ASEAN human rights parliamentarians condemn Myanmar junta's airstrike on students as war crimes

By Admin 15 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 September 2025, Yangon

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), a network of policymakers from Southeast Asia, has strongly condemned the Myanmar military junta's deadly airstrike on Pyinnya Pan Khin private high school in Thayet Ta Pin Village, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State on September 12.

The junta deliberately dropped two 500-pound bombs directly on children sleeping in their dormitories. According to reports, at least 22 students were killed, and over 20 others were injured, many critically. Several civilian homes were also destroyed in the assault.

This attack follows a pattern of systematic airstrikes on civilian areas in Arakan, including a bombing near Zee Chaung Dam just two days prior, and the 25 August airstrike in Mrauk-U that killed at least 15 people, including children and students, and injured 18 others. Civilians across Arakan now live in constant fear under daily aerial bombardments.

"This is a calculated act of terror against children and families. By bombing schools and homes, the junta is showing its utter disregard for human life and international law," said Mercy Chriesty Barends, APHR Chairperson and Member of the House of Representatives of Indonesia.

"As parliamentarians from across ASEAN, we cannot allow our governments to remain silent while the junta attacks civilians with impunity. Urgent international action is needed to protect Myanmar's people and uphold democracy," Barends added.

"What we are witnessing is not isolated violence; it is part of a systematic strategy of collective punishment," said Charles Santiago, APHR Co-Chairperson and former Malaysian Member of Parliament. "ASEAN must stop shielding the junta with weak statements and fully support democratic forces in Myanmar."

"The Myanmar military continues to deliberately target civilians, including children, with total disregard for international law," said Wong Chen, APHR Board Member and Member of the Malaysian Parliament. "ASEAN countries must move beyond statements of concern and take concrete steps to stop these atrocities, support democratic forces, and hold the junta accountable."

APHR emphasized that the repeated targeting of schools, homes, and other civilian infrastructure by the military constitutes clear violations of international humanitarian law and amounts to war crimes. The junta's ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid and escalating campaign of terror against civilians highlights the urgent need for justice and accountability.

In response, APHR issued an urgent call for immediate, coordinated action to end the crisis in Myanmar. The organization demands:

• An immediate halt to indiscriminate airstrikes and attacks on civilians.

• Full, unimpeded humanitarian access to all conflict-affected areas.

• Justice through international mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to hold perpetrators accountable.

• A global arms embargo and strict controls on aviation fuel to prevent further airstrikes.

• Stronger, united measures by ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners to isolate the regime and support Myanmar's legitimate democratic forces.

"The repeated bombings in Rakhine show a clear strategy of terror against ordinary people," said Rangsiman Rome, APHR Board Member and Thai MP. "ASEAN cannot remain silent. Governments have a responsibility to protect civilians and stand with the people of Myanmar in their struggle for human rights and democracy."

This latest massacre is a brutal reminder of the junta's impunity and a test of ASEAN's credibility. Failure to act decisively will signal that authoritarian violence is tolerated in the region.

APHR stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and reaffirms its commitment to advancing human rights, peace, and democracy across Southeast Asia.