70 Arakan Civil Society Organizations Demand No-Fly Zone in Arakan

A coalition of 70 Arakan civil society organizations (CSOs) has demanded the establishment of a No-Fly Zone over the skies of Arakan.

In a statement issued today, October 30, the coalition strongly condemned the military junta’s escalating and systematic airstrikes targeting civilian populations across Arakan State. The statement urgently called for immediate humanitarian assistance to displaced persons facing starvation and demanded the declaration of a No-Fly Zone.

To protect the lives, homes, and property of civilians, prevent mass starvation, and avert further mass atrocities, the 70 Arakan CSOs issued an urgent and solemn appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), international governments, and humanitarian agencies with the following demands:

(A) Establish a No-Fly Zone: Call on the international community to urgently declare a No-Fly Zone over Arakan to halt systematic military airstrikes against innocent civilians and safeguard civilian lives.

(B) Deliver Direct Emergency Humanitarian Aid: Urge international organizations to provide immediate, direct cross-border humanitarian assistance—including food, medical supplies, and basic necessities—to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and affected communities facing severe food shortages and livelihood crises.

(C) Impose Aviation Fuel and Arms Embargoes: Demand full international sanctions and embargoes on the supply, sale, and transfer of aviation fuel, military technology, weapons, and defense material to the junta to effectively stop its aerial bombardments.

(D) Ensure Accountability via the IIMM: Call for support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) to urgently gather, preserve, and document evidence of atrocities, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable through national and international legal mechanisms.

The 70 Arakan CSOs reaffirmed their commitment to supporting conflict-affected communities despite ongoing challenges and dangers, pledging to continuously defend and promote the rights and safety of civilians.

Source@crd