‘Brute force terror campaign’ targeting rights defenders underway in Myanmar: UN experts

‘Brute force terror campaign’ targeting rights defenders underway in Myanmar: UN experts

NEW YORK "” Human rights defenders in Myanmar are being targeted under a "brute force terror campaign" by the military junta, United Nations independent experts said on Monday, calling again for a stronger international response to the coup. In a statement, Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, and Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders highlighted credible reports of activists forced into hiding after having arrests warrants issued against them. Their homes were raided, possessions seized, and family members threatened and harassed, they said, noting that many others who were unable to flee, have been arbitrarily arrested. Lawyers representing those detained after the coup have themselves been detained, as have journalists covering the protests, the statement added. Citizens 'held hostage' Special Rapporteur Andrews said that the people of Myanmar appreciate the expressions of concern from the international community, "but what they desperately need, is action". "It is critical that nations stand with and for the besieged people of Myanmar who are being held hostage by an illegal military junta. It is time for strong, focused and coordinate action that includes economic sanctions and an arms embargo." "A more determined, unified international solidarity with human