By Kien-Ling Liem, Editor, Trinity College Student
On February 1st, 2021, the Myanmar military took control of the nation once again. Ever since, the people have been in constant fear from the people that were supposed to protect them. A full, detailed outline of events since then is linked here.
In 2008, the military drafted the country’s constitution, the most notable part being Article 417, which allows them to take over in cases of emergency. Myawaddy TV stated that the cause of emergency was the coronavirus crisis and the government’s failure to postpone the November elections.
Despite the sudden surge of military control, Myanmar’s community stayed strong and were prepared to fight for their freedom. Workers that were necessary for a society to function, such as hospital workers or lawyers, quit their jobs to boycott the military, symbolising their frustration. As long as the military is in power, they will refuse to work for them. Unfortunately, the protests have not mixed well with the pandemic - with hospital workers quitting their jobs and more people on the streets, coronavirus cases have surged.
Image via CNN
Ever since the takeover, food insecurity has swept the country. Ko Win Naing Tun, interviewed by Frontier, states that those who could previously afford to eat pork is now forced to switch to fish paste and vegetables. Those who can survive on smaller diets ‘now can only afford to eat white rice with salt’. Daw Wah Wah, a food vendor, reported that price increases mean that customers cannot afford a modest bowl of dried fish. He is unable to even sell it at 500 kyats (US $0.33) per bowl.
They live in fear: they do not know what will happen to them, or what the future for the country holds. On Sunday 30th, June 2021, there have been over 152 explosions and bombings at 32 locations across Myanmar. The bombings seem to be caused by the military, individuals and defence forces. RFA reports that there were 171 mine attacks in March and April, and more than 140 in the first three weeks of May. It is important to note that these bombings are caused by different people, and set in schools, homes, hospitals and police stations. Both the military and the NUG (National Unity Government of Myanmar) deny involvement.
Today, on Friday 4th June, 2021, the internet was cut off from 5.00 - 6.00pm. The CRPH (Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Myanmar), had their first press conference scheduled at 5pm, and this was likely the military’s attempt to interfere. Since the first takeover in February, the junta (military) have constantly been shutting down internet and mobile services, and even setting out punishments for people who use the internet. Myanmar has been infamous for restricting the press, and this is exhibited in their internet prohibitions and lack of local reporting.
How can we help?
Donate to credible fundraisers:
Support the Civil Disobedience Movement in Myanmar
All proceeds will go towards supporting doctors, medical staff and protesters that have put their life on the line to stand against injustice. This is an official GoFundMe.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-civil-disobedience-movement-in-myanmar
International Rescue Committee: Help People Affected by Conflict Now
The International Rescue Committee is an organisation dedicated to serving and helping people going through hardships such as refugees. In over 40 countries, they have aided crisis-affected people in rebuilding their lives.
https://help.rescue.org/donate/myanmar?ms=ws_country_myanmar
Sign petitions!
Petitions are the easiest way for an issue to gain international recognition. They take only a minute out of your day and really make more impact than you think.
Impose sanctions on Myanmar due to the military coup.
*This petition can only be signed by British or UK citizens. When this petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond and potentially reinstate sanctions to help citizens. At 100,000 signatures, the situation will be up for debate in Parliament.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/573943
INVOKE THE GENOCIDE CONVENTION AGAINST MYANMAR FOR THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE!
This is a change.org petition.
Min Aung Hlaing: Stop the Ethnic Cleansing in Myanmar now
Amongst the military takeover, the crackdown on Rohingya refugees has taken a turn for the worse. Sign this petition to help them!
https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/help-stop-the-violence-in-myanmar/
Share as much as you can:
Instagram pages to follow:
@documentingmyanmar --> documenting crimes against the people during military rule in Myanmar
@bif_mm --> The Burma Impact Fund
@listenupmyanmar --> An NGO fighting for a united Myanmar (fundraiser coming soon)
@ourfightforfreedom --> raising awareness of the fight from freedom in Myanmar
Wow wow and WOW!! I learn so much from reading your article than reading the news lol. Thank you for putting so much effort in your research and writing. Well done!!