The UN’s Human Rights Council has given a media statement regarding the military coups in Myanmar- find out more

Since the beginning of the year, Myanmar has been having issues with political stability and national security. The military staged a coup against the elected Government of Aung Sang Suu Kyi while capturing her and a number of important members of her party. They established military rule by cutting off the populations access to multiple social media platforms. There have also been reports of citizens being harassed by the military.

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world. On Sunday, February 28th, they released their media statement regarding the issue.

At least 18 people were killed & 30 wounded in #Myanmar today. “We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar & call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protestors," says spox Ravina Shamdasani 👉https://t.co/nqhVYtXZfv pic.twitter.com/sAvKPwR4F7

— UN Human Rights Asia (@OHCHRAsia) February 28, 2021

The statement, or “Comment” has been given by UNHRC spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.

The statement reads: “Throughout the day, in several locations throughout the country, police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that – according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office – has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded. Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku. Tear gas was also reportedly used in various locations as well as flash-bang and stun grenades.”

It also severely condemns this use of violence and force by the military: “Use of lethal force against non-violent demonstrators is never justifiable under international human rights norms.”

With 18 people killed and over 30 injured, the UNHRC calls attention to the issue while concluding: “We reiterate our call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, including members of the democratically elected government. The international community must stand in solidarity with the protestors and all those seeking a return to democracy in Myanmar.”

You can read the full statement here.