OHCHR / MYANMAR MILITARY OPERATIONS

UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the continuing military operations in Myanmar despite the announcement of a ceasefire in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake last week were compounding the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. UNTV CH / OHCHR

• Video Length: 00:02:14
• Production Date: 4 April 2025
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: RAVINA SHAMDASANI
• Corporate Name: OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS - OHCHR
• Subject Topical: EARTHQUAKES; NATURAL DISASTERS; HUMAN RIGHTS; MILITARY ACTIVITY
• Geographic Subject: MYANMAR
• MAMS Id: 3357924
• Parent Id: 3357924
• Alternate Title: unifeed250404a

Description

STORY: OHCHR / MYANMAR MILITARY OPERATIONS
TRT: 02:14
SOURCE: UNTV CH / OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 04 APRIL 2025, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / FILE

Shotlist

FILE - GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

1. Wide shot, exterior, Palais des Nations
2. Wide shot, briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stressed that the announcement of a pause in hostilities – by both the Myanmar military and the National Unity Government – must be followed by immediate and unrestricted access by rescue and humanitarian workers to all those in need.”
4. Wide shot, briefing room
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“We urge a halt to all military operations, and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake. We hope this terrible tragedy can be a turning point for the country towards an inclusive political solution.”
6. Wide shot, briefing room
7. SOUNDBITE (English) James Rodehaver, Head, Myanmar Team, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“There had been 53 attacks that had occurred, that were reported, that we had reported and were actively investigating, since the time of the earthquake on the 28th of march until mid-afternoon yesterday the 3rd of April to the time of the press conference, there were a 8 further attacks that we became aware of.”
8. Wide shot, briefing room
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“Our office has also received reports that the military has continued its conscription drive, forcibly recruiting able-bodied young people assisting the rescue efforts.”
10. Wide shot, briefing room
11. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“Sources from the ground describe a catastrophic humanitarian situation in earthquake-hit areas, especially those outside the military’s control, an absence of relief efforts, and a lack of clean water, food, and medicines. Fear and shock have augmented the suffering of a civilian population already subjected to four years of military violence since the coup.”
12. Med shot, cameras
13. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“The people of Myanmar have suffered enough. The response to this horrendous disaster must open pathways towards a comprehensive solution that upholds human rights.”
14. Wide shot, briefing room

Storyline

UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani today (4Apr) said the continuing military operations in Myanmar despite the announcement of a ceasefire in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake last week were compounding the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.

“The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stressed that the announcement The announcement of a pause in hostilities – by both the Myanmar military and the National Unity Government – must be followed by immediate and unrestricted access by rescue and humanitarian workers to all those in need,” said Ms Shamdasani.

“We urge a halt to all military operations, and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake. We hope this terrible tragedy can be a turning point for the country towards an inclusive political solution,” she added.

She said the UN Human Rights Office had received reports that the military has carried out at least 53 attacks, including strikes by aircraft and drones, artillery and paramotors in areas affected by the earthquake.

James Rodehaver the head of UN Human Rights Myanmar team provided an update on number of attacks, “There had been 53 attacks that had occurred, that were reported, that we had reported and were actively investigating, since the time of the earthquake on the 28th of march until mid-afternoon yesterday the 3rd of April to the time of the press conference, there were a 8 further attacks that we became aware of.

“Our office has also received reports that the military has continued its conscription drive, forcibly recruiting able-bodied young people assisting the rescue efforts,” she said.

“Sources from the ground describe a catastrophic humanitarian situation in earthquake-hit areas, especially those outside the military’s control, an absence of relief efforts, and a lack of clean water, food, and medicines. Fear and shock have augmented the suffering of a civilian population already subjected to four years of military violence since the coup,” added Ms Shamdasani.

“The people of Myanmar have suffered enough. The response to this horrendous disaster must open pathways towards a comprehensive solution that upholds human rights,” she said.