A United Nations report has denounced a sharp escalation in violence and arrests by Myanmar’s military regime, with a staggering 5,350 civilians confirmed killed since the 2021 coup, Al Jazeera reports.
According to the report issued by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, 2,414 civilians have lost their lives in the past year, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous reporting period. Hundreds have been killed in airstrikes and artillery attacks.
“Myanmar is spiraling into a humanitarian crisis as the military continues to suppress dissent and inflict unspeakable suffering on its people,” said James Rodehaver, head of the UN rights office in Myanmar.
The report also reveals that nearly 27,400 people have been arrested and are believed to be held in military detention centres. Among those detained are children taken as punishment for their parents’ political opposition.
Liz Throssell, a UN rights office spokesperson, reported that 1,853 detainees have died in custody, including 88 children.
“Gross human rights violations are being perpetrated, including torture, ill-treatment, and lack of healthcare,” she said.
The report outlines the use of excessive force against detainees, with beatings using iron poles, bamboo sticks, and other weapons.
Turk reiterated his call for the International Criminal Court to investigate the widespread and systematic violations in Myanmar. The country is also facing an ongoing investigation at the International Court of Justice for crimes against the Rohingya minority.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a human rights group monitoring the post-coup crackdown, has verified 5,665 civilian deaths and is investigating an additional 2,500.
