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The NUG, formed by lawmakers who were removed from power in 2021, has urged the international community to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the earthquake victims directly. They have emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent the military junta from diverting or obstructing the distribution of aid.
“We are in a race against time to save lives,” the NUG said in a statement.
Any hindrances to these efforts could have severe consequences, not only because of the earthquake’s impact but also due to the junta’s oppressive actions, which hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance.
It remains uncertain if the military is obstructing humanitarian aid. In the past, following Cyclone Nargis in 2008, the military initially denied entry to foreign rescue teams and emergency supplies, leading to a significant loss of life. Even when foreign aid was permitted, it came with stringent limitations.
In this case, however, Min Aung Hlaing, pointedly said on the day of the earthquake that the country would accept outside help.
Tom Andrews, a monitor on rights in Burma commissioned by the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council, said on X that to facilitate aid, military attacks must stop.
“The focus in Burma must be on saving lives, not taking them,” he said.
