UN Rights Chief Expresses Horror over Reported Air Strikes in Myanmar that Resulted in 100 Fatalities

The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, expressed horror at the reported air strikes on a community hall in central Myanmar that killed dozens of people, including children. Turk accused Myanmar’s military of disregarding “clear legal obligations” to protect civilians in the conduct of hostilities and showing “blatant disregard for the related rules of international law.” The strikes occurred in the Sagaing region, an opposition stronghold, and witnesses reported up to 100 people killed. Graphic video clips circulating on social media show bodies scattered among the ruins of homes. Myanmar has been in chaos since the military seized power in a coup two years ago, and the economy is in tatters. Turk warned that the military and its affiliated militias are responsible for an extremely broad range of human rights violations and abuses and that some of those violations may constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. He believes that the international justice processes now underway will one day hold the military leadership accountable for such crimes.