Junta blocks humanitarian aid to millions displaced in Myanmar

The junta in Myanmar is blocking the distribution of humanitarian aid to millions of displaced people and refugees at risk across the country, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported today.

According to a report released today by the NGO, the junta and security forces in recent months have imposed restrictions on the movement of workers in humanitarian organizations, blocked roads and barred the passage of humanitarian convoys, destroyed civilian equipment, attacked to workers in aid organizations and have blocked telecommunications.

"The generals are rudely depriving them of vital assistance to people affected by the post-military conflict, apparently as a form of punishment," said Sina Bauchner, an HRW Asia researcher.

The Myanmar army ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. Since then the country has been plunged into chaos and violence. Myanmar's army launches violent attacks on junta protesters and civilians across the country. According to HRW, more than 284.000 people have been displaced since the coup, and an estimated 22.000 refugees have sought refuge in India and Thailand.

"Governments need to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to facilitate, not block, the reliance on millions of people to survive. "Regional organizations and donors should work closely with local organizations (…) to ensure that aid reaches those in need and is not wasted by the generals," Bauchner said.

The Association for the Aid of Political Prisoners (AAPP) has announced that more than 10.700 civilians have been arrested and 1.300 killed by security forces since the coup.

(ΚΥΠΕ -ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ- dpa- Spuntik / ΗΦ)