The United Nations’ envoy on Myanmar implored the Security Council on Wednesday to take action amid an escalating crisis in the Southeast Asian nation, warning of the risk of civil war and an imminent “bloodbath” amid a violent crackdown on anti-coup protests that has left hundreds dead.
Christine Schraner Burgener told a closed session of the 15-member Council that the generals who seized power on February 1 were not capable of managing the country, and warned the situation on the ground would only worsen, according to comments shared with reporters.
“Consider all available tools to take collective action and do what is right, what the people of Myanmar deserve and prevent a multi-dimensional catastrophe in the heart of Asia,” she said.
Myanmar: IFRC calls for greater protection of health workers and warns of a deepening humanitarian crisis
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Kuala Lumpur/Yangon/Geneva, 1 April 2021 - Two months following the military takeover in Myanmar, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply concerned about the escalating violence and mounting casualties amongst the civilian population and is warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Alexander Matheou, IFRC’s Asia Pacific Regional Director, said:
“The levels of violence and the use of lethal force that have resulted in so many casualties and grave injuries amongst the population is deeply shocking. Myanmar Red Cross first aid teams working on the frontlines of this emergency have provided care to over 2,000 people, often at great personal risk.”
BBC News
Red Cross aid workers facing intimidation in Myanmar
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Alexander Matheou, the Asia Pacific director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says aid workers are facing intimidation and attacks in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
He told BBC World News that more than 30 incidents on health workers had been recorded although most of the Myanmar Red Cross activity was being allowed. All of these incidents are worrying and we do call for all parties to recognise the impartiality of the Red Cross and to give it unrestricted access to people in crisis, he said.
Thursday, 01 Apr 2021 08:47 PM MYT
A protester, who was injured during a demonstration against the military coup, receives medical attention in a vehicle in Mandalay on April 1, 2021. AFP pic
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YANGON, April 1 Britain today ramped up sanctions against the Myanmar junta over its brutal crackdown on protests, as ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court.
More than 535 people have been killed in daily demonstrations since the military overthrew Suu Kyi on February 1, halting Myanmar’s decade-old experiment in democracy.
International powers have sought to pile pressure on the military by hitting its sprawling business interests, which include the country’s lucrative jade and ruby trade.