Early this week, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews stated that the Myanmar military junta’s “brutal, indiscriminate attacks” threaten thousands of men, women, and children in the Kayah State.

With a population of about 350,000-400,000, the Kayah State, also known as the Karenni State located in eastern Myanmar, is facing the threat of a massive humanitarian tragedy. Mr. Andrews also said this internal displacement of about 100,000 people fleeing into forests may result in mass deaths, disease, and exposure as they are cut off from food, water, and medicine by the junta. These attacks in the Kayah State are the latest in a series including Mutraw in Karen State, Mindat in Chin State, and Bugo City among other areas in Myanmar. They appealed to the international community to sever “access to the resources the junta needs to continue these brutal attacks,” Mr. Andrews added in his report.

The military junta that seized power in February’s coup ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, resulting in more than 300 bombings and daily unrest in some parts of the country. As of 19 June, The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners’ reported about 870 protesters and bystanders are confirmed killed.

The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and its armed wing, the Karenni Army constitute the dominant political organization in the Kayah State. In a report by The Diplomat’s guest author Grant Peck, the KNPP has been battling for decades for greater autonomy from the central government. With the military junta moving into these areas since 21 May, the fighting intensified, resulting in fatalities and displacement. Mr. Peck further added that an official of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, a recently formed group fighting against the government, confirmed the need for protection and medicines among displaced people.

The UN in Myanmar and its partners are ready with supplies including food, shelter materials, and other basic relief items “to complement the local response.” However, they face difficulties meeting the needs of people in remote locations, along with challenges of reaching them due to “ongoing security, travel restrictions imposed by security forces and poor road conditions.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet appealed to the international community “to unify in its demand that Myanmar’s military… cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects and respect the principle of distinction.”

According to Bachelet’s report, the ongoing explosions and rising fear are likely to keep children out of schools, affecting their right to education. Unlawful detention of activists, journalists, and opponents of the regime has exacerbated this humanitarian crisis, raising concerns over the safety of civilians and their human rights. Along with these issues, Bachelet observed many people “are suffering from severe impacts on the social and economic rights.” He also accused the junta of being “singularly responsible for this crisis,” and demanded that they be held accountable.