OPINION – Human Rights Crisis In Myanmar, History Test For ASEAN Leaders

USMAN HAMID

AT the time when the world is busy with tackling COVID-19 pandemic, the Tatmadaw – Myanmar’s national armed forces – overthrew the civilian government and overturned election results. It happened at the cost of the lives of those who protest against the military coup, or those who were considered to be against the domination of the Tatmadaw.

Children were among the victims; children who may not understand anything about the ongoing political turmoil. The stories captured are not fully explained or recorded properly, considering the physical restrictions due to the pandemic.

However, various sources indicate more than 48 children died in the crackdown. The most widely cited source is Save the Children, a humanitarian aid organization for children based in the UK. Its data shows a rise in the number of people aged under 18 being killed by armed forces. Of the estimated 521 fatalities, almost 10% are