Myanmar: A Nation Stricken by Brutality

In a world that often turns a blind eye, Myanmar has fallen victim to the ruthless grip of dictatorship. For the past two years, the country has been plunged into a humanitarian crisis as the military, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, seized power and overthrew the civilian government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. As a result, Myanmar has become Asia's Ukraine, abandoned by the West and left to suffer at the hands of a cruel regime.

The Brutality of the Myanmar Army

Min Aung Hlaing's reign of terror has resulted in a brutal crackdown on dissent. The execution of pro-democracy activists and parliamentarians, such as Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy, is just the tip of the iceberg. Over 3,000 pro-democracy demonstrators have been murdered, and the army's offensives against ethnic minorities have claimed even more lives. The United Nations reports that over 13,000 children have been killed.

In addition to death and imprisonment, the Myanmar army has forced over 1.3 million people from their homes, destroying thousands of homes and religious buildings in the process. Suu Kyi, a prominent symbol of democracy, faces 33 years in prison on false charges. Over 17,000 people have been arrested, and over 13,689 remain in jail.

Abandoned by the West

Despite the horrors occurring in Myanmar, the West has done little to help. While China and Russia continue to supply the dictatorship with arms, the free world provides little support. Sanctions have been imposed, but much more is needed.

Urgent Action is Needed

The situation in Myanmar requires immediate action. The West must cut off the lifeline to the regime and provide support to the people. Britain has already imposed sanctions on Myanmar's aviation fuel businesses, but further targeted sanctions against the military are necessary to end the flow of arms and money. The international community must also hold the regime accountable for their actions, with 16 survivors filing a complaint for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Germany. The United States has recognized the atrocities against the Rohingyas as genocide, and experts describe the violations in other parts of the country as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Lastly, we must provide aid to the people of Myanmar, including funding for local and international humanitarian groups working along Myanmar's borders to assist displaced peoples and refugees. Britain has taken a step in the right direction, and it's time for the rest of the world to follow suit.