UN Condemns Myanmar Military Airstrikes... "Will Hold Accountable for Violations of International Law"

The Myanmar military conducted an airstrike on the venue of the anti-junta camp's provisional government event, resulting in dozens of deaths, prompting the head of the UN human rights body to voice condemnation.

Volker T?rk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement on the 12th (local time), calling the Myanmar military's airstrike a "horrific incident."

High Commissioner T?rk stated, "It appears that students who were dancing with other civilians at the event were also among the victims," and added, "It is reported that helicopters fired at people trying to escape from the event building."

He further criticized, "The Myanmar military ignored its clear legal obligations to protect civilians and blatantly disregarded relevant international laws."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He raised his voice, saying, "Since the military takeover in February 2021, the Myanmar military must be held accountable for widespread human rights violations and abuses committed in collaboration with militias and others."

He added, "Some of these human rights violations may constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes," and expressed confidence that "the Myanmar military junta will one day be held accountable for these crimes through international judicial processes."

The Myanmar military conducted an airstrike on a hall in Kanbalu Township where the Myanmar democratic camp's provisional government event was held the previous day. At least 53 people have been reported dead and 20 injured so far, with the death toll expected to rise. There are also testimonies that fighter jets dropped bombs on the hall followed by helicopter gunfire.

Among the casualties were many women, children, and elderly people who had entered the venue to receive food provided at the event.