Crimes against humanity and war crimes by Myanmar’s military have escalated at an “alarming” rate, United Nations investigators have warned.
Systematic torture, gang rape and abuses against children have increased under the military, the UN body investigating human rights violations in the country said in its annual report on Tuesday.
KEEP READING
list of 4 items
More injured Rohingya arriving in Bangladesh as Myanmar war intensifies
Myanmar military extends state of emergency by six months
‘Potential for new Myanmar’ as anti-coup forces push new northern offensive
Min Aung Hlaing admits pressure after Myanmar anti-coup forces claim base
end of list
Investigators said that more than three million people have been forced to flee their homes in the last six months, as the conflict intensified.
“We have collected substantial evidence showing horrific levels of brutality and inhumanity across Myanmar,” said Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM).
In its report, which covers the period from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the IIMM said the conflict in Myanmar had “escalated substantially … with reports of more frequent and brutal crimes committed across the country”.
More violent war crimes have been uncovered by the UN monitors, ranging from aerial attacks on schools, religious buildings and hospitals that are not military targets, to beheadings and public displays of disfigured and sexually mutilated bodies.
The investigators are also examining the unlawful imprisonment of perceived opponents of the military regime.
