Revealed forward of the Human Rights Council’s upcoming session, the report highlighted the worsening scenario because the army coup in 2021, which derailed Myanmar’s democratic transition and ignited widespread armed resistance.
Within the years since, army forces have focused civilian populations with airstrikes, artillery bombardments and different types of violence, whereas anti-military armed teams have gained floor, notably in Rakhine state.
“The nation has endured an more and more catastrophic human rights disaster marked by unabated violence and atrocities which have affected each single facet of life,” mentioned UN Excessive Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Grim toll
The report paperwork a grim toll: army operations killed extra civilians in 2024 than in any earlier yr because the coup.
In Rakhine, the Arakan Military seized management of a lot of the state, displacing tens of hundreds, whereas Rohingya civilians had been caught between warring factions, dealing with killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and widespread destruction of villages.
Some Rohingya armed teams have additionally been drawn into the battle, in keeping with reviews.
Financial disaster deepening
The escalating violence has had a cascading impact on Myanmar’s financial system, worsening already dire humanitarian situations.
Myanmar’s financial system has misplaced an estimated $93.9 billion because the coup, with the gross home product (GDP) not anticipated to get better to pre-pandemic ranges earlier than 2028.
Inflation has surged, the kyat has misplaced 40 per cent of its worth, and over half the inhabitants now lives beneath the poverty line, dealing with meals insecurity and hovering costs.
The March earthquakes additional exacerbated the disaster, leaving hundreds extra displaced, homeless and with out fundamental companies.
Army management of income
In the meantime, the army continues to manage key income sources, together with the central financial institution and state-owned enterprises, notably within the extractive sector.
Whereas focused worldwide sanctions slowed some income streams, the junta has maintained its monetary lifelines by compelled foreign money conversion, import restrictions, and a crackdown on casual cash transfers.
Myanmar has additionally develop into the world’s largest producer of opium and artificial medication, with transnational felony networks thriving beneath army rule.
Multifaceted method wanted
The report urged a multifaceted response to the disaster, together with pressing humanitarian assist, cross-border help for displaced populations and elevated political engagement with Myanmar’s democratic forces and rising governance constructions.
It additionally emphasised the necessity for accountability by worldwide justice mechanisms, together with a referral of the scenario to the Worldwide Felony Court docket (ICC).
The report additionally recognized key “constituents for change” within the nation’s future – ladies, youth, ethnic minorities, civil society and pro-democracy actors – and highlighted the work of communities who’ve established native establishments and types of governance, usually with elevated participation from ladies.
© UNICEF
Buildings lie in ruins in Mandalay area, in central Myanmar, following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struk in March.
Hopes for a peaceable future
The report underscored the significance of planning for the day-after, guaranteeing human rights are central to a future Myanmar – from rebuilding methods to restoring basic freedoms.
“There are sturdy, resourceful and principled people and teams rallying and creating the situations for an inclusive and democratic future,” Excessive Commissioner Türk mentioned. “They’re a shining instance of hope for a peaceable future.”
The report will probably be formally introduced to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 1 July.
