The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of human rights in Myanmar. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently addressed the Human Rights Council, spotlighting the extreme sentencing of journalist Ko Swe Win, who was imprisoned for 20 years for reporting on the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been under multiple economic and military sanctions after its armed forces, also known as the Tatmadaw, violently seized power in the country’s February 1, 2021 military coup. Since then, the situation has been further aggravated by the recent sentencing of journalists, activists, and protesters.
Ko Swe Win was sentenced to 20 years in prison for reporting on the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, which hit Myanmar in 2008. He was arrested in 2017 for seven reports that he published while working as the editor for Unity News, a local Myanmar media outlet. According to Guterres, Swe Win was “arrested and sentenced as a result of peaceful activities.”
The UN chief criticized the violation of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country. He stated that such action “endangers the whole of Myanmar, which is in the midst of a political crisis, and plays into the hands of those who promote violence and attacking responsible journalism.”
Guterres also expressed his concern about the alarming rate of human rights abuses in Myanmar, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and violence against minorities. He called for an end to the “state-sponsored violence” and stated that the international community must affirm the primacy of human rights and the value of independent journalism.
The current situation in Myanmar has been met with international condemnation and alarm. Several countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have imposed sanctions on the country. The UN Security Council has also urged the release of the political prisoners in Myanmar, including Swe Win and other jailed journalists and activists.
The imprisonment of Ko Swe Win, as well as political activists and voices of dissent, is a clear violation of basic human rights. Such actions seek to silence the press and prevent critical conversations about the situation in the country. It is essential that the international community continues to stand in solidarity with the citizens of Myanmar and ensure that their voices are heard.