UN officials condemn Myanmar junta after 100-plus civilians killed in one day

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(CNN) Two top UN officials condemned Myanmar's military junta in the wake of the bloodiest day of protests yet against the military coup that overthrew the country's elected government, as defiant protesters turned out once more Sunday.

At least 114 people were killed Saturday during demonstrations in 44 towns and cities across the country, according to a tally by the independent Myanmar Now news outlet. CNN has been unable independently to confirm the number of people killed.

In a joint statement, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the Myanmar military to "immediately stop killing the very people it has the duty to serve and protect."

The officials also "strongly condemned the Myanmar military's widespread, lethal, increasingly systematic attacks against peaceful protesters, as well as other serious violations of human rights since it seized power on 1 February 2021."

The UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar said the army was carrying out "mass murder" and called on the world to isolate the junta and halt its access to weapons.

According to the latest tally by the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 423 people have been killed in Myanmar since the military coup on February 1.

At least six children between the ages of 10 and 16 were among those killed on Saturday, Myanmar's Armed Forces Day, according to news reports and witnesses, Reuters reported.

Despite the bloodshed, some protesters returned to the streets Sunday to demonstrate against Myanmar's military in parts of Yangon and other districts across Myanmar.

Live streams Sunday showed people marching to protest the military in Phayar Then Zu along the Thailand-Myanmar border, filling the streets. Some protesters also took to the streets in Magway and Myingyan, according to Myanmar Now.

Residents told local media that military forces had been firing indiscriminately in Yangon since early morning. Images shared on social media purport to show at least one man was shot dead in Hlaing Township on Sunday.

Local media also reported a woman was shot in the head by security forces in Mon Ywa, central Myanmar.

Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Smoke rises after protesters burn tires in Thaketa Township, Yangon, on March 27. Hide Caption 1 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters make incendiary devices during a rally against the military coup in Yangon on March 27. Hide Caption 2 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Smoke rises over Thaketa township in Yangon on March 27. Hide Caption 3 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Mourners attend the funeral of Tin Hla, 43, who was reportedly shot dead by security forces during a protest in Thanlyin township on March 27. Hide Caption 4 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Family members cry after a relative was shot during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Yangon, Myanmar, on Saturday, March 27. Hide Caption 5 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters occupy a street during a rally against the military coup on March 27 in Yangon. Hide Caption 6 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Anti-coup protesters gesture during a march in Yangon, Myanmar, on Friday, March 26. Hide Caption 7 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Men pray during the funeral of Khin Myo Chit, a 7-year-old girl who was shot in her home by Myanmar's security forces on Tuesday, March 23. The girl was killed during a military raid, according to the Reuters news agency and the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Hide Caption 8 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Thein Zaw, a journalist with the Associated Press, waves after being released from a prison in Yangon on March 24. He was detained last month while covering an anti-coup protest. Hide Caption 9 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A Buddhist monk uses binoculars as he squats behind a road barricade with others in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Monday, March 22. Hide Caption 10 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar The mother of Aung Kaung Htet wails during the teenage boy's funeral on Sunday, March 21. Aung, 15, was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Yangon. Hide Caption 11 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Unidentified people cross the Tiau River at the India-Myanmar border on Saturday, March 20. Some people from Myanmar have sought refuge in India since the protests began. Hide Caption 12 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar An anti-coup protester jumps over a makeshift barricade in Yangon on March 19. Hide Caption 13 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters take positions on Yangon's Bayint Naung Bridge on March 17. The bridge was blocked with an improvised barricade to prevent security forces from crossing. Hide Caption 14 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Medical students hold up the three-finger salute at the Yangon funeral of Khant Nyar Hein on March 16. The first-year medical student was fatally shot during the crackdown. Hide Caption 15 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters test Molotov cocktails in Yangon on March 16. Hide Caption 16 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters stand near burning tires in Yangon on March 16. Hide Caption 17 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Anti-coup protesters pray in Yangon on March 14. Hide Caption 18 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Emergency workers transport the body of Shel Ye Win, who was shot by security forces in Mandalay. Hide Caption 19 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Smoke billows from the industrial zone of the Hlaing Tharyar township in Yangon on March 14. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several Chinese-funded factories were set ablaze during protests. Demonstrators have accused Beijing of supporting the coup and junta. Hide Caption 20 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A member of Myanmar's police is seen firing a weapon toward protesters in Yangon on March 13. Hide Caption 21 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar People lay flowers and light candles beside bloodied pavement where protester Chit Min Thu was killed in Yangon. Hide Caption 22 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Military trucks are seen near a burning barricade in Yangon that was erected by protesters and then set on fire by soldiers on March 10. Hide Caption 23 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A protester holds a homemade shield during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 9. Hide Caption 24 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A protester discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas that was fired by police in Yangon on March 8. Hide Caption 25 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters string up longyi, traditional clothing worn in Myanmar, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 7. Hide Caption 26 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar The wife of Phoe Chit, a protester who died during a demonstration, cries over her husband's coffin during his funeral in Yangon on March 5. Hide Caption 27 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters step on portraits of Myanmar's armed forces chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 5. Hide Caption 28 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar People cry in Yangon on March 4, near a spot where a family member was killed while protesting. Hide Caption 29 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3. Hide Caption 30 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Schoolteachers wear traditional hats while participating in an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3. Hide Caption 31 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A soldier stands next to a detained man during a demonstration in Mandalay on March 3. Hide Caption 32 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Anti-coup protesters run in Yangon on March 3. One of them discharged a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by police. Hide Caption 33 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar An anti-coup protester writes vital emergency information of another protester on his arm in Yangon. Hide Caption 34 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Police run toward protesters to disperse a demonstration in Yangon on March 3. Hide Caption 35 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A citizen of Myanmar living in India burns a poster of Myanmar's military chief during a protest in New Delhi on March 3. Hide Caption 36 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Medics help supply oxygen to a protester who was exposed to tear gas in Yangon on March 3. Hide Caption 37 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters flee after tear gas was fired during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1. Hide Caption 38 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters smoke behind shields during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1. Hide Caption 39 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters in Yangon run away from tear gas on March 1. Hide Caption 40 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar People in Yangon take part in a ceremony on February 28 to remember those who have been killed during demonstrations. Hide Caption 41 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Soldiers patrol during a protest in Yangon on February 28. Hide Caption 42 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters take cover as they clash with police in Yangon on February 28. Hide Caption 43 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters erect barricades during a demonstration in Yangon on February 28. Hide Caption 44 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Police charge at anti-coup protesters in Yangon on February 27. Hide Caption 45 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar An injured protester receives medical attention in Mandalay after police and military forces cracked down on protests on February 26. Hide Caption 46 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Factory workers hold placards and shout slogans as they hold an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 25. Hide Caption 47 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Anti-coup protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 25. Hide Caption 48 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A police officer films protesters near the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on February 24. Hide Caption 49 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband, Thet Naing Win, in Mandalay on February 23. He and another protester were fatally shot by security forces during an anti-coup protest. Hide Caption 50 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Police stand guard near the US Embassy in Yangon as protesters take part in an anti-coup demonstration on February 22. Hide Caption 51 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters hold signs featuring civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration in Yangon on February 22. Hide Caption 52 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters gather for a demonstration on February 22. Hide Caption 53 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A man is carried after police dispersed protesters in Mandalay on February 20. Hide Caption 54 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A police truck uses a water cannon to disperse protesters in Mandalay on February 20. Hide Caption 55 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A police officer aims a gun toward protesters during a demonstration in Mandalay on February 20. Hide Caption 56 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A protester holds a Suu Kyi poster as he sits in front of police in Yangon on February 19. Hide Caption 57 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters flash the three-fingered salute during a rally in downtown Yangon on February 19. Hide Caption 58 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Flower tributes and sympathy messages are left in Yangon for Mya Thweh Thweh Khine. The 20-year-old was shot in the head at a protest in Naypyidaw, and she died on February 19. Hide Caption 59 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters block a major road during a demonstration in Yangon on February 17. Hide Caption 60 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Demonstrators block a Yangon bridge with their cars on February 17. Hide Caption 61 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Buddhist monks march during an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 16. Hide Caption 62 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A Suu Kyi banner is displayed during demonstrations in Yangon on February 15. Hide Caption 63 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Soldiers carry barricades in Yangon on February 15. Hide Caption 64 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Elected members of Parliament wave to protesters in Yangon as police surround the headquarters of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, on February 15. Hide Caption 65 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Medics clear the way as an injured protester is carried away for treatment in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 15. Hide Caption 66 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar People gather around an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14. Hide Caption 67 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Young people in Yangon take part in an anti-coup hip-hop performance on February 14. Hide Caption 68 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters demonstrate in Yangon on February 14. Hide Caption 69 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A child runs alongside an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14. Hide Caption 70 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters march through the city of Shwebo on February 13. Hide Caption 71 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Members of the Myanmar Photographers Association hold up their cameras as they call for Suu Kyi's release on February 13. Hide Caption 72 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Police detain a protester during a demonstration in Mawlamyine on February 12. Hide Caption 73 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Farmers ride a tractor with a Suu Kyi poster during a demonstration in Thongwa on February 12. Hide Caption 74 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A protester dressed as Lady Justice makes a three-finger salute as she takes part in a demonstration in Yangon on February 11. Hide Caption 75 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters demonstrate in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on February 11. Hide Caption 76 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, makes a televised statement on February 11. He announced that more than 23,000 prisoners were set to be granted amnesty and released that day. It was unclear what offenses the prisoners were convicted of. Hide Caption 77 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Bodybuilders take part in a protest in Yangon on February 11. Hide Caption 78 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar People hold up letters that spell "get out dictators" during a demonstration at Inle Lake on February 11. Hide Caption 79 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A protester carries a child during a march in Yangon on February 10. Hide Caption 80 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Women in wedding gowns holds up anti-coup placards in Yangon on February 10. Hide Caption 81 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A police officer aims a gun during clashes with protesters in the capital of Naypyidaw on February 9. Hide Caption 82 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A protester pleads for police to refrain from using tear gas against demonstrators in Yangon on February 9. Hide Caption 83 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Police fire water cannons at protesters in Naypyidaw on February 9. Hide Caption 84 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters gather in Yangon on February 8. Hide Caption 85 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters flash three-fingered salutes as they face rows of riot police in Naypyidaw on February 8. Hide Caption 86 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Hospital workers show three-finger salutes during a demonstration in Yangon on February 7. Hide Caption 87 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar A rally takes place in Yangon on February 7. Hide Caption 88 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 7. Hide Caption 89 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Protesters give roses to riot police in Yangon on February 6. Hide Caption 90 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Yangon residents bang objects to show support for Suu Kyi and her party on February 5. Hide Caption 91 of 92 Photos: Unrest in Myanmar Soldiers block a road near Myanmar's Parliament on February 2, a day after the coup. Hide Caption 92 of 92

A 40-year-old Mandalay resident was shot and burnt alive by military troops, according to Myanmar Now, which quoted residents and a night guard in the victim's neighborhood. Its report added that locals were unable to help the victim due to "continuous gunfire from the troops."

Also in Myingyan, Mandalay, a 24-year-old woman was killed and two others were injured when the coup regime's gunmen opened fire on protesters on Sunday, according to Myanmar Now.

The independent news outlet also reported the killing of a 20-year-old nurse on Sunday in Monywa. Its report said the nurse was shot in the head by the military as she attended to others injured by military troops. She was reportedly a part of a rescue team. A man who is yet to be identified was also shot dead by the military alongside the nurse, Myanmar Now added.

In another incident, it reported that a women's rights activist, part of the "Women for Justice" organization in Myanmar was killed by the military during a crackdown on an anti-coup protest in Kalay, Sagaing.

Reuters news agency reported, quoting witnesses, that Myanmar security forces opened fire Sunday at people gathered in the town of Bago for the funeral of one of the 114 people killed the previous day. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the gunfire.

CNN cannot independently verify the reports.

CNN has also repeatedly requested comment from Myanmar's military but has not received a response.

Protesters occupy a street during a rally against the military coup on Saturday in Tarmwe township in Yangon, Myanmar.

The bloodshed Saturday drew renewed Western condemnation, with countries including the United States, Britain and the European Union speaking out.

But foreign criticism and the sanctions imposed by some Western nations have failed so far to sway the military leaders, as have almost daily protests around the country since the junta took power and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"We salute our heroes who sacrificed lives during this revolution and We Must Win This REVOLUTION," one of the main protest groups, the General Strike Committee of Nationalities (GSCN), posted on Facebook, according to Reuters.

UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said it was time for the world to take action -- if not through the UN Security Council then through an international emergency summit. He said the junta should be cut off from funding, such as oil and gas revenues, and from access to weapons.

"Words of condemnation or concern are frankly ringing hollow to the people of Myanmar while the military junta commits mass murder against them," he said in a statement.

Family members cry in front of a man after he was shot dead during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Yangon, Myanmar, on Saturday.

Nderitu and Bachelet called the killings "shameful, cowardly, brutal actions of the military and police, who have been filmed shooting at protesters as they flee, and who have not even spared young children."

"This situation has also put at further risk the already vulnerable ethnic and religious minorities in Myanmar, including the Rohingya," their joint statement said.

They called on the international community to act, adding: "The international community has a responsibility to protect the people of Myanmar from atrocity crimes."

The top military officer from the United States and nearly a dozen of his counterparts said in a statement that a professional military must follow international standards for conduct "and is responsible for protecting -- not harming -- the people it serves."

The military took power saying that November elections won by Suu Kyi's party were fraudulent, an assertion dismissed by the country's election commission.

Suu Kyi remains in detention at an undisclosed location and many other figures in her party are also in custody.

Heavy fighting has also erupted between the army and the ethnic armed groups that control swathes of the country, according to Reuters.

Military jets killed at least two members of the Karen National Union (KNU) militia in a bombing raid near Thailand and many civilians fled across the border, said David Eubank, founder of the Free Burma Rangers, a relief organization.

In an air attack by the military on Saturday, at least three civilians were killed in a village controlled by the KNU, a civil society group said. The militia earlier said it had overrun an army post near the border, killing 10 people, Reuters reported.

About 3,000 villagers fled across Karen state's border into Thailand on Sunday, Reuters reported, citing an activist group, the Karen Women's Organization, and media outlet Thai PBS.

Fighting erupted on Sunday between another armed group, the Kachin Independence Army, and the military in the jade-mining area of Hpakant in the north. The Kachin forces attacked a police station and the military responded with an aerial assault, Kachinwaves media reported.

There were no reports of casualties.

A junta spokesman did not answer calls from Reuters seeking comment on the killings or the fighting.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, said during a parade to mark Armed Forces Day that the military would protect the people and strive for democracy.

Williano98 on March 28th, 2021 at 11:42 UTC »

Well...considering Russia sent an official yesterday to attend the Junta’s military parade in order to strengthen ties between the two, it seems like the security council won’t be able to do anything....

theonlymexicanman on March 28th, 2021 at 10:55 UTC »

For people complaining:

The UN isn’t a sovereign Nation, their free will is restricted by what the UN member nations decide on.

hellodarknez on March 28th, 2021 at 05:52 UTC »

This is absolutely horrible.