Geneva, April 5 (V7N) – Myanmar's military is restricting vital humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in areas where it faces opposition, according to the United Nations human rights office. The U.N. reported that since the earthquake struck on March 28, it has documented 53 attacks by Myanmar's military on its opponents, including airstrikes. Sixteen of these attacks occurred after a ceasefire was declared on April 2.

The humanitarian situation in earthquake-hit areas, especially those outside the military’s control, is described as catastrophic. The earthquake, which measured 7.7 magnitude, affected 28 million people, destroying buildings and leaving many without basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The death toll, as reported by the junta, has exceeded 3,100.

James Rodehaver, head of the U.N.'s Myanmar team, stated that limiting aid is part of a strategy to punish populations that oppose the military’s 2021 coup. The U.N. has emphasized the urgency of providing aid to areas like Sagaing, which are most affected by the disaster.

Ravina Shamdasani, a U.N. spokesperson, called for an immediate halt to air strikes and stressed the importance of focusing on humanitarian recovery efforts.

The junta had announced a 20-day unilateral ceasefire on Wednesday to aid post-earthquake recovery, but with the condition that any attacks by rebels would be met with force.

Myanmar's ongoing civil war, sparked by the 2021 coup, has displaced over 3.5 million people and devastated the country’s economy. Many basic services, including healthcare, are severely crippled.

END/WD/SMA/