The UN Human Rights Chief has expressed grave concerns regarding Myanmar’s worsening humanitarian crisis, where ongoing conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and displacement. Meanwhile, the situation in South Sudan also remains dire, characterized by systemic human rights abuses despite the country’s independence over a decade ago. The international community must intensify its efforts to address these crises and promote accountability.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has declared Myanmar to be in the midst of a severe human rights crisis, describing the situation as an “a litany of human suffering.” In his address to the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the extensive impact of ongoing conflict and economic decline on civilians, many of whom have been displaced due to violence.
Mr. Türk reported that last year witnessed the highest number of civilian casualties since the military coup in 2021, with over 1,800 civilians killed during 2024. These deaths frequently resulted from indiscriminate airstrikes and shelling, which have increasingly targeted educational and healthcare facilities, highlighting the dire situation faced by civilians.
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has been exacerbated by ongoing fighting between junta forces and opposition groups, resulting in over 3.5 million displaced individuals and around 15 million people facing severe hunger. Approximately two million of these are at risk of famine, particularly in Rakhine state, where violent clashes have led to significant civilian casualties.
Economic collapse has further deteriorated conditions in Myanmar, leading to rampant corruption and crime, with the country being labeled as the “world’s biggest nexus of organized crime.” Myanmar remains the leading producer of opium and is facing issues with human trafficking, with victims coerced into illegal activities and subjected to severe abuses.
The UN High Commissioner condemned the junta’s military conscription laws, which have resulted in arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment, primarily targeting the youth. Many young individuals are fleeing the country to avoid conscription, thereby increasing their vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.
To address the crisis in Myanmar, Mr. Türk emphasized the necessity for the international community to intensify its efforts, advocating for an arms embargo and targeted sanctions. He also stressed the importance of accountability for military leaders at international legal forums.
Shifting focus to South Sudan, the UN Commission on Human Rights presented findings of systematic human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and forced child recruitment. Yasmin Sooka, the Chair of the Commission, expressed deep concern that political leaders continue committing abuses despite having achieved independence over a decade ago.
The report detailed severe ethnic violence occurring in Tambura, where armed groups have reignited conflicts rooted in previous civil wars. Local leaders have perpetuated this violence, maintaining power despite being implicated in past atrocities. The introduction of a new law enabling extrajudicial killings for alleged cattle raiding raised additional alarms.
The Commission report also highlighted the concerning financial situation in South Sudan, where leaders agreed to extend political arrangements due to funding issues. Despite generating substantial revenue, essential services remain chronically underfunded, with officials citing corruption as a critical barrier to progress.
In summary, the situations in Myanmar and South Sudan reveal profound systemic challenges related to human rights violations and humanitarian crises. Increased attention and action from the international community are essential to address these urgent issues and foster accountability and stability.
The UN reports highlight the critical human rights crises in Myanmar and South Sudan, underscoring severe humanitarian impacts stemming from conflict, economic collapse, and rampant violations. Immediate international intervention is necessary to mitigate the suffering of civilians and promote accountability for perpetrators of violence. As the situation worsens in both nations, a renewed commitment from global leaders is crucial in fostering stability and ensuring that fundamental human rights are upheld.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
