Myanmar at a ‘crossroads’: The world must not forsake civilians there, urges UN expert

Presenting his final report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the outgoing Special Rapporteur who examines conditions in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, urged governments to renew efforts to protect civilians and support the country’s embattled population.

“The current geopolitical climate is less than conducive to advancing human rights in Myanmar and beyond,” he said. “The United Nations and the principles on which it was founded more than 80 years ago are under severe strain.”

Mr. Andrews – who is mandated by the Council to serve as an independent expert and is not a UN staff member – warned that waning international pressure and shrinking humanitarian funding could have devastating consequences for people already enduring widespread violence and deprivation.

“Actions by the international community to weaken the military junta’s ability to sustain itself and its attacks on the people of Myanmar have shown promise,” he said. “Alarmingly, however, there are signs that the resolve of governments is waning.”

Coup’s human toll

Myanmar has been engulfed in conflict since the military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the civilian government and arresting top leaders including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup also triggered nationwide protests and subsequent armed resistance movements which control large swathes of the fractured country.

Violence against civilians has also intensified dramatically. There were nine airstrikes on civilian targets in 2021, compared with 1,140 in last year.

More than 100,000 homes have been burned down, while the use of landmines by junta forces has increased sharply, leaving communities across the country living in constant fear.

Deepening humanitarian crisis

The conflict has fuelled a spiralling humanitarian emergency.

According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, nearly one-third of Myanmar’s population now requires humanitarian assistance and more than 12 million people face acute hunger.

More than 3.6 million people are displaced nationwide as fighting spreads across several regions, including Sagaing, Magway, Chin, Bago and Kayin, where intense clashes and airstrikes continue to drive people from their homes.

Civilian casualties are also rising.

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, reports that airstrikes attributed to Myanmar’s armed forces killed at least 982 civilians in 2025 – a 53 per cent increase compared with the previous year – including 287 children.

In Rakhine State alone, more than 190 people were killed in aerial attacks that also destroyed homes, medical facilities and camps for internally displaced people.

Calls for stronger action

Despite the worsening conditions, Mr. Andrews said international measures aimed at isolating the military leadership have shown results.

Sanctions targeting military-controlled businesses and arms supply networks have disrupted the junta’s ability to acquire weapons, he noted, while the regime has struggled to gain international legitimacy.

The international community also faces a critical choice, he added.

“Will it bring to scale measures that have proven to be effective and support the people of Myanmar who continue to demonstrate remarkable courage and tenacity?” Mr. Andrews asked.  

“Or will it retreat and abandon the people of Myanmar precisely when they need that support the most?”