Market airstrike underlines ‘grave plight’ of Myanmar civilians, says UN

GENEVA: The United Nations rights chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern on Tuesday over a deadly airstrike carried out by Myanmar's military on a market and adjacent bridge in Kyauktaw, western Rakhine State. This airstrike, which claimed the lives of 50 people, exposed the "grave plight" faced by civilians amidst the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.

The airstrike, one of the deadliest recent incidents in the conflict, occurred on Monday, raising serious questions about adherence to international humanitarian law during military operations.

Turk emphasized the importance of respecting principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack. He stressed that warring parties must adhere to these principles to avoid causing unnecessary harm to civilians. The market and adjacent bridge had become a bustling hub of trade since the start of the civil war in Myanmar following a military coup in 2021. The area is currently controlled by the Arakan Army, an ethnic rebel group.

Turk highlighted the dire situation of civilians in Myanmar, stating that the country has been plagued by violence and widespread human rights abuses. He pointed out that reports continue to surface of arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances, forced labor, and forced recruitment, particularly impacting the Rohingya minority. Both the army and the Arakan Army have been accused of these violations.

Rakhine State, where the market attack took place, has borne the brunt of the conflict, with nearly half a million people displaced as a result. The region remains largely isolated from the rest of Myanmar, controlled by the Arakan Army, who possess a fleet of fighter jets provided by Russia and China. Turk's statement underscores the urgent need for clarity on the conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.