Since the military seized power on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has witnessed a severe humanitarian crisis, with at least 5,350 civilian deaths and the displacement of more than 3.3 million people. Over half the population now lives below the poverty line, largely due to violence inflicted by the national armed forces.

The situation worsened with the introduction of mandatory conscription earlier this year, leading to a surge in arrests. Nearly 27,400 people have been detained since February, with numbers continuing to rise.

Devastation and Deprivation

A recent report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) highlights the devastating effects of violence, economic collapse, and social deprivation on the people of Myanmar. The economic and social rights of civilians have regressed significantly, driving the country deeper into economic decline.

“The violence, destruction, and deprivation are severely affecting people’s mental health, especially young people, who are fleeing abroad to avoid military conscription,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell during a press briefing in Geneva.

Deaths in Custody and Torture

According to credible sources, at least 1,853 people have died in military custody since the coup, including 88 children and 125 women. Many of these deaths were reportedly caused by abusive interrogation, mistreatment in detention, or denial of proper medical care.

The report also sheds light on widespread torture in military custody. James Rodehaver, head of the UN Myanmar human rights team, described the use of brutal methods, including the introduction of snakes and insects to instill fear, beatings with various objects, mock executions, electrocution, and burning with tasers and boiling water.

“These are truly some of the most depraved acts of torture being used in these detention centers,” he said.

Calls for Accountability

OHCHR has urged that those responsible for gross human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law in Myanmar be held accountable. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on the UN Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“He is calling for an immediate end to the violence and the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained,” said Ms. Throssell, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the ongoing crisis.

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