UN Human Rights Chief Declares Myanmar and South Sudan in Crisis

The UN Rights Chief highlights the dire humanitarian crises in Myanmar and South Sudan, detailing the severe human rights violations occurring in both countries. In Myanmar, over 1,800 civilians were killed in 2024 amid ongoing conflict, while South Sudan faces rampant corruption and violence affecting essential services. Mr. Türk calls for international action, including arms embargoes and accountability measures.

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, describes Myanmar as engulfed in a severe human rights crisis, with ongoing conflicts inflicting relentless suffering upon civilians. During his address to the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the alarming impact of warfare and economic deterioration, which has displaced millions, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The year witnessed the highest death toll since the 2021 military coup, with over 1,800 fatalities, primarily due to indiscriminate assaults on civilians, including airstrikes and shelling aimed at schools and healthcare facilities.

Mr. Türk condemned the military’s inhumane tactics, such as summary executions and torture, causing nearly 2,000 deaths in custody since the coup. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with over 3.5 million people displaced and 15 million in dire need of food assistance, two million of whom risk starvation. Particularly affected are the Rohingya communities amidst escalating violence, resulting in mass migrations, including over 8,000 fleeing to Bangladesh in 2024, despite perilous conditions at sea.

The economic collapse in Myanmar has exacerbated widespread corruption and crime, with the country identified as a major hub for organized crime and drug production. Furthermore, cybercrime and human trafficking have surged, with victims subjected to severe abuses. Additionally, military conscription laws have led to arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment, compelling many to flee, thus risking further exploitation and trafficking.

Mr. Türk stressed the urgent need for the international community to enhance its involvement and emphasized the necessity of implementing an arms embargo and targeted sanctions to safeguard the populace. He also called for accountability measures against Myanmar’s military leaders for their violations. In a separate discussion, the situation in South Sudan was also brought to light, showcasing continued political failures and extensive human rights abuses, particularly affecting children and ethnic groups.

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan indicated ongoing governmental failures in safeguarding the rights of citizens, with rampant corruption and violence continue to mar progress. Leaders have failed to allocate adequate resources toward essential services, escalating calls for addressing systemic corruption to ensure the population receives justice and healthcare. Political dynamics perpetuate cycles of violence, requiring urgent action to foster peace and meaningful resolution.

The ongoing humanitarian crises in Myanmar and South Sudan reveal severe human rights violations and the urgent need for international intervention. In Myanmar, civilians face escalating violence, economic collapse, and systemic abuses, with calls for accountability against military leaders. Similarly, in South Sudan, leadership failures perpetuate corruption and human rights violations. Addressing these issues requires immediate global attention and concrete actions to protect vulnerable populations and restore peace.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com