BHRN Mourns Lives Lost in Devastating Earthquake, Urges Immediate Humanitarian Access and End to Military Junta Attacks

 

BHRN Mourns Lives Lost in Devastating Earthquake, Urges Immediate Humanitarian Access and End to Military Junta Attacks   Date: 31 March 2025   London, 31 March 2025 — The Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) mourns the tragic loss of more than 1,600 lives following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. More than 1,600 people are confirmed dead, thousands more are injured or missing, and countless families are mourning loved ones. Homes, places of worship, and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving survivors without shelter, medical care, or access to basic services.   Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this time of profound grief and hardship.   “In the midst of this catastrophe, the military junta continues to launch airstrikes in parts of the country, further compounding the suffering of survivors and obstructing life-saving aid,” said Kyaw Win, Executive Director of BHRN. “This level of cruelty is unconscionable. The international community must pressure the junta to immediately cease all military operations and to guarantee full and unhindered access for emergency responders and humanitarian aid.”   The disaster has disproportionately impacted already-marginalized communities, including Myanmar’s Muslim population. Many Muslims were gathered for Friday prayers when the earthquake hit. Years of state-sponsored institutionalised Islamophobia prevented proper maintenance and repair of mosques, leaving them vulnerable to collapse. BHRN has documented the damage of at least 60 mosques. Furthermore, BHRN continues to receive reports of ongoing attacks and airstrikes throughout the country by the Myanmar junta.   The humanitarian situation in Myanmar was already dire before the earthquake, with 19.9 million people in need of aid and protection in 2025 and humanitarian aid significantly underfunded. The widespread destruction of infrastructure including hospitals, roads, and places of worship, will push already vulnerable communities into even deeper crisis.                                                                                                                         BHRN urgently calls on the international community to:   · Pressure the military junta to immediately cease all hostilities and guarantee full, unfettered access for emergency rescue workers and humanitarian actors across all affected areas.   · Rapidly scale up funding for emergency humanitarian assistance, with a clear commitment to ensuring that aid reaches the most marginalized and at-risk communities, including religious and ethnic minorities who have long faced systemic discrimination.   · Support and protect local civil society actors and frontline responders who are best placed to identify and reach those most in need, particularly in hard-to-access or conflict-affected areas.   Organisation’s Background   BHRN is based in London, operates across Burma and works for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in Burma. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.   Media Enquiries Please contact:   Kyaw Win,  Executive Director Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) E: kyawwin@bhrn.org.uk   T: +44(0) 740 345 2378   Ye Min Editor  Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) E: ye.min@bhrn.org.uk T: +66(0) 994 942 358   Wai Yan Researcher  Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) E: wai.yan@bhrn.org.uk

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