport to bring people environmental footprint; to meet and ensure that global sporting events together, promote healthy lifestyles, international labour standards; to leave a positive legacy. and contribute to inclusive and fight discrimination and prejudice of
Kids benefit from playing sports. Photo: UN News
44 April 15, 2021 The UN chief also noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to the sector, sport can contribute to a “safe and sustainable recovery”.
all kinds; to reject corruption; and to to work with sportspeople and ensure that major global events such organizations around the world as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic to advance climate action and to and Paralympic Games, which bring promote peace, human rights and the world together, leave a positive sustainable development. legacy”, Mr. Guterres said. “We will play and cheer again Helping a safe, sustainable when everyone is safe from the recovery pandemic.”
The UN chief also noted that while The International Day the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to the sector, sport can The International Day of contribute to a “safe and sustainable Sport for Development and Peace, recovery”. commemorated annually on 6 April, was established by the United Nations “Workers, fans and athletes General Assembly in August 2013, have felt the pain of absence, of lost to highlight the importance of sport revenue and of dreams deferred”, Mr. for promoting peaceful societies and Guterres noted. healthy lifestyles.
“But many competitions and This year, due to the coronavirus leagues have found new ways to pandemic, the International Day create opportunities for community was marked mainly through online and joy despite the crisis … as vaccines and social media events, around the spread hope and spectators begin to theme of recovery from the pandemic, return to arenas, the world of sport and the need to build back better for a has crucial contributions to make more resilient and equitable world. in forging a safe and sustainable recovery”, he said. Courtesy of UN News The Secretary-General added that the UN looks forward to continuing
April 15, 2021 45 IDPs in a camp. Photo: EPA
KAREN STATE
espite the unilateral declaration of ceasefire for one month by the Burma military junta, its troops in Karen State continue to use ground and air attacks against unarmed civilians, according to Karen media. The Free Burma Rangers, a frontline humanitarian group, reported on April 5 the military launched two airstrikes on Dwe Loe Township, Mutraw (Papun) District northern Karen State. On the same day as it announced its one-month Dceasefire, Burma Army troops indiscriminately fired mortars into villages in Lu Thaw Township. The air strikes and Burma Army bombardments that began on 27th of March in Karen State killed 30 and injured 32 Karen civilians and displaced as many as 20,000 villagers.
SHAN STATE
housands of civilians who fled from fighting between Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Burma Army in the past are worried they'll have nowhere to go if the Burma Army attacks Shan bases along the Thai border where they now live, NMG reported. Over 6,000 civilians reside in six camps for displaced civilians, and all except one are inside Burma, along the Thai border. If the Burma Army attack, villagers don't have anywhere to go except TThailand, but it is unclear if Thai authorities will accept new refugees. Sai Leng from the Shan Refugee Committee told NMG that Shan groups asked the Thai government to provide shelter for civilians if the RCSS bases are attacked but there's been no response. “At the moment, all the Shan IDPs can do is build bunkers.”
46 April 15, 2021 Photo: Hong Sar for Mizzima
Junta invites people fleeing for political reasons to come home amid crackdown
he junta’s military council invited Myanmar nationals who fled to various regions for political reasons to come back to their native lands, amid their crackdown against dissidents and arrests. A statement published by the military council, officially known as the State Administration Council, said, “Some student youths, State service personnel and citizens, evaded to areas of EAOs and foreign countries with worries because of incitement and intimidation Tof NLD members, the extremists who support that party, CRPH unlawful association, incitement of CDM and persons and organizations at home and abroad not wishing to restore peace and stability of the State.” The statement said the military council would arrange the returns of Myanmar nationals from evaded areas to various regions of the country. “Information was released that if those who evaded to various areas except the persons who committed any kinds of crime wish to return to their native lands in Myanmar of their own accord, the citizens abroad are to contact nearby ward, village, township and district administration bodies and relevant embassies, military attaché offices and consulates without facing action taken in accord with the law,” said the statement.
April 15, 2021 47 Singaporean businesses in Myanmar feel the pinch
ingaporean businesses, like report. protests. other enterprises in Myanmar, have been trying to navigate In the first few days after At the same time, the participation the turbulent waves created the coup, internet blackouts and of civil servants in the civil Sby the military coup on February 1, communication blocks set up by disobedience movement has slowed according to CNA. the military government created down the processing of permits, communication challenges between licences and other bureaucratic The firms’ operations have been Singapore headquarters and their procedures. affected in three main ways: Everyday in-country staff. The Myanmar military disruptions brought about by political government has since ordered several Banks remain closed due to protests against the coup, challenges temporary internet shutdowns. political protests on the part of bank raised by the measures taken by employees. As a result, carrying out the military government to assert CAN reports that in addition, financial transactions has become control over resistance to the coup, Singaporean businesses are in facing a challenge for all businesses in and greater scrutiny of Singaporean disruptions in workflow and cashflow. Myanmar. businesses and their links with the Many shops, factories and banks Myanmar military, according to the have been closed due to the political
Singapore. Photo: Peter Nguyen
48 April 15, 2021 Small Thai firms struggle in Myanmar
he Thai Commerce Ministry desperate after the US said earlier Mr Jurin said commerce plans to ask state-owned it would consider suspending the permanent secretary Boonyarit banks to consider granting Generalized System of Preferences Kalayanamit will act as a go-between low-interest loans to help small (GSP) programme for Myanmar, for the Thai-Myanmar Business TThai entrepreneurs in Myanmar that making Naypyitaw lose tariff-free Council (TMBC) and banks, including have been forced to temporarily close access to the US market for certain the Export-Import Bank of Thailand for almost a month as a confrontation goods, according to the newspaper. and Small and Medium Enterprise between the military regime and Development Bank of Thailand to protesters escalates, reports the Thai Commerce Minister Jurin jointly find a solution. Bangkok Post. Laksanawisit said Thai businesses in Myanmar lack the funds to support Thai manufacturers that use factories and shops and will likely Myanmar as their export base are also temporarily close.
Photo: Scott Graham
April 15, 2021 49 Korean unions decry POSCO & KOGAS investments in Myanmar
he Korean Public Service and a profit-sharing agreement with the public natural gas company that Transport Workers' Union- state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas was established by the Korean including its KOGAS branch, Enterprise (MOGE). government in 1983- first investment and the Korean Metal Workers' in Myanmar. TUnion have demanded Korean The project has been linked to companies POSCO International & forced relocation, forced labour, Korean unions have also asked KOGAS rethink its gas field project in militarisation, and sexual abuse. KOGAS re-examine its involvement in Myanmar. the Shwe gas project in accordance Discovered by a POSCO with Article18 (Reorganisation) 3 The unions demand POSCO cease subsidiary in 2004, gas from the of Korea's Subsidiary Management all contractual payments, including field is transported to China by a Regulations. dividends from the Myanmar gas pipeline that is further linked to land field project and re-examine the confiscation and conflict. According to leaked financial data, project through an investigation with POSCO International and KOGAS, appropriate follow-up measures to POSCO earned US$193.9M in respectively have shares of 51% and ensure they are not crimes against revenue for MOGE in 2017/2018 8.5% in the gas field project, have humanity in the country. alone. produced and sold natural gas since 2013 by establishing a consortium POSCO International is one MOGE is now under control of the with Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise of the Myanmar military’s closest military junta and gas is the junta's (MOGE), a national company, and international business partners, biggest source of revenue. Indian national oil and gas companies. having a presence in country since The Shwe gas project was the 1988, and operates the Shwe gas Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS)- a field off the coast of Arakan State in
Photo: EPA
50 April 15, 2021 Penrose Thitsa
People launch watermelon campaign amid rumour that China has stopped buying Myanmar watermelons
hile the unconfirmed news that China has banned watermelon imports from Myanmar were circulating, the people of Myanmar have been staging watermelon campaigns across Myanmar in various forms, according to local news reports. But watermelon traders said that the rumour that China was no longer buying Myanmar’s watermelon was false. He said that China paused buying WMyanmar’s watermelon just for a day on April 10 to conduct COVID-19 tests for their workers. So, the workers did not work on April 10 and that’s why the watermelon purchase was paused. Several people in Myanmar bought many watermelons from Myanmar farmers and gave away the watermelons to other people free of charge. Some anti-coup protesters hold placards such as “We will eat our watermelons.” Some shared their works related to the campaign on social media. While China seems to support Myanmar’s junta, many people of Myanmar are calling for a boycott of Chinese goods. So, the watermelon campaign also reflects anti-Beijing sentiment.
S&P index to remove India’s Adani Ports amid Indian company ties with junta
&P Dow Jones Indices said it has been removing India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd from its sustainability index due to the company’s business ties with Myanmar’s military, which committed human rights abuses and staged a coup in February, reported Reuters. The company has been building a $290 million port in Yangon on land leased from the military-backed Myanmar Economic Corporation S(MEC), according to Reuters. At the time of this writing, the company has yet to clarify the matter. Adani Group said late last month it would consult authorities and stakeholders on the project after human rights groups reported that its ports unit had an agreement to pay millions of dollars in rent to MEC.
April 15, 2021 51 52 April 15, 2021 Selling goods
omen selling fruit and other food in Hsipaw in Shan State. Photo: WHakan Nural April 15, 2021 53 Subdued Water Festival in Myanmar and Thailand
his year has proved to be a Thingyan is the Burmese New calculated according to the Burmese subdued one for the traditional Year Festival that usually occurs in calendar. The dates of the festival Water Festival that is held middle of April. It is a Buddhist festival are observed as public holidays annually in Myanmar, Thailand celebrated over a period of four to five throughout Myanmar and are part of Tand other neighbouring countries. days, culminating in the New Year. the summer holidays at the end of the The dates of the Thingyan Festival are school year.
Travelers wait at the northern bus terminal in Bangkok as they head home for the Water Festival. Photo: EPA
54 April 15, 2021 Typically, water-throwing or Cambodia, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, dampened by a new small outbreak dousing one another from any shape and Sri Lanka. of COVID-19 positive cases, which or form of vessel or device that saw the authorities issuing orders delivers water is the distinguishing This year, the situation is different. for people either not to travel or to feature of this festival and may be While some took the opportunity quarantine when they get to their done on the first four days of the to pray at temples in Myanmar, the destination. Thailand has largely festival. The New Year takes place at ongoing Myanmar crisis put a halt to escaped the COVID-19 pandemic virtually the same time as the new any festivities or any desire for people with only about 60 deaths. But the year celebrations of many countries to “let their hair down” as typically lockdowns, restrictions and block in South Asia like China (Dai People happens at this time of year. on international tourist arrivals has of Yunnan Province), Laos, Thailand, shattered the economy, particularly In Thailand, the holiday was the hospitality industry.
The Water Festival in Myanmar was marked by small gestures of protest against the Military junta and by people offering prayers and merit at temples. Photos: EPA/Mizzima
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