UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has condemned the alarming human rights crisis in Myanmar, citing high civilian death tolls and a humanitarian catastrophe resulting from ongoing conflict. Over 3.5 million people are displaced, and corruption and organized crime are rampant. The need for international intervention and accountability for atrocities committed is critical for the protection of civilians and stabilization of the region.
Myanmar is currently experiencing an acute human rights crisis, as reported by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. In a statement before the Human Rights Council, he characterized the dire conditions in Myanmar as a “litany of human suffering.” The ongoing conflict and economic disintegration have inflicted severe tolls on civilians, many of whom have been violently displaced.
The violence in Myanmar rose dramatically in 2024, with over 1,800 civilian casualties reported, marking the highest annual death toll since the military coup in 2021. Civilians have borne the brunt of indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling, with attacks on institutions such as schools and hospitals becoming alarmingly frequent. Mr. Türk condemned the military’s inhumane tactics, noting the occurrence of executions and torture in detention facilities.
The ongoing fighting between the junta and opposition groups has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, displacing more than 3.5 million individuals and placing 15 million at risk of hunger, including two million facing imminent famine. In Rakhine state, conflicts exacerbated by the Arakan Army have resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly among the vulnerable Rohingya population, many of whom have fled to Bangladesh in search of safety.
Myanmar’s deteriorating economy has further intensified crises, with a rise in corruption and organized crime. Now recognized as the world’s largest hub of organized crime, Myanmar remains a principal source of opium and synthetic drugs. Human trafficking has surged, particularly involving scam centers that exploit victims for cybercrime under perilous circumstances.
Additionally, the junta’s enforced military conscription laws have led to arbitrary detentions and forced recruitment, specifically targeting young individuals. This atmosphere of fear has propelled many to leave the country, exposing them to severe trafficking risks. Mr. Türk emphasized the urgent need for international involvement in addressing these humanitarian, political, and economic crises.
He reiterated his call for the implementation of an arms embargo and the need for targeted sanctions to safeguard the people of Myanmar from further atrocities. Accountability efforts at international legal bodies like the ICC and ICJ were highlighted as critical for addressing the regime’s grave human rights violations.
The situation in Myanmar represents a profound human rights catastrophe, underscored by rising fatalities, displacement, economic disintegration, and pervasive violence against civilians. The international community’s attention and intervention are crucial to mitigate these crises and foster accountability for ongoing atrocities. Without significant global action, the plight of the Myanmar people is likely to worsen, necessitating urgent humanitarian support and political reform.
Original Source: news.un.org
