‘Words are not enough:’ UN official urges world to act after at least 114 killed in Myanmar in one day

Radina Gigova
By Radina Gigova and Reuters, CNN
Updated 3:42 PM EDT, Sat March 27, 2021
screengrab myanmar girl
Family buries 6-year-old girl shot by Myanmar military
02:52 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

The killing of at least 114 civilians Saturday in Myanmar, according to a tally by the independent Myanmar Now news outlet, has led to calls for the international community to take action against the Myanmar military junta.

United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews said in a statement that “words are not enough” to protect people’s lives.

“Words of condemnation or concern are frankly ringing hollow to the people of Myanmar while the military junta commits mass murder against them,” he said. “The people of Myanmar need the world’s support.”

The killings in 44 towns and cities across the country represent the bloodiest day of protests since a military coup last month.

Among those killed is reportedly a 13-year-old girl, who was shot in her house after the junta’s armed forces opened fire in residential areas of Meikhtila, in Mandalay region, according to Myanmar Now. She is among 20 minors killed since the start of the protests, Myanmar Now reported.

CNN has been unable to independently confirm the number of people killed.

The lethal crackdown came on the country’s Armed Forces Day. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, said during a parade in the capital Naypyitaw to mark the event that the military would protect the people and strive for democracy, Reuters reported.

State television had said on Friday that protesters risked being shot “in the head and back.” Despite this, demonstrators against the February 1 coup came out on the streets of Yangon, Mandalay and other towns.

Protesters make the three-finger salute of resistance during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday, April 27.
Protesters make the three-finger salute of resistance during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday, April 27.
STR/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Police officers clear a road after demonstrators spread placards in Yangon on Saturday, April 24.
Police officers clear a road after demonstrators spread placards in Yangon on Saturday, April 24.
AP
Protesters run from security forces during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
Protesters run from security forces during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Buses from the Yangon Bus Service are seen burnt on April 12.
Buses from the Yangon Bus Service are seen burnt on April 12.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Police talk as they arrive at the site of a demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
Police talk as they arrive at the site of a demonstration in Yangon on April 12.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-coup protesters walk through Yangon's Hlaing township on April 9.
Anti-coup protesters walk through Yangon's Hlaing township on April 9.
AP
An anti-coup protester raises a decorated Easter egg along with the three-fingered salute of resistance during a demonstration in Yangon on April 4.
An anti-coup protester raises a decorated Easter egg along with the three-fingered salute of resistance during a demonstration in Yangon on April 4.
Eric Marrapodi/CNN
Protesters hold homemade pipe air guns during a demonstration in Yangon on April 3.
Protesters hold homemade pipe air guns during a demonstration in Yangon on April 3.
Stringer/Reuters
Protesters hold improvised weapons in Yangon on April 3.
Protesters hold improvised weapons in Yangon on April 3.
Stringer/Getty Images
Residents of the Tamwe area of Yangon participate in a candlelight vigil on April 3.
Residents of the Tamwe area of Yangon participate in a candlelight vigil on April 3.
Getty Images
People take part in a "flower strike" in Yangon on April 2.
People take part in a "flower strike" in Yangon on April 2.
Theint Mon Soe/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
Protesters wearing face paint stand near a burning barricade during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
Protesters wearing face paint stand near a burning barricade during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Soldiers walk toward anti-coup protesters during a demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
Soldiers walk toward anti-coup protesters during a demonstration in Yangon on March 30.
AP
Protesters run to avoid the military in Yangon on March 30.
Protesters run to avoid the military in Yangon on March 30.
AP
A man rides his bike as smoke billows from burning barricades in Yangon on March 30.
A man rides his bike as smoke billows from burning barricades in Yangon on March 30.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters throw stones and use slingshots as security forces approached in Yangon on March 28.
Protesters throw stones and use slingshots as security forces approached in Yangon on March 28.
Stringer/Getty Images
Smoke rises after anti-coup protesters burned tires in Yangon on March 27.
Smoke rises after anti-coup protesters burned tires in Yangon on March 27.
Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Protesters make incendiary devices during an anti-coup rally in Yangon.
Protesters make incendiary devices during an anti-coup rally in Yangon.
NZHPHOTO/AP
Smoke rises over Yangon's Thaketa Township on March 27.
Smoke rises over Yangon's Thaketa Township on March 27.
AFP/Getty Images
Mourners attend the funeral of Tin Hla, a 43-year-old who was reportedly shot dead by security forces during a protest.
Mourners attend the funeral of Tin Hla, a 43-year-old who was reportedly shot dead by security forces during a protest.
Myat Thu Kyaw/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
People cry in Yangon after a relative was shot during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters.
People cry in Yangon after a relative was shot during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters.
Reuters
Protesters occupy a street during a rally in Yangon on March 27.
Protesters occupy a street during a rally in Yangon on March 27.
AP
Protesters gesture during a march in Yangon on March 26.
Protesters gesture during a march in Yangon on March 26.
AP Photo
Thein Zaw, a journalist with the Associated Press, waves after being <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/24/media/ap-journalist-myanmar/index.html" target="_blank">released from a prison</a> in Yangon on March 24. He had been detained while covering an anti-coup protest in February.
Thein Zaw, a journalist with the Associated Press, waves after being released from a prison in Yangon on March 24. He had been detained while covering an anti-coup protest in February.
AP
Men pray during the funeral of Khin Myo Chit, a 7-year-old girl <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/24/asia/myanmar-protests-7-year-old-killed-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">who was shot in her home</a> by Myanmar's security forces on March 23. The girl was killed during a military raid, according to the Reuters news agency and the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Men pray during the funeral of Khin Myo Chit, a 7-year-old girl who was shot in her home by Myanmar's security forces on March 23. The girl was killed during a military raid, according to the Reuters news agency and the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Stringer/Reuters
A Buddhist monk uses binoculars as he squats behind a road barricade with others in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 22.
A Buddhist monk uses binoculars as he squats behind a road barricade with others in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 22.
AP Photo
The mother of Aung Kaung Htet wails during the teenage boy's funeral on March 21. Aung, 15, was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Yangon.
The mother of Aung Kaung Htet wails during the teenage boy's funeral on March 21. Aung, 15, was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Yangon.
Getty Images
Unidentified people cross the Tiau River at the India-Myanmar border on March 20. Some people from Myanmar <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/11/asia/myanmar-india-mizoram-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">have sought refuge in India</a> since the protests began.
Unidentified people cross the Tiau River at the India-Myanmar border on March 20. Some people from Myanmar have sought refuge in India since the protests began.
Anupam Nath/AP
An anti-coup protester jumps over a makeshift barricade in Yangon on March 19.
An anti-coup protester jumps over a makeshift barricade in Yangon on March 19.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters take positions on Yangon's Bayint Naung Bridge on March 17. The bridge was blocked with an improvised barricade to prevent security forces from crossing.
Protesters take positions on Yangon's Bayint Naung Bridge on March 17. The bridge was blocked with an improvised barricade to prevent security forces from crossing.
AP
Medical students hold up the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/world/asia/thailand-hunger-games-salute/index.html" target="_blank">three-finger salute</a> at the Yangon funeral of Khant Nyar Hein on March 16. The first-year medical student was fatally shot during the crackdown.
Medical students hold up the three-finger salute at the Yangon funeral of Khant Nyar Hein on March 16. The first-year medical student was fatally shot during the crackdown.
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Protesters test Molotov cocktails in Yangon on March 16.
Protesters test Molotov cocktails in Yangon on March 16.
Getty Images
Protesters stand near burning tires in Yangon on March 16.
Protesters stand near burning tires in Yangon on March 16.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-coup protesters pray in Yangon on March 14.
Anti-coup protesters pray in Yangon on March 14.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Emergency workers transport the body of Shel Ye Win, who was shot by security forces in Mandalay.
Emergency workers transport the body of Shel Ye Win, who was shot by security forces in Mandalay.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Smoke billows from the industrial zone of the Hlaing Tharyar township in Yangon on March 14. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/15/asia/myanmar-deaths-chinese-factories-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">Chinese-funded factories were set ablaze</a> during protests. Demonstrators have accused Beijing of supporting the coup and junta.
Smoke billows from the industrial zone of the Hlaing Tharyar township in Yangon on March 14. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several Chinese-funded factories were set ablaze during protests. Demonstrators have accused Beijing of supporting the coup and junta.
AP Photo
A member of Myanmar's police is seen firing a weapon toward protesters in Yangon on March 13.
A member of Myanmar's police is seen firing a weapon toward protesters in Yangon on March 13.
Theint Mon Soe/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
People lay flowers and light candles beside bloodied pavement where protester Chit Min Thu was killed in Yangon.
People lay flowers and light candles beside bloodied pavement where protester Chit Min Thu was killed in Yangon.
Stringer/Getty Images
Military trucks are seen near a burning barricade in Yangon that was erected by protesters and then set on fire by soldiers on March 10.
Military trucks are seen near a burning barricade in Yangon that was erected by protesters and then set on fire by soldiers on March 10.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
A protester holds a homemade shield during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 9.
A protester holds a homemade shield during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 9.
STR/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
A protester discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas that was fired by police in Yangon on March 8.
A protester discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas that was fired by police in Yangon on March 8.
AP Photo
Protesters string up longyi, traditional clothing worn in Myanmar, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 7.
Protesters string up longyi, traditional clothing worn in Myanmar, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 7.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
The wife of Phoe Chit, a protester who died during a demonstration, cries over her husband's coffin during his funeral in Yangon on March 5.
The wife of Phoe Chit, a protester who died during a demonstration, cries over her husband's coffin during his funeral in Yangon on March 5.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters step on portraits of Myanmar's armed forces chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 5.
Protesters step on portraits of Myanmar's armed forces chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 5.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
People cry in Yangon on March 4, near a spot where a family member was killed while protesting.
People cry in Yangon on March 4, near a spot where a family member was killed while protesting.
Stringer/Reuters
Protesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Protesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Stringer/Reuters
Schoolteachers wear traditional hats while participating in an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Schoolteachers wear traditional hats while participating in an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Stringer/AP
A soldier stands next to a detained man during a demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
A soldier stands next to a detained man during a demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-coup protesters run in Yangon on March 3. One of them discharged a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by police.
Anti-coup protesters run in Yangon on March 3. One of them discharged a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by police.
Associated Press
An anti-coup protester writes vital emergency information of another protester on his arm in Yangon.
An anti-coup protester writes vital emergency information of another protester on his arm in Yangon.
Associated Press
Police run toward protesters to disperse a demonstration in Yangon on March 3.
Police run toward protesters to disperse a demonstration in Yangon on March 3.
AFP/Getty Images
A citizen of Myanmar living in India burns a poster of Myanmar's military chief during a protest in New Delhi on March 3.
A citizen of Myanmar living in India burns a poster of Myanmar's military chief during a protest in New Delhi on March 3.
Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
Medics help supply oxygen to a protester who was exposed to tear gas in Yangon on March 3.
Medics help supply oxygen to a protester who was exposed to tear gas in Yangon on March 3.
Getty Images
Protesters flee after tear gas was fired during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
Protesters flee after tear gas was fired during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters smoke behind shields during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
Protesters smoke behind shields during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.
Hkun Lat/Getty Images
Protesters in Yangon run away from tear gas on March 1.
Protesters in Yangon run away from tear gas on March 1.
Aung Kyaw Htet/SOPA Images/Sipa USA
People in Yangon take part in a ceremony on February 28 to remember those who have been killed during demonstrations.
People in Yangon take part in a ceremony on February 28 to remember those who have been killed during demonstrations.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Soldiers patrol during a protest in Yangon on February 28.
Soldiers patrol during a protest in Yangon on February 28.
Stringer/Reuters
Protesters take cover as they clash with police in Yangon on February 28.
Protesters take cover as they clash with police in Yangon on February 28.
Stringer/Reuters
Protesters erect barricades during a demonstration in Yangon on February 28.
Protesters erect barricades during a demonstration in Yangon on February 28.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
Police charge at anti-coup protesters in Yangon on February 27.
Police charge at anti-coup protesters in Yangon on February 27.
Hkun Lat/Getty Images
An injured protester receives medical attention in Mandalay after police and military forces cracked down on protests on February 26.
An injured protester receives medical attention in Mandalay after police and military forces cracked down on protests on February 26.
The New York Times/Redux
Factory workers hold placards and shout slogans as they hold an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 25.
Factory workers hold placards and shout slogans as they hold an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 25.
Stringer/Reuters
Anti-coup protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 25.
Anti-coup protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 25.
Stringer/AP
A police officer films protesters near the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on February 24.
A police officer films protesters near the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on February 24.
Stringer/AP
Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband, Thet Naing Win, in Mandalay on February 23. He and another protester <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/20/asia/myanmar-police-protestors-reports-shooting-intl/index.html" target="_blank">were fatally shot by security forces</a> during an anti-coup protest.
Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband, Thet Naing Win, in Mandalay on February 23. He and another protester were fatally shot by security forces during an anti-coup protest.
Stringer/AP
Police stand guard near the US Embassy in Yangon as protesters take part in an anti-coup demonstration on February 22.
Police stand guard near the US Embassy in Yangon as protesters take part in an anti-coup demonstration on February 22.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters hold signs featuring civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration in Yangon on February 22.
Protesters hold signs featuring civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration in Yangon on February 22.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather for a demonstration on February 22.
Protesters gather for a demonstration on February 22.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
A man is carried after police dispersed protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
A man is carried after police dispersed protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
AP
A police truck uses a water cannon to disperse protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
A police truck uses a water cannon to disperse protesters in Mandalay on February 20.
AP
A police officer aims a gun toward protesters during a demonstration in Mandalay on February 20.
A police officer aims a gun toward protesters during a demonstration in Mandalay on February 20.
AFP/Getty Images
A protester holds a Suu Kyi poster as he sits in front of police in Yangon on February 19.
A protester holds a Suu Kyi poster as he sits in front of police in Yangon on February 19.
YeMyo/AP
Protesters flash the three-fingered salute during a rally in downtown Yangon on February 19.
Protesters flash the three-fingered salute during a rally in downtown Yangon on February 19.
YeMyo/AP
Flower tributes and sympathy messages are left in Yangon for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/19/asia/myanmar-protester-shot-dies-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">Mya Thweh Thweh Khine.</a> The 20-year-old was shot in the head at a protest in Naypyidaw, and she died on February 19.
Flower tributes and sympathy messages are left in Yangon for Mya Thweh Thweh Khine. The 20-year-old was shot in the head at a protest in Naypyidaw, and she died on February 19.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters block a major road during a demonstration in Yangon on February 17.
Protesters block a major road during a demonstration in Yangon on February 17.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators block a Yangon bridge with their cars on February 17.
Demonstrators block a Yangon bridge with their cars on February 17.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
Buddhist monks march during an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 16.
Buddhist monks march during an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 16.
Hkun Lat/Getty Images
A Suu Kyi banner is displayed during demonstrations in Yangon on February 15.
A Suu Kyi banner is displayed during demonstrations in Yangon on February 15.
Aung Kyaw Htet/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
Soldiers carry barricades in Yangon on February 15.
Soldiers carry barricades in Yangon on February 15.
Aung Kyaw Htet/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
Elected members of Parliament wave to protesters in Yangon as police surround the headquarters of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, on February 15.
Elected members of Parliament wave to protesters in Yangon as police surround the headquarters of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, on February 15.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Medics clear the way as an injured protester is carried away for treatment in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 15.
Medics clear the way as an injured protester is carried away for treatment in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 15.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
People gather around an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
People gather around an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
Young people in Yangon take part in an anti-coup hip-hop performance on February 14.
Young people in Yangon take part in an anti-coup hip-hop performance on February 14.
Hkun Lat/Getty Images
Protesters demonstrate in Yangon on February 14.
Protesters demonstrate in Yangon on February 14.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
A child runs alongside an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
A child runs alongside an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.
Hkun Lat/Getty Images
Protesters march through the city of Shwebo on February 13.
Protesters march through the city of Shwebo on February 13.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Members of the Myanmar Photographers Association hold up their cameras as they call for Suu Kyi's release on February 13.
Members of the Myanmar Photographers Association hold up their cameras as they call for Suu Kyi's release on February 13.
Nyein Chan Naing/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Police detain a protester during a demonstration in Mawlamyine on February 12.
Police detain a protester during a demonstration in Mawlamyine on February 12.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Farmers ride a tractor with a Suu Kyi poster during a demonstration in Thongwa on February 12.
Farmers ride a tractor with a Suu Kyi poster during a demonstration in Thongwa on February 12.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
A protester dressed as Lady Justice makes a three-finger salute as she takes part in a demonstration in Yangon on February 11.
A protester dressed as Lady Justice makes a three-finger salute as she takes part in a demonstration in Yangon on February 11.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters demonstrate in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on February 11.
Protesters demonstrate in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on February 11.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, makes a televised statement on February 11. He announced that<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/12/asia/myanmar-prisoner-release-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank"> more than 23,000 prisoners were set to be granted amnesty and released that day.</a> It was unclear what offenses the prisoners were convicted of.
Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, makes a televised statement on February 11. He announced that more than 23,000 prisoners were set to be granted amnesty and released that day. It was unclear what offenses the prisoners were convicted of.
Tatmadaw True Information Team Facebook/AP
Bodybuilders take part in a protest in Yangon on February 11.
Bodybuilders take part in a protest in Yangon on February 11.
Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images
People hold up letters that spell "get out dictators" during a demonstration at Inle Lake on February 11.
People hold up letters that spell "get out dictators" during a demonstration at Inle Lake on February 11.
Calito/AFP/Getty Images
A protester carries a child during a march in Yangon on February 10.
A protester carries a child during a march in Yangon on February 10.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images
Women in wedding gowns holds up anti-coup placards in Yangon on February 10.
Women in wedding gowns holds up anti-coup placards in Yangon on February 10.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images