The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described Myanmar’s situation as a severe human rights crisis, marked by conflict and economic collapse adversely affecting civilians. The violence has led to thousands of deaths and increased humanitarian needs, with millions displaced and hungry. The issues in South Sudan also underscore ongoing human rights violations and failures of leadership.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, addressed the dire human rights situation in Myanmar, describing it as a profound crisis characterized by extensive human suffering. In his remarks to the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the repercussions of ongoing conflicts and economic disintegration, which have severely impacted civilians, many of whom are displaced due to the fighting.
The violence in Myanmar has escalated significantly, with over 1,800 civilian fatalities reported in 2024 alone, marking the highest toll since the military coup in 2021. Reports indicate that indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery bombardments have become commonplace, endangering not just lives but also educational and healthcare institutions.
Mr. Türk denounced the military’s ruthless tactics, such as beheadings, burnings, and torture, noting that nearly 2,000 individuals have died while in custody, often due to inhumane treatment. He pointed out that the ongoing humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, pushing over 3.5 million people into displacement and leaving 15 million facing severe hunger, with millions at risk of famine.
Escalating violence in Rakhine state has resulted in intensified clashes between military forces and the Arakan Army, precipitating significant civilian casualties and further displacing the Rohingya community. Despite restrictions, tens of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in 2024, with many perishing during perilous sea journeys.
The economic turmoil in Myanmar has exacerbated issues of corruption and crime, with the country being identified as a leading hub for organized crime and the world’s primary opium producer. Human trafficking has surged, with victims coerced into cyber-crime under harsh conditions, including torture and forced labor.
Mr. Türk criticized the junta’s military conscription laws, which have led to arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment, adversely impacting young men and women. He stressed that the international community must act decisively to address these crises, advocating for an arms embargo and targeted sanctions to safeguard the people of Myanmar.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for accountability regarding the actions of Myanmar’s military leaders, highlighting the ongoing efforts at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The situation in South Sudan, where political violence and human rights violations persist, was also discussed, indicating that political leaders are failing to protect their citizens.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported ongoing abuses, including extrajudicial killings and systematic sexual violence despite the country’s independence over ten years ago. The re-emergence of ethnic violence and harmful laws like the “Green Book” law exemplifies the ongoing instability affecting the population.
The situation in Myanmar remains critical, with escalating violence, economic decline, and widespread human rights violations prompting urgent calls for international intervention and accountability. The crisis has had devastating effects on civilians, leading to displacement, hunger, and rampant crime. In parallel, the ongoing abuses in South Sudan further underscore the failures of political leadership to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law. – The UN Commissioner highlighted an urgent need for international measures against Myanmar’s military. – South Sudan continues facing systematic human rights violations with unabated political violence.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
