Any organization wishing to carry out earthquake relief operations in Myanmar must first obtain prior approval and work in coordination with the military, according to a statement made by Soe Win, deputy leader of the military junta, during a special meeting held in Naypyidaw yesterday.
“No group is permitted to independently conduct relief work. All organizations must apply in advance and operate jointly with responsible authorities. Regional chief ministers are also instructed to ensure that incoming relief organizations and NGOs cooperate with official relief efforts,” Soe Win stated during the meeting.
His comments come amid widespread reports of the junta deliberately blocking humanitarian aid from reaching areas affected by the March 28 earthquake, particularly those under the control of resistance forces. According to a UN statement issued on April 4, the junta has not only obstructed aid but has also carried out attacks to prevent support from reaching anti-regime communities.
The UN also noted that since the earthquake, the military has launched 53 separate attacks, including 16 after it announced a supposed ceasefire on April 2. The attacks are seen as further evidence of the junta’s continued aggression despite its own declarations.
Within the country, civil society and rescue groups report that humanitarian relief is being allowed only in regime-controlled areas such as the city of Sagaing. Aid efforts to resistance-held areas around Sagaing, as well as disaster-affected townships in Bago Region—including Tanttapan, Oattwin, and Taungoo—are being systematically blocked by military checkpoints and restrictions.
The junta’s refusal to allow independent or neutral organizations to assist freely has drawn condemnation from humanitarian workers, who warn that thousands of earthquake survivors remain without essential aid due to political interference.
