The UN reports severe human rights abuses in Myanmar and South Sudan. In Myanmar, ongoing conflict and economic collapse have displaced millions and resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. Corruption and crime have escalated alongside forced conscription, aggravating the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, South Sudan continues to experience ethnic violence and widespread abuses despite a decade of independence, with leaders failing to address systemic issues.
On Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned of a severe human rights crisis in Myanmar, referring to the situation as a “litany of human suffering.” During his address to the Human Rights Council, Mr. Türk highlighted the tragic impact of ongoing conflict and economic deterioration on civilians, many of whom are suffering from displacement due to the violence.
He reported that the violence in Myanmar has resulted in over 1,800 civilian deaths in 2024, marking the highest toll since the military coup in 2021. Civilians are increasingly victims of indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery fire, with the attack on schools, places of worship, and healthcare facilities becoming alarmingly commonplace.
The UN rights chief condemned the military’s cruel tactics, including beheadings, mutilations, and the use of human shields. Furthermore, he stated that nearly 2,000 individuals have died in custody since the coup, primarily as a result of summary executions and torture, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Today, more than 3.5 million people are displaced in Myanmar, while 15 million individuals face hunger, with at least two million at risk of famine. Ongoing conflict between junta forces and opposition groups has significantly exacerbated the situation, particularly affecting the vulnerable Rohingya communities caught in violent crossfire.
In addition, economic collapse has spiraled Myanmar into corruption and crime, with the country being designated as a major hub for organized crime. Myanmar continues to be the world’s leading producer of opium, and scam centers have emerged as notorious for human trafficking and exploitation through coerced cybercrime.
Mr. Türk criticized the regime’s implementation of military conscription laws, which have resulted in arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment of young individuals, driving many to flee the country. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to address this crisis, including the establishment of an arms embargo and targeted sanctions.
In the context of South Sudan, the UN Commission on Human Rights reported severe violations, including extrajudicial killings and systematic sexual violence. Despite a decade of independence, political leaders in South Sudan fail to protect their citizens, exacerbating cycles of violence fueled by power struggles among elites.
A report indicated extreme ethnic violence in Tambura, reigniting conflicts reminiscent of the violence from 2021. Furthermore, the “Green Book” law in Warrap State authorizing extrajudicial executions for suspected violence raises significant concerns.
South Sudan’s leadership has agreed to extend transitional political arrangements while facing corruption issues that undermine governmental finances. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández emphasized that combating corruption is crucial for achieving meaningful change and that without addressing systemic theft, no peace agreement will yield positive outcomes.
The crisis in Myanmar, marked by extreme violence, economic collapse, and widespread human rights violations, necessitates urgent action from the international community. The reports from UN representatives highlight the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians, including deaths, displacement, and hunger. Concurrently, developments in South Sudan further demonstrate the ongoing failures of leadership to safeguard their populations, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic reform. Only through concerted global efforts, including sanctions and support for humanitarian responses, can conditions begin to improve for the vulnerable populations in these nations.
Original Source: news.un.org
