UN Rights Chief Highlights Myanmar’s Human Rights Crisis and South Sudan’s Failures
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned Myanmar’s severe human rights crisis, citing substantial civilian suffering from ongoing conflict and economic collapse. Conditions have led to rising death tolls, widespread displacement, and a humanitarian disaster, while in South Sudan, pervasive violations and corruption threaten essential services and peace despite the country’s independence. Both crises underscore the need for international intervention and accountability for perpetuating violence.
Myanmar is currently engulfed in a severe human rights crisis, as articulated by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who characterized the situation as “a litany of human suffering.” In his address to the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the distressing impact of ongoing conflict and economic deterioration on civilians, with countless individuals displaced due to violence.
The violence has surged since the military coup in 2021, with 2024 recording the highest civilian death toll yet, totaling over 1,800. Many of these deaths stem from indiscriminate airstrikes and shelling that routinely target schools, places of worship, and healthcare facilities. Mr. Türk condemned the military’s inhumane tactics, which include beheadings and torture, emphasizing that nearly 2,000 individuals have died while in custody since the coup.
The intensifying conflict between junta forces and opposition groups has led to a humanitarian disaster, displacing more than 3.5 million people while 15 million others are facing hunger, two million of whom risk famine. In Rakhine state, the situation worsened with clashes escalating, resulting in significant civilian casualties and further endangering Rohingya communities, leading tens of thousands to flee to Bangladesh despite border restrictions.
Moreover, Myanmar’s economic collapse has exacerbated corruption and organized crime, marked as the world’s principal nexus of such activities and the leading opium producer. Human trafficking remains a grave concern, particularly through cyber scams where victims endure severe abuse. Additionally, the junta has reinstated military conscription laws, leading to arbitrary arrests and recruitment, which has compelled many young individuals to seek refuge outside the country, exposing them to trafficking.
Mr. Türk reiterated the necessity for the international community to intervene more robustly, advocating for an arms embargo and targeted sanctions to protect Myanmar’s people. He also called for accountability for military leaders responsible for atrocities, stressing the roles of international judicial bodies like the ICC and ICJ in pursuing justice.
In a parallel dialogue, the human rights crisis in South Sudan was addressed, with the Commission on Human Rights revealing ongoing violations such as extrajudicial killings and forced recruitment of minors. Yasmin Sooka, the Commission’s Chair, lamented that despite years of independence, political leaders have woefully failed the South Sudanese populace.
Particularly alarming was the resurgence of ethnic violence in specific regions, exacerbated by political leaders’ involvement. The report decried a new law permitting extrajudicial executions following incidents of cattle raiding, highlighting the dire need for rule of law reform.
Despite generating $3.5 billion in government revenue, essential public services in South Sudan remain underfunded, with civil servants going unpaid. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández underscored that without addressing rampant corruption and misappropriation of national wealth, no peace agreement could yield meaningful change for citizens. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, an independent entity established by the UN, has consistently advocated for accountability and reform since its inception in March 2016.
The current human rights crises in Myanmar and South Sudan reflect deep-rooted issues involving systemic violence, economic collapse, and inadequate governance. In Myanmar, UN officials have emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. Similarly, South Sudan’s enduring struggles point to the necessity for addressing corruption to ensure the fulfillment of basic public services and justice for its citizens.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
