Myanmar spiralling out of control

THE military crackdown in Myanmar is morphing into a civil war, which could escalate into genocide as a docile world remains on the sidelines.

The merciless killing of civilians, including 50 children, in Myanmar is a clear violation of international law and a gross violation of the UN Charter. This grave situation is spiralling out of control. The brutal action of all the fascists is a gross violation of international law as set out in the Nuremberg principles.

Principles of international law recognised in the charter of the Nuremberg tribunal and the judgment of the tribunal in 1950:

Principle 1: Any person who commits an act which constitutes a crime under international law is responsible, therefore liable for punishment.

Principle 2: The fact that internal law does not impose a penalty for an act which constitutes a crime under international law does not relieve the person who committed the act from responsibility under international law.

Principle 3: The fact that a person who committed an act which constitutes a crime under international law acted as head of state or responsible government official does not relieve him from responsibility under international law.

In the 20th century, women and children became the victims of armed conflict.

The most fundamental challenge for any international legal system that wishes to mitigate the suffering of children in war is to ensure their very survival.

International humanitarian law is the body of international law that governs the conduct of war; it sets out the parameters of what is legally permissible during hostilities.

From what we know about young protesters and children’s experience in the Myanmar conflict, and the fact that they are increasingly purposefully targeted, one must question the efficiency of the legal protection available under humanitarian law.

Protecting civilians is the most important challenge ahead for the UN and international policymakers.

FAROUK ARAIE | Benoni