The UN High Commissioner, Volker Türk, highlighted the alarming human rights crisis in Myanmar, marked by escalating violence and suffering among civilians. More than 1,800 people were killed last year as a result of the military’s actions. In South Sudan, ongoing violations persist despite independence, with calls for international accountability and support resonating in the Human Rights Council.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar, describing the situation as a “litany of human suffering.” During his address at the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the severe impact of prolonged conflict and economic disintegration on civilians, many of whom have been forced to abandon their homes due to violence.
Mr. Türk reported a significant rise in casualty figures, with over 1,800 civilian deaths recorded in the past year alone, marking the bloodiest period since the military coup in 2021. Indiscriminate attacks, including airstrikes and artillery fire, have made schools, places of worship, and healthcare facilities dangerous. He condemned the military’s brutal methods, which include egregious acts of violence such as beheadings and torture, noting nearly 2,000 deaths occurring while individuals were in custody.
The ongoing conflict between junta forces and opposition groups has led to a humanitarian disaster, with 3.5 million displaced and 15 million at risk of hunger, including two million facing potential famine. In Rakhine state, tensions escalated between the military and the Arakan Army, resulting in substantial civilian fatalities, particularly among the vulnerable Rohingya population. Many Rohingya have fled to neighboring Bangladesh this year, risking their lives on perilous sea journeys.
Myanmar’s economic collapse has exacerbated corruption and crime, cementing its reputation as a global epicenter for organized crime, notably in opium production and synthetic drug manufacturing. Human trafficking operations have emerged, particularly in regions like eastern Myanmar, coercing individuals into cybercrime under horrific conditions.
In addition, Mr. Türk condemned the junta’s implementation of military conscription laws, which have led to arbitrary detentions and forced recruitment of young people. This has prompted many individuals to flee the country, often falling prey to trafficking networks as they seek safety. He urged the international community to take decisive action, including imposing an arms embargo and targeted sanctions to protect the people of Myanmar.
The ongoing session of the Human Rights Council also addressed the dire situation in South Sudan. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported widespread human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings and child recruitment, despite the country having achieved independence over a decade ago. “It is unconscionable that so many years after its independence, political leaders continue their violent contestations across the country,” said Yasmin Sooka, the commission’s chair.
The report condemned the extreme ethnic violence occurring in regions like Tambura and criticized a new law enabling extrajudicial executions related to communal violence and cattle raiding. Leaders in South Sudan have agreed to extend their transitional political arrangements, yet the government’s funding has fallen short of addressing critical services while generating substantial revenue.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández emphasized the urgency of addressing corruption, stating that systemic looting must be eradicated to pave the way for genuine progress and peace in South Sudan. The Commission, serving independently and non-remunerated, continues to monitor the complex human rights landscape in South Sudan as it endeavors to hold leaders accountable.
In summary, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has urgently called attention to the severe human rights violations occurring in Myanmar, highlighting the significant humanitarian crisis resulting from ongoing conflict and economic disintegration. The situation in South Sudan reflects similar patterns of violence and systemic governance failures. Addressing these grave issues requires robust international intervention and accountability measures to protect vulnerable populations in both regions.
Original Source: news.un.org
