Myanmar military bombings of civilian areas must be investigated as war crimes: Amnesty

Myanmar military air strikes that killed 17 people as they gathered for church last month must be investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said Thursday.

On Jan. 7, the military carried out air strikes that damaged the church, a school and civilian houses in Kanan village, Sagaing region. Nine children were among those killed, and another 20 people were injured. “The Myanmar military’s deadly attacks on civilians show no signs of stopping,” said Matt Wells, director of Amnesty’s Crisis Response Program.

“The world cannot continue to look the other way while the Myanmar military relentlessly attacks civilians and civilian targets, including churches, schools and hospitals. Countries and companies around the world must stop the flow of jet fuel to the military, to protect civilians from further catastrophe,” added Wells.

“These attacks must be investigated as war crimes, and the UN Security Council (UNSC) should refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. The perpetrators of these crimes under international law must be brought to justice.” Russia and China, countries close to the Myanmar junta, are permanent members of the UNSC and in the past have vetoed votes against the country’s military.