APHR Condemns Myanmar Military for Deliberate School Attack, Calls for Urgent ASEAN Intervention

Jakarta, 13 September 2025— ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), a network of policymakers from Southeast Asia, strongly condemns the Myanmar junta’s deadly airstrike on Pyinnya Pan Khin private high school in Thayet Ta Pin Village, Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State.

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

This attack comes just two days after another bombing near Zee Chaung Dam in the same township and follows a pattern of systematic airstrikes on civilian areas in Rakhine, including a 25 August airstrike in Mrauk-U that killed at least 15 people, including children and students, and injured 18 more. Civilians across Rakhine now live in constant fear under daily aerial surveillance and indiscriminate bombing campaigns.

“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.”

The Myanmar military’s repeated and deliberate targeting of schools, homes, and other civilian infrastructure constitutes clear violations of international humanitarian law and amounts to war crimes. The junta’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid and its escalating campaign of terror against civilians highlight the urgent need for justice and accountability.

In this light, APHR issues an urgent call for immediate, coordinated action to end the crisis in Myanmar. We demand an immediate halt to indiscriminate airstrikes and military attacks on civilians, and insist on full, unimpeded humanitarian access to all conflict-affected areas. Justice must be pursued through international mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to hold perpetrators accountable. APHR also calls for a global arms embargo and strict controls on aviation fuel to ground the junta’s airstrikes. ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners must step up with stronger, united measures 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. Our 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 not only a brutal reminder of the junta’s impunity, but also a test of ASEAN’s credibility. Failure to act decisively will send a dangerous message that authoritarian violence is tolerated in our region.

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