The Myanmar military has received at least US$55.8 million in donations for earthquake relief efforts, which could potentially support their military operations against civilians nationwide, according to Justice For Myanmar (JFM). The organization warns that corporate donations intended for earthquake disaster relief could actually end up supporting the military council’s international crimes and ongoing attacks against people across the country.
Multinational donors have been making contributions through military-controlled channels, including Japan’s major retail distribution company AEON, Chinese business conglomerate CITIC Group, and China National Petroleum Corporation. Myanmar cronies and business partners have directly donated 104 billion kyats in cash and an additional 12.4 billion kyats worth of relief supplies to key military council figures, including Min Aung Hlaing.
Despite the severe damage caused by the earthquake, the military council has continued its brutal airstrikes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Human Rights has documented 92 airstrikes and artillery attacks between March 28 and April 9, resulting in 72 civilian deaths. The military council has been using humanitarian aid as a weapon, restricting and confiscating relief supplies, exploiting relief operations for their benefit, and targeting relief and medical workers. According to National Unity Government data, as of April 7, the earthquake death toll has risen to over 3,550, with more than 4,689 people injured.
Reports confirm that the military council has weaponized humanitarian assistance, blocking aid, seizing supplies, exploiting relief operations for their advantage, and targeting humanitarian and medical workers. The military council has also imposed strict restrictions on media and communications while maintaining surveillance over relief efforts. JFM emphasizes that companies must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure they are not supporting the military council or becoming complicit in international crimes, whether through ignorance or pursuit of business interests.
