Animals such as snakes or insects or other wild animals have been introduced in order to provoke fear and terror in individuals, James Rodehaver, head of the UN human rights Myanmar team said.

At least 5,350 civilians have been killed, and more than 3.3 million displaced, mainly due to violence perpetrated by the national armed forces, since the Myanmar military seized power on 1 February 2021. The conflict has pushed more than half of Myanmar’s population below the poverty line, and the situation is deteriorating rapidly.

Furthermore, nearly 27,400 people have been arrested, and numbers have been rising since the implementation of mandatory conscription since February.

These and more findings are contained in a damning report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The report details the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar. It highlights a range of grave violations committed by the military junta since seizing power in February 2021.

The OHCHR’s report titled, ‘Situation of human rights in Myanmar – Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’, an advance copy of which has been made available, is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar. It underscored the imperative for the international community to take urgent action to hold the military junta accountable for its crimes and to support the restoration of democracy and human rights in the country.

The report also documents widespread torture, arbitrary arrests, and forced conscription. At least 27,400 people have been arrested since the coup, and the number of detainees has been rising since the implementation of mandatory military service.

“The report looks at the devastating impact of the violence, destruction, and deprivation on people’s mental health, as well as the regression in economic and social rights, which is precipitating further economic decline,” said Liz Throssell, OHCHR spokesperson.

Using animals for torture

The report details horrifying accounts of torture and ill-treatment in military custody. Credible sources indicate that at least 1,853 people have died in detention since the coup, including 88 children and 125 women. Many of these individuals were subjected to abusive interrogation, torture, and denial of adequate healthcare.

“The introduction of animals such as snakes or insects or other wild animals in order to provoke fear and terror in individuals,” said James Rodehaver, head of the UN human rights Myanmar team. “Beating people with iron poles, bamboo sticks, batons, rifle butts, leather strips, electric wires, motorcycle chains, asphyxiation, mock executions, electrocution, and burning with tasers, lighters, cigarettes, and boiling water. Truly, some of the most depraved behaviour utilized as methods of torture in these detention centres.”

The OHCHR has called for all those responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar to be held accountable. In light of the report’s findings, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged the Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“He reiterates his calls for an end to the violence and for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained,” OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell told journalists in Geneva.

The report paints a bleak picture of the human rights situation in Myanmar. The ongoing violence and repression have had a devastating impact on the population, and the country is facing a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.

Key findings

• At least 5,350 civilians killed and over 3.3 million displaced since the coup.
• More than 3.3 million displaced
• Over half the population living below the poverty line.
• At least 27,400 people arrested.
• Widespread torture, arbitrary arrests, and forced conscription.
• At least 1,853 people died in custody.
• Severe mental health impacts on the population.

Image:  UNOCHA/Siegfried Modola