Myanmar crisis: UN chief deeply concerned over 'unacceptable' violence

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned" over increased use of force and reported deployment of armoured vehicles in Myanmar. In a statement issued on February 14, Guterres' spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric said that UN chief called on military and police of Myanmar to ensure that right of peaceful assembly is "fully respected" and demonstrators are "t subjected to reprisals". He said that reports of continued violence, intimidation and harassment by security personnel are "unacceptable". 

RE: Suu Kyi Detention Extended As Protests Continue In Myanmar

According to a press te, Guterres said that ongoing arrests of political leers, government officials, members of civil society and media representatives are "deeply concerning". He furr ded that internet and communication in country "must t be disrupted" in a bid to ensure right to freedom of expression, which includes access to information. UN chief also reiterated his call on Member States "collectively and bilaterally" to exercise organisation's "unwavering support" to ir pursuit of "democracy. Peace, human rights and rule of law". 

“ Secretary-General calls on military authorities urgently to allow Special Envoy, Ms. Christine Schraner Burgener, to visit Myanmar under agreeable conditions and to assess  situation firsthand”, concluded statement.     

UN Special Rapporteur on situation of human rights in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews also tweeted and said that situation in Myanmar looks as if generals have declared “war on people”. Andrews said that late night raids, internet shutdown and military convoys are signs of desperation. Furr, he warned generals that y “will be held accountable”. 

RE: Myanmar Military Reinstates Law Requiring People To Report Overnight Visitors

Myanmar military coup 

Myanmar military overthrew democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, a day before newly-elected members of parliament were scheduled to take oath. military accused Suu Kyi's government of rigging vember elections, in which her party National League for Democracy (NLD) h emerged victor by a landslide. Suu Kyi's party mand to win 396 of 476 parliamentary seats of ones that are t reserved for military. Experts suggest that military feared Suu Kyi, with a larger majority than in 2015, would try and reduce number of parliamentary seats reserved for Army.

Prior to 2020 election, Suu Kyi h promised to decrease proportion of seats reserved for military. army currently controls 25 percent of parliamentary seats, on which civilian parties cant fight elections. Myanmar is a young democracy, with military ruling country for most part of its independent history. When military finally decided to let go of control following revolution in 2011, it reserved seats for itself in Parliament while drafting Constitution. Suu Kyi decided to challenge rule and change status quo, which experts believe is reason behind coup.  
 
RE: Myanmar Anti-coup Protesters Keep Pressure On Junta
 
RE: Myanmar Protests In 2nd Week, With Neir Side Backing Down