UN Report Finds Human Rights in Myanmar Have Hit New Low

A United Nations human rights office report has found that human rights conditions in Myanmar have plummeted to a new low. The report, covering June 2025 to May 2026, cites unrelenting conflict, military violence, and a growing conflict economy as primary drivers of civilian suffering. Since the 2021 coup, at least 8,075 civilians have been killed, including 1,074 children, though some open source data suggests the toll could be as high as 15,731. Internal displacement has risen to 3.6 million people, while 12.4 million face acute hunger and 400,000 mothers and children suffer from acute malnutrition.

The UN accused both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army of committing widespread and systematic violations against the Rohingya minority in Rakhine State. These abuses include killings, torture, forced recruitment, forced labour, and arbitrary detention. Specifically, the Arakan Army is accused of sexual violence, land seizures, and blocking displaced Rohingya from returning to their homes. Former detainees reported severe torture, including the removal of fingernails and the application of chilli to genitals.

The report also highlighted a booming illicit economy fueled by the collapse of the rule of law. Satellite imagery showed a significant expansion of illegal rare earth mining in Kachin and Shan states, with 302 new sites in Kachin since 2021. This mining has led to environmental contamination that has caused surges in miscarriages and other pregnancy complications. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk described the findings as heartbreaking and urged states, companies, and investors to reconsider their involvement with the state.