The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, emphasized the dire situation in Myanmar, citing extensive human rights abuses, an escalating humanitarian crisis, and economic collapse following the military coup. He noted the alarming death toll among civilians and the rampant violence against vulnerable populations, particularly the Rohingya. Simultaneously, South Sudan faces severe human rights violations under ineffective leadership, with calls for international action to restore stability and accountability in both countries.
On Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described Myanmar as experiencing one of the most severe human rights crises globally. He outlined the severe impact of ongoing conflicts and economic collapse on civilians, many of whom have been forced to flee due to violence. He mentioned a grim reality, stating, “Conflict, displacement and economic collapse have combined to cause pain and misery across Myanmar and civilians are paying a terrible price.”
The death toll from violence in Myanmar reached alarming levels in 2024, with over 1,800 civilians killed, marking the highest number since the military coup in 2021. Many of these deaths resulted from indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling, with attacks on educational institutions and healthcare facilities becoming common. Mr. Türk condemned the military’s violent methods, including beheadings and the use of human shields, and reported that nearly 2,000 people have died in custody as a result of torture and extrajudicial executions.
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has worsened, with over 3.5 million people displaced and 15 million facing hunger, including two million at risk of famine. In Rakhine state, violence between the military and the Arakan Army has escalated, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians, particularly affecting Rohingya populations. An increasing number of Rohingya attempted to escape to Bangladesh in 2024, with reports indicating that 650 people, mostly children, tragically died while fleeing by sea.
Economically, Myanmar has suffered significant collapse, leading to rampant corruption and crime, making it a critical center for organized crime globally. The country has become the top producer of opium and a prominent manufacturer of synthetic drugs. Additionally, human trafficking has surged, especially in eastern Myanmar, where victims are subjected to forced labor and exploitation in cybercrime activities due to increasing scam operations.
Mr. Türk criticized the junta’s enforcement of military conscription laws that have resulted in arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment of young individuals. This fear has pushed many to flee Myanmar, exposing them further to trafficking and exploitation. He emphasized that the international community needs to take stronger action, advocating for an arms embargo and targeted sanctions to protect the Myanmar population and ensure accountability for military leaders responsible for crimes.
While addressing the Human Rights Council, the situation in South Sudan was also discussed. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported ongoing violations, including extrajudicial killings and forced recruitment of children, amidst a backdrop of persistent civil war. Yasmin Sooka, the Commission chair, criticized political leaders for their failure to secure peace and protect the citizens’ rights, stating, “It is unconscionable that so many years after its independence, political leaders continue their violent contestations across the country and are abjectly failing the people of South Sudan.”
In Tambura, armed forces inflicted violence based on ethnic lines, intensifying tensions from earlier conflicts. Political authorities have perpetuated violence while remaining in power despite historical wrongdoing. The introduction of a new law permitting extrajudicial executions for violence-related offenses in Warrap State further endangers civilians.
Despite the issuance of $3.5 billion in government revenue, essential services remain unfunded, with civil servants unpaid. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández highlighted that without addressing systemic corruption, citizens will continue to be deprived of justice and essential services, asserting, “Without addressing this systemic looting, no peace agreement will ever translate into meaningful change.”
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent agency, established in March 2016, which presents annual reports on human rights violations and holds no compensation ties to the UN.
UN rights officials have highlighted severe human rights violations in Myanmar and South Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for international action. In Myanmar, a humanitarian disaster is unfolding with escalating violence and famine risks while economic collapse exacerbates corruption. Meanwhile, South Sudan continues to face human rights abuses amidst failing leadership. Both regions require substantial international intervention to address human suffering and enforce accountability for the perpetrators of violence.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
