Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
Myanmar is facing a severe crisis. The military regime is still using violence and fear to stay in power. They continue to bomb civilians and attack places like schools, clinics, monasteries, and camps for displaced people. More than 100,000 homes have been burned down. At least 3.6 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and about 22 million people now need help to survive.
After a major earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, the military made the situation even worse. Instead of allowing aid, they blocked help from reaching areas they do not control. They threatened and extorted humanitarian workers. Even though they announced a “humanitarian ceasefire,” they continued to attack and carried out more airstrikes on civilians during that period than at any time since the coup.
Unable to gain full control of the country, the junta is now trying to stage fake elections in December to appear legitimate. These elections cannot be free or fair when opposition leaders are jailed, tortured, or killed, when people are banned from criticizing the military, and when journalists are imprisoned for telling the truth.
Despite all this, the people of Myanmar continue to show courage and resilience in their fight against military rule. They need real support from the international community. World leaders must reject the junta’s fake elections, cut off support that strengthens the military’s ability to attack people, and provide serious help to those displaced and harmed by the conflict. Every day that the world delays action costs more innocent lives.
FAQ — Myanmar Human Rights & Crisis Situation
1) What is happening in Myanmar right now?
Myanmar is going through a major crisis. The military, which took power in a coup, is attacking civilians and blocking aid, leading to massive suffering across the country.
2) Who is responsible for the violence?
The military junta is responsible for airstrikes, arson attacks, mass arrests, torture, and blocking humanitarian help.
3) How many people are affected?
About 3.6 million people have been forced from their homes and nearly 22 million people need humanitarian assistance to survive.
4) What happened after the March 2025 earthquake?
Instead of helping earthquake victims, the junta blocked aid in areas not under its control and continued attacks, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
5) Are the planned elections in Myanmar legitimate?
No. The elections expected in December are considered fake because opposition leaders are jailed or killed, criticism is banned, and journalists are imprisoned.
6) How are people inside Myanmar responding?
Many citizens are resisting military rule with courage, despite the danger. They continue pushing for democracy and human rights.
7) What should the international community do?
World leaders are urged to reject the junta’s fake elections, cut support that empowers the military, and provide strong help and protection for displaced and at-risk people.
8) Why can’t humanitarian groups reach people in need?
Because the junta blocks aid in areas it does not control, and often threatens, arrests, or extorts aid workers, making it dangerous to operate.
9) Why are the attacks called “war crimes” or “crimes against humanity”?
Because the military is intentionally targeting civilians, burning homes, torturing detainees, and attacking protected places like schools and hospitals — all of which violate international law.
10) What happens if the world does nothing?
If there is no strong international action, the junta will keep killing, displacing, and starving people. More lives will be lost and the crisis will grow worse each day.