By Kantarawaddy Times
The Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) reports that 48 civilians were killed in Karenni State between January and June 2024 due to human rights violations.
U Banya, the Deputy Secretary of the IEC, told Kantarawaddy Times that among these victims, 16 were killed in airstrikes, with a majority being children.
“Those responsible for carrying out attacks that risk the lives of these children have not only committed a violation of basic human rights, but they have also violated the obligation to protect, care for, and ensure the safety of these children. This is a more serious crime and a more egregious violation of human rights” stated U Banya.
The victims of the airstrikes include two men, four women, nine children, and one unidentified person.
Of the total 48 civilian deaths, 16 were caused by airstrikes, 10 by heavy artillery shelling, 4 by landmines, 1 by gunfire, 7 by being captured and executed while serving as human shields, 2 by accidents, 5 by abduction and execution, 1 by drone attacks, and 2 by malnutrition.
Furthermore, 142 civilians were injured during the same period, including 28 men, 21 women, and 58 children due to the conflict.
According to a statement released by the Progressive Karenni People’s Force (PKPF) on July 1st, 2024, a total of 509 civilians have been killed in Karenni State since the military coup on February 1st, 2021.
