The Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) issued a statement on 6 September 2024, urging international organisations to take effective actions against the Military Council (the coup junta) for its acts of terror, including airstrikes on civilians.
IEC Secretary No. 1 Zu Padonma told Kantarawaddy Times that the IEC will make every effort to prosecute junta members at international military tribunals, not just for crimes committed in Karenni State, but throughout the country.
She said: "The process of prosecuting and taking action at international military tribunals is very extensive and can take a long time. The first step is to document the junta's crimes and gather evidence, which is crucial. Additionally, it's essential for the international community to clearly recognize that the junta has committed war crimes, human rights violations, and crimes against humanity. Only then can the junta be brought to trial at international military tribunals. There are many steps we need to go through in this process.”
On 5 September 2024, nine people were killed, including children, and about 20 were injured when a junta airstrike dropped 500 pound bombs on the Bangkok internally displaced people (IDP) camp in La Ei Hamlet in the northern of Pekon Township.
On 4 and 5 September the junta also carried out airstrikes on Nanmekhon Town in Demoso Township, Karenni State, which resulted in casualties.
Mu Angela, a Co-secretary of the Kayan Women's Organisation (KyWO) said: “The junta's air raids targeting civilians are among the worst acts. In particular, bombings of IDP camps and schools, where many children and women are present, constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. These actions must not be forgiven and should be met with zero tolerance. The perpetrators will be held accountable under international law after the revolution.”
The IEC statement made four key demands of United Nations (UN) member states, the European Union (EU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely:
- Ban ammunition imports from different states to the junta
- Stop aviation fuel imports to Myanmar to prevent aerial attacks.
- Ensure the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes effective actions against the junta for crimes of genocide.
Increase humanitarian aid for all Myanmar people, including the Karenni people, who are suffering
MawPhray Myar, Chair of the Karenni National Women's Organisation (KNWO) said that only strong and effective international pressure on the junta can reduce its crimes against the civilian population.
According to the IEC, so far in 2024 junta airstrikes have killed 24 civilians and injured more than 40 others in Karenni State.
The Karenni IEC is the interim revolutionary government of Karenni State. It was formed on 6 June 2023.
