On Wednesday, March 3rd, protests against the Myanmar military coup reached their ‘bloodiest day‘ as at least 38 people were killed. Any efforts by the UN Security Council to support Myanmar were countered by Russian and Chinese veto.

Civil rights reportedly continue to be breached as the situation in Myanmar escalates. Pro-democracy civilians are protesting the military coup of February 1st. On Wednesday, March 3rd, the revolution reached its ‘bloodiest day’ since the beginning of the coup, as at least 38 people lost their lives.

The coup is part of a long-standing rivalry between the military and the popular pro-democracy movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD party. Both State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint remain detained since the start of the coup, February 1st.

 UN envoys have repeatedly urged the UN Security Council to take action, but Russia and China reportedly counter any efforts by the UN Security Council to support Myanmar. As two of the Security Council’s five permanent members, they benefit from veto powers, blocking any possible resolutions. Both countries have likely countered the vote as they share close relationships with the military.

The UN Security Council finally released a presidential statement on Wednesday, March 10th, addressing the situation as it ‘strongly condemns’ the situation in Myanmar. Still, further action remains unlikely.

Text: Nickie Vandenbrouck, photo: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash