The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has highlighted the severe human rights crisis in Myanmar, citing rampant violence and suffering due to the military coup. Over 1,800 civilians were killed in 2024 as conflict and economic collapse displace millions and exacerbate hunger. In South Sudan, the UN Commission reported ongoing human rights violations amid political failures, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and effective governance in both regions.
Myanmar is currently engulfed in one of the most severe human rights crises globally, as described by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. He portrayed the country’s situation as a “litany of human suffering,” highlighting the toll of ongoing conflict and economic decline on civilians, many of whom are displaced due to the violence.
Mr. Türk indicated that the number of civilian fatalities last year reached its highest since the military coup in 2021, with over 1,800 civilians killed in violent incidents in 2024. These deaths often resulted from indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery fire, with attacks on vital establishments such as schools and healthcare facilities becoming commonplace.
The military’s tactics were condemned by Mr. Türk for their brutality, including severe acts such as beheadings and torture. He detailed that nearly 2,000 detainees have died since the coup, mostly due to extrajudicial executions. The ongoing struggle between junta forces and opposition groups has catalyzed a humanitarian disaster, displacing over 3.5 million individuals and leaving around 15 million facing hunger, including two million at risk of famine.
Intensifying clashes in Rakhine state have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, particularly affecting the Rohingya community caught in the turmoil. Thousands have attempted to escape to Bangladesh amidst border restrictions, with a significant rise in maritime departures. Tragically, many have met with perilous conditions, leading to numerous fatalities.
Amidst these humanitarian crises, Myanmar’s economic deterioration has fostered widespread corruption, positioning the country as a hub for organized crime and drug production. Furthermore, cybercrime and human trafficking have become rampant, with victims subjected to extreme conditions of exploitation.
Mr. Türk criticized the junta’s implementation of military conscription laws, which have resulted in arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment, particularly of youth. The fear of conscription has prompted many individuals to flee, often exposing them to trafficking scenarios. He emphasized the importance of a more robust international response, including an arms embargo and targeted sanctions.
In his remarks, Mr. Türk stressed the need for accountability for the military’s atrocities, citing ongoing efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold military leaders accountable.
In a parallel discussion, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported widespread human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against vulnerable populations. Despite gaining independence over a decade ago, South Sudan continues to experience persistent patterns of abuse, implicating high-ranking officials.
The report highlighted the extreme ethnic violence occurring in Tambura as tensions reignited from earlier conflicts, driven by political elites who perpetuate the cycle of violence. Additionally, the introduction of laws permitting extrajudicial executions for cattle raiding raised significant concerns in Warrap State.
The current humanitarian crises in Myanmar and South Sudan underscore profound violations of human rights and the dire need for international intervention. Mr. Türk’s appeals for accountability in Myanmar reflect a commitment to addressing systemic abuses while the ongoing situation in South Sudan reveals persistent failures of political leadership. Ensuring the protection of civilians and restoring fundamental human rights remains a critical objective for the international community. Additionally, concrete actions are required to combat corruption and improve governance to stabilize both nations.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
