Statement on Children's Deaths Due to Junta Airstrikes on Public Spaces

1. On March 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM, the military junta conducted an aerial attack on Sein Yadana Buddhist Monastery in Nawnghkio, North Shan State. The attack resulted in the deaths of 2 monk, 5 novices under 18 years of age, 1 male civilians, and 2 female civilians, totaling 10 fatalities, with numerous others sustaining injuries.

2. Two days prior to this attack, on the evening of March 14, the junta also conducted an aerial strike on the market in Let Pan Hla Village, Sintgu Township, Mandalay Region, resulting in the deaths of 6 children, including a 4-month-old infant, and 21 other civilians.

3. We strongly condemn these deliberate aerial attacks by the military junta on public marketplaces and religious buildings. The junta has been widely implementing a strategy of deliberately targeting public spaces, causing the deaths of civilians, including children.

4. According to data documented by the Ministry of Human Rights from 2023 to March 16, 2025, the terrorist military group has conducted 2,190 aerial attacks on civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of 372 children.

4. According to data documented by the Ministry of Human Rights from 2023 to March 16, 2025, the terrorist military group has conducted 2,190 aerial attacks on civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of 372 children.

6. We urge countries committed to human rights and children's rights to take immediate and effective action against the military through international human rights mechanisms and international judicial mechanisms, as they are severely violating not only international human rights law and international humanitarian law but also international standards and treaties concerning the protection of children.

Ministry Of Human Rights

National Unity Government