UN Rights Chief Highlights Severe Human Rights Crisis in Myanmar and South Sudan

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned of severe human rights violations in Myanmar, declaring it a major crisis characterized by extensive civilian suffering. He emphasized the rising mortality due to military actions, widespread displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis, alongside an economic collapse that has triggered corruption and crime. A similar plight was reported for South Sudan, with calls for robust international intervention in both regions.

The situation in Myanmar has reached a dire state, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, describing it as a severe human rights crisis characterized by “a litany of human suffering.” In his address to the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the pervasive impact of ongoing conflict and economic decline on civilians, with countless individuals displaced due to violence.

In 2024, Myanmar witnessed a sharp increase in civilian casualties, with over 1,800 people killed amidst indiscriminate military actions, including airstrikes. The mounting toll also reflects systematic attacks on educational and healthcare facilities. Mr. Türk condemned the military’s inhumane practices, including torture and summary executions, which have claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals in custody since the coup.

The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by conflict and displacement, with more than 3.5 million people forced from their homes, and 15 million facing severe hunger. Specific areas like Rakhine state have seen intensified violence, particularly impacting the Rohingya community, leading to mass migrations across borders under perilous conditions.

Economically, Myanmar is experiencing significant collapse, contributing to widespread corruption and crime. Notably, it remains the world’s leading producer of opium and synthetic drugs. The rise of unethical cybercrime recruitment in scam centers illustrates the societal breakdown, with victims suffering severe abuse.

Additionally, the UN High Commissioner criticized the regime’s military conscription laws, resulting in arbitrary arrests and the forced recruitment of civilians, particularly targeting youth. This has prompted many to seek refuge abroad, exposing them to further risks of trafficking and exploitation. Mr. Türk implored the international community to intensify its response, calling for an arms embargo and specific sanctions against military leaders.

The concurrent discussion regarding South Sudan highlighted similar failures in governance, with officials continuing to perpetrate human rights abuses. Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, noted the futility of continued violent power struggles.

In many instances, extreme ethnic violence has been reported, particularly in the region of Tambura, suggesting a troubling trend of diminishing human rights and accountability among political elites. Simultaneously, South Sudan’s leaders have postponed necessary reforms due to ongoing corruption, exacerbating the humanitarian plight, as essential services remain underfunded.

The Commission urged a collective effort to combat corruption, emphasizing that without addressing systemic looting, true peace remains unattainable in both Myanmar and South Sudan. The lack of funding for critical institutions adversely affects access to justice, education, and healthcare for citizens.

In summary, the report underscores that both Myanmar and South Sudan are grappling with grave human rights violations stemming from violent conflict, economic instability, and government corruption. The international community is urged to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities. Unless systemic issues of governance and humanitarian crises are adequately addressed, meaningful change remains elusive.

Original Source: news.un.org