Five years after Myanmar’s military seized power from the country’s elected government, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the humanitarian, political, and security situation continues to deteriorate, marked by widespread human rights abuses, mass displacement, and escalating violence.

“The suffering of the people of Myanmar has deepened,” Guterres said in a statement released by his spokesperson, Farhan Haq. “The cycle of impunity persists, with widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”

According to Anadolu Agency, the UN chief expressed grave concern over the country’s worsening crisis, which has spilled beyond Myanmar’s borders and threatens regional stability. He cited “rising transnational crime, economic volatility, acute food insecurity, and mass displacement,” noting that nearly 5.2 million people have been uprooted from their homes, both internally and across borders.

Guterres strongly condemned the continued airstrikes and assaults on civilian populations and infrastructure carried out by the military, urging all sides to “exercise maximum restraint, uphold international law, and ensure safe, sustained, and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.”

Reaffirming his solidarity with the people of Myanmar, the Secretary-General reiterated his support for their “democratic aspirations for an inclusive, peaceful, and just society.” He also called for the protection of all communities, including Rohingya Muslims, who remain among the most vulnerable.

The statement again pressed for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained since the 2021 coup  including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi  and emphasized that “regional and international unity and sustained engagement” are essential to achieving a Myanmar-led resolution.

Guterres’ office confirmed that UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop continues to coordinate closely with ASEAN and regional partners to seek a durable political settlement and long-term peace in Myanmar.

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