UNICEF denounces at least 35 children killed in Myanmar crackdown

UNICEF denounced this Sunday that Burmese security forces have killed at least 35 children since the February 1 coup and demanded that those responsible for these crimes be held accountable.

“In less than two months, at least 35 children were reportedly killed, countless others seriously injured and nearly 1,000 children and young people were reportedly arbitrarily detained.”The executive director of the United Nations Children’s Agency said in a statement: Henrietta Fore.

Fore highlighted the deaths of several minors, between the ages of 11 and 17, and the serious injuries suffered by a one-year-old girl during the repression of the demonstrations that took place this Saturday, the bloodiest day since the mobilizations began to demand the return of the military junta to democracy.

“I am scandalized by the indiscriminate killings, including of children, which are taking place in Burma and by the fact that the security forces do not show restraint and ensure the safety of children,” she said.

According to Fore, These actions constitute “flagrant violations of children’s rights” and those responsible must be held accountable.

In addition, he underlined the long-term impact that the crisis can have on the youngest, with millions of children exposed directly or indirectly to scenes of violence and with juvenile services practically blocked.

According to Unicef, Nearly one million children do not have access to vaccines, nearly five million have not received the vitamin A supplements they need, more than 40,000 are without treatment for severe malnutrition and some 12 million are at risk. to miss another year of schooling.

“This lack of access to key services, combined with the economic downturn that will push many into poverty, is putting a whole generation of children and young people at risk,” Fore said.

The total number of deaths due to military and police violence against protesters and civilians in Myanmar now stands at 423, as reported this Sunday the Burmese Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners (AAPP).

The way Myanmar now puts the toll at at least 116 dead during the day Saturday, during which soldiers killed in the streets at the same time as the capital hosted a military parade for the day of the armed forces. Fore said that according to reports, there were ten children who died that day.

“Security forces must immediately refrain from perpetrating violations of children’s rights and ensure the safety of children at all times,” Fore said.

Military leaders from a dozen countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and Germany, on Saturday condemned the murderous use of force against protesters.

“A professional serviceman follows international standards of conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – those he serves,” they say in a joint statement, before “urging” the Burmese armed forces to “cease” violence and to work to restore your respect and credibility to the Burmese people. “

Funerals for some of the victims took place on Sunday after the bloodiest day since the coup.

“The shameful, cowardly and brutal actions of the military and police – which were filmed shooting the protesters as they fled, and which did not even spare small children – must stop immediately.” , said two senior United Nations officials, Alice Wairimu Nderitu. and Michelle Bachelet, in a joint statement.

The military seized power under the pretext of alleged electoral fraud in the elections last November, in which the party of ousted leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi was destroyed and declared legitimate by international observers.

Since the coup, the military junta has detained more than 3,000 people, including Suu Kyi and much of his government, most of whom are held incommunicado.

With information from EFE

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