UK envoy condemns Myanmar junta airstrikes on civilians and children

Mizzima

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned Myanmar’s junta for continuing airstrikes on civilian areas, including attacks that have killed children, British diplomat Andrew Jackson said in a video message released on 22 October.

Jackson, who recently assumed his post as Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Yangon, said the UK government remains committed to supporting the Myanmar people amid ongoing violence.

“Such attacks are extremely terrifying and are actions that must be completely avoided. These actions also severely violate the rights of children,” he said, adding that London will continue to push for accountability for human rights violations committed by the junta.

Jackson said he plans to meet and speak with people from various communities in the coming weeks to better understand Myanmar’s diversity and explore how the UK can support the public’s “aspirations for a peaceful democratic future.”

He also voiced concern over worsening food insecurity in Rakhine State, where the World Food Programme reports that 57 percent of families with children are no longer food secure.

Highlighting Britain’s continued humanitarian support, Jackson noted that the British public raised more than £20 million to aid victims of the March earthquake in Myanmar.