Mizzima-Sept 23
At a United Nations meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, National Unity Government (NUG) Human Rights Minister Aung Myo Min stated that the Myanmar junta is actively interfering with aid efforts for those affected by the floods caused by the remnants of Typhoon Yagi. He highlighted that the military is obstructing civil organizations, international assistance, and people-to-people aid from reaching the victims, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the affected areas. During the UN meeting held on 19 September in Geneva, Ambassador Aung Myo Min made these remarks while briefing international diplomats and UN agency officials on the human rights situation and the impact of natural disasters in Myanmar. Minister Aung Myo Min stated that the Military Council is blocking humanitarian aid provided by international and civilian organizations from reaching areas outside of their control. The minister also highlighted that the Military Council is disrupting mutual aid efforts by interfering with money transfer systems through banks, making it difficult for people to support flood victims. Additionally, he stated that the military is forcing those displaced by the floods to return to their homes in order to conduct a census, further exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities. According to local residents, People’s Defense Forces, and aid groups, the Military Council has barred civilian organizations from entering Phyu and Yedashe towns in Taungoo District to carry out relief work in the villages on the east bank of the Sittaung River. This restriction has further delayed essential aid from reaching flood-affected communities in these areas.
Local residents reported that some villages on the east bank of Phyu Township were flooded and did not receive any assistance for two days due to the Military Council’s restrictions. Additionally, accounts used to donate to flood victims via KPay, the money transfer system of Kanbawza Bank, have been frozen in recent days, according to reports shared by the public on social media. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/09/23/14275
