Crisis in Shan State

Burma Briefing No. 12

On 13th March 2011 the dictatorship in Burma broke a 22 year long ceasefire agreement with the Shan State Army – North. Sixty-five clashes were reported in the first three weeks of the dictatorship breaking the ceasefire. Civilians are being targeted in the military offensive, with mortar bombs fired at civilian villages. Abuses committed by the Burmese Army include arbitrary execution, arbitrary detention, torture, looting, rape, forced relocation and forced labour. These abuses are violations of international law.

More than 3,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. Many are hiding in the jungle.

Local community organisations are calling on the international community to condemn the attacks, and take action to persuade the dictatorship to implement an immediate nationwide ceasefire. They are also calling for humanitarian assistance, including cross-border aid, which, because of aid restrictions by the dictatorship, is the only way aid can be delivered in some areas.

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