Written evidence from Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (MYA0002)

1. About HART

1.1 Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) is a UK-based charity that works closely with local partners in Myanmar’s Chin, Kachin, Shan and Karen states.

1.2 We share the UK Government’s very serious concerns over the military’s ongoing campaign of terror against the Rohingya and other minorities. We also welcome the statements by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, who are clear in the Government’s condemnation of the coup, the killing of peaceful protestors, and the unlawful detention of political and civil society leaders.

1.3 In April 2021, one of our former partners in Myanmar, Dr. Sasa, was appointed Minister of International Cooperation and International Spokesperson for the newly-formed National Unity Government (NUG). The recommendations below reflect his urgent concerns, as well as the priorities of our existing partners and the diverse communities they represent.

2. Summary of recommendations

2.1 We urge the British Government: (a) to recognise the NUG; (b) to use its position as a UNSC member and as an ASEAN dialogue partner to ensure international recognition of the NUG; and (c) to pursue immediately the following actions:

• Impose robust, targeted sanctions that freeze the assets of not only military leaders, but also military enterprises and the junta’s major sources of revenue, including the oil and gas sector and State owned companies and organisations.
• Establish a total arms embargo against the military junta to ensure that more weapons do not get into areas already suffering military offensives against the civilian population;
• Facilitate the transfer of immediate humanitarian assistance, including cross-border aid to internally displaced peoples (IDPs) in the ethnic states;
• Refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute atrocities committed by the military, including acts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity;
• Consider whether there is a ‘responsibility to protect’ in circumstances where the military is manifestly failing, and is clearly unwilling, to protect the people of Myanmar from genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

3. Urgent considerations

3.1 The coup that took place on 1 February 2021 led to the detention of most of the political leaders who were democratically elected in the November 2020 elections, and who were due to take their seats in Parliament within weeks.

3.2 Subsequent peaceful protests have not been confined to the cities, but have taken place in towns and villages across the country, with overwhelming support across civil society and diverse communities.

3.3 As of 1 February 2021, nearly 800 civilians have been killed, including 52 children, and nearly 5000 detained (many are missing) in a violent crackdown. Our partners speak of widespread fear, detentions in the night, random violence against civilians and torture of any suspected of organising protests.

3.4 In a letter to the US Government dated 11 May 2021, Dr. Sasa warned: “Without cause, without explanation, and without even a hearing, [the military] are detaining, beating, raping, torturing, shooting and murdering innocent civilians and civil servants participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement both openly on the streets and secretly in confinement…  This should come as no surprise, however, as the terrorist Tatmadaw organisation has been weaponizing rape, murder, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing against ethnic nationalities such as the Kachin, Karen, Shan, Kayah, Mon, Rakhine, Chin, Rohingya and many, many more.”

3.5 Echoing what our partners tell us, Dr. Sasa also wrote of the junta’s ‘cut-off policy’ of the civilian population’s four essential needs: communication; support and supplies; basic necessities; and humanitarian assistance.  He added: “Violence caused by the junta is both systematic and widespread.”

3.6 On 16 April 2021, the democratically-elected leaders of Myanmar established the NUG, which is comprised of elected officials, anti-coup protest leaders and representatives of diverse ethnic minorities. It stands as a long-awaited and credible alternative to military rule. 

3.7 Dr. Sasa writes of the NUG: “This is the first time in our history that we have had such a government, for it is the people’s government.  Our priority and mission can be found at the centre of our name – UNITY.  Unity in diversity is our nation’s greatest strength and the NUG is truly a reflection of this unity… As we fill out the National Unity Government, we will be addressing a range of important issues… including protecting, promoting and respecting the rights, dignity and quality of life of our many ethnic communities. This includes the brave Rohingya people as well.”

3.8 There is an urgent need for the UK Government to facilitate and to provide cross-border food and medical aid to IDPs in the ethnic states – engaging directly with in-state leaders of ethnic groups and NGOs working with them – because aid delivered through Yangon itself will not reach the most vulnerable people in the border regions.

3.9 The military are occupying more strategic positions with armed troops and artillery, even in towns; and it has impacted on the transportation and movement of local people including IDPs. On 8 February 2021, the Joint Strategy Team, a group of local humanitarian NGOs providing assistance to people affected by armed conflict in Kachin and Northern Shan States, issued an appeal to the UN and the international community, calling for “safe and unimpeded humanitarian access” for NGOs providing assistance to IDPs and in response to COVID-19.

3.10 Meanwhile in Karen State, according to the Free Burma Rangers, over 5,000 people were displaced in the first two months of the year due to Burma Army attacks, despite a ceasefire. Over 70,000 people are displaced in Arakan State, while over 100,000 remain displaced in Kachin State and Northern Shan State. The Free Burma Rangers echoed the call for “direct humanitarian relief to the ethnic groups or cross-border relief groups who have proven track records for providing relief efficiently, accountably, and transparently.” The UK has provided cross-border aid to the internally displaced peoples in Myanmar in the past, so there is a precedent for doing so.

3.11 On 12 May 2021, the UN Working Group on Human Rights and Transnational Organisations and other business enterprises, wrote: “Because the risk of gross human rights violations has greatly increased in Myanmar, action by States and human rights due diligence by business, and investors, should be rapidly and proportionately heightened.”

3.12 The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, also said: “Businesses, both individually and collectively, should exert the maximum leverage on the military in Myanmar to halt what the High Commissioner for Human Rights has said may amount to crimes against humanity.” He added: “Information suggests that the military’s economic interests, including access to arms and technology, remain largely untouched and unchallenged by other States, and businesses operating in the country. The revenues that the military earns from domestic and foreign businesses substantially enhances its ability and capacity to carry out these grave violations.”

4. Conclusion

4.1 The above concerns and priorities were reiterated in a statement by Dr. Sasa on 13 May 2021, issued on behalf of the NUG to UK Parliamentarians (and forwarded to members of the Foreign Affairs Committee on 13 May). We urge the Committee to respond to Dr. Sasa’s statement and to consider his appeals very seriously and urgently.  

4.2 The UK Government has not made full use of its position as the UN Security Council Penholder on Myanmar.

4.3 There is a very real risk of civil war and increased bloodshed. While the UK has taken positive initial steps, we urge the Government to take more effective and urgent action.

Baroness Cox

Founder and CEO, HART

14 May 2021