Ethnic Minorities and Human Rights Violations in Myanmar

Human rights violations are occurring nearly everyday in Myanmar. It is an open truth that an average Burmese suffers under the suppressive rule of the military regime. The condition of the ethnic minorities in Myanmar is much worse. The violation of human rights continues to worsen. This has been of considerable debate and concern for the international community. Myanmar’s military regime has been condemned as the most abusive and repressive regimes in the world. 

Human Rights Organizations in Myanmar

Various human rights organizations are watching the situation closely, such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. These organizations have always condemned the human rights violations on ethnic minorities. They have pressed for the urgent need to have an independent judiciary. Human rights violations continue in the form of:

• child labor
• forced labor
• human trafficking

An international NGO called Freedom House stated that the 'junta rules' by decree and controls the judiciary. All basic rights are suppressed and most military officers hold all cabinet positions. Active or retired officers hold all top posts in all ministries. Naturally, it goes without saying that official corruption is reportedly rampant both at the higher and local level.

Security Forces Torture Monks to Death

In 2007, Myanmar witnessed the "Saffron Revolution." Monks conducted peaceful demonstrations throughout the country. These monks belonged to ethnic minority states. The security forces suppressed the peaceful demonstrations and tortured many monks to death.

Human Rights Violations Worsen for Ethnic Minorities

Ethnic minorities continue to face harassment, discrimination and extensive surveillance even for their legitimate activities. There are detainments, imprisonments, tortures and murders. This repression continues and may worsen considering the impending national and local elections. The condition of thousands of political prisoners (most of them belong to ethnic groups) is pitiable. Their only ‘crime’ was that their free expression of beliefs. The question looms large as to why these serious human rights violations have not been met with stringent international peacekeeping action. Why do restrictions continue to worsen for the ethnic minorities? No steps have been initiated by Myanmar's supporter-nation, China and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to appeal in favor of ethnic groups participating in the political process.