What’s Happening in Burma [Myanmar]
10 years ago, we began our partnership to care for refugee children from *Burma. It was then that we interviewed Dave Eubank, founder of the Free Burma Rangers, and created this video:
It’s been a decade since he shared these devastating words, and the situation in Burma has not improved. In fact, things in Burma have recently gotten much, much worse.
Though human rights abuses and genocide (toward tribal minorities and the Rohingya Muslims) never ceased, there had at least been some progress made toward democracy and peace in Burma since 2011. Aung San Suu Kyi had been released from more than 15 years under house arrest, and been given some opportunity for leadership within the country. Sanctions had been lifted (though we believe this was extremely premature). Elections were happening (though they were limited and still under control of the military junta). There was at least some hope that perhaps, democracy was possible. At the very least, the human rights abuses weren’t as blatant and widespread… and the legitimately elected party in Burma was gaining power.
That is – until they won all of the available seats in parliament during the 2020 election. Though the military junta (also known as the Tatmadaw) still retained 25% of the seats and much of the power – they refused to allow the election results to stand. On February 1st the military overthrew the democratically elected party and seized full control of the country again. Elected leaders were arrested on bogus charges; many taken in the middle of the night. The unarmed people of Burma protested peacefully, and created the CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement). The Tatmadaw responded with horrific violence.
In the past 10 weeks, more than 570 civilians have been killed at the hands of the military junta – including at least 46 children. This number may not include the ethnic minorities who are being attacked in tribal states, as bombings have increased there (including nighttime airstrikes which – according to this recent video from Dave Eubank – are the first they’ve seen in 20 years.) Villages are being bombed. The city center (Yangon) is a war zone. People are being shot inside their homes or while walking down the street. Innocent people are being slaughtered in a show of force by the Tatmadaw (military & police force in Burma).
Along with the democratically elected officials – journalists, prominent leaders, and innocent civilians are being taken by the military – a military with a reputation for their horrific treatment of political prisoners. It is difficult to get up-to-date information, as nation-wide censorship is in full force – with phone lines and internet being restricted or completely shut down for hours or days at a time.
The situation is dire for anyone who speaks out against the Tatmadaw. Even innocent civilians not involved with protests are being murdered by this violent regime. We know that the information is complex and may feel overwhelming and hard to understand – which is why we want to empower you with specific ways YOU can help now.
The Sound of Hope Executive Director and Co-Founder, Ericka Jackson, did an Instagram live to discuss more about what’s happening, which you can view here:
And as she explains above, there are 5 things you can do NOW to help the people who are enduring this horrific violence:
TAKE ACTION
#1 Sign a petition
It takes less than a minute to sign! CLICK HERE. To share the link with others, use this url: tinyurl.com/signuscb.
#2 Give a donation
Make a donation TODAY (note that it is for Burma). Our donation information can be found here.
We can also accept donations via PayPal, in our Instagram stories, and on our Facebook page. Money received will be distributed to our partners and trusted responders on the ground – providing protection and aid to those enduring violence in Burma. Tens of thousands of people are now displaced and in need of assistance – including women, children, and the elderly. Your funds will help provide food, shelter, and medical assistance.
#3 Go to a protest
Peaceful protests are happening at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm tomorrow – in Washington, DC with the US Campaign for Burma. If you are in or near DC and can participate, your presence would mean so much. Details are below, and you may also contact myradah@uscampaignforburma.org.
#4 Educate yourself
• To find out more about the history of what’s happening in Burma, watch this video, and visit this blog. We created these resources a decade ago – but much of the information still applies. You will hear first hand stories of what the military junta is capable of in our video, and get a simple breakdown of some of the most important history in our blog.
• Follow along with major news sources reporting on Burma/Myanmar – like Reuters, CNN, and the BBC (among many others.)
• Follow the organizations we trust as sources – Free Burma Rangers & the US Campaign for Burma.
• Consider following some Instagram accounts reporting and documenting what’s happening. A few we follow are: ListenUpMyanmar, DocumentingMyanmar, Spotlight_myanmar, and Instamyanmar. [Please suggest others in the comments if you know of additional accounts we should highlight.]
#5 Educate others
Once you’ve followed these accounts – SHARE the information you’re learning. INFORMATION IS POWER – that’s why the military junta continues to try to censor their people and prevent information from reaching the masses! Raising awareness is a form of protest!! So share what’s happening – and encourage your friends and followers to respond.
We beg you – please don’t sit idly by as this massacre continues, and Burma’s violent regime gains even more power. Get involved and be a part of putting an end to the Tatmadaw’s reign of terror. The people of Burma need you!
*Burma is also known as Myanmar. The ruling military junta changed its name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989, a year after thousands were killed in the suppression of a political uprising. This name change is seen as illegitimate by many in Burma, because they do not believe an unelected military regime has the right to change the official name of the country. In solidarity with those who have suffered at the hand of the ruling military junta, we choose to use the name Burma.