UK-funded task force to investigate military abuses in Myanmar Myanmar News

The project, Myanmar Witness, will try to increase pressure on Western military authorities in the country to denounce human rights violations.

A new working group was set up on Monday to investigate evidence of human rights violations in Myanmar, five months after the military removed the elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country of Southeast Asia into turmoil.

The project funded by the British government Myanmar Witness has said it will share the information with the United Nations Independent Investigation Mechanism, as Myanmar is investigating alleged crimes in Myanmar.

The initiative Western countries are trying to increase pressure on Myanmar’s military authorities over allegations of human rights violations. The United Nations has said more than 880 people have been killed in a coup by security forces – military figures are said to be excessive.

“Myanmar Witness will independently collect, care for, process, research, verify and review any human rights interference that may arise,” the group said.

He said he would encourage civilian submissions and independently verify incidents on social media, where Myanmar citizens have posted images and videos showing murders, attacks and other abuses.

The Myanmar Witness said he had already found and verified evidence of retaliation by the Myanmar army, the demolition of civilian sites and religious buildings, and signs indicating intent to harm protesters.

Western countries and rights groups have condemned the atrocities committed by Myanmar’s security forces.

Military authorities have said they use force only when necessary to deal with threats to national security.

According to the United Nations, more than 230,000 people have been evicted since the coup.

The Association of Support for Political Prisoners, which is monitoring the repression following the coup, says at least 888 people have been killed since February by nearly 5,200 people arrested by security forces.

The military has discussed the figures, but has not given its calculations.

Aung San Suu Kyi has claimed that the National League for Democracy party won because of the alleged fraud, and that it was necessary to take power. The proclamation has been rejected by the election commission.