Economic rights of civilians violated by the junta in Myanmar

Aysu Amaha Öztürk

Myanmar and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

On November 17th, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland released its weekly overview of the human rights situation in Mon State, Myanmar. It elaborated on economic opportunities that have been jeopardized due to the military regime, highlighting the fact that the ongoing crisis pushes workers to seek job opportunities abroad. 

Persons running their own businesses, for example, restaurant owners, have stated that they are unable to earn their livelihood, meaning they are forced to close their businesses. These are largely due to the power cuts, high prices, and shortage of raw materials due to the military restrictions in transportation and movement, among others.

It can be understood that the coup has significant consequences for the economic life in Myanmar. Myanmar ratified the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in 2017 (Ratification Status for Myanmar). Article 6 of the CESCR ensures that state parties recognize the right to work and take steps such as policies and techniques to safeguard the economic freedoms of individuals. The current regime in Myanmar is not only not fulfilling these requirements but also further limiting the livelihoods and economic freedoms of individuals. The violation of Article 6 of the CESCR by Myanmar will continue as long as it refuses to aid its citizens with support regarding their economic activities.  

Sources and further reading:

The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM). (2022, November 7). ‘Weekly Overview: Human Rights Situation in Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region

First Week of November 2022’. The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM). 

https://rehmonnya.org/archives/7696

Ratification Status for Myanmar. United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies Database. 

https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/Treaty.aspx?CountryID=119&Lang=EN