Geneva – As Myanmar spirals deeper into conflict, the international community faces a critical juncture, warned the outgoing UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews. Presenting his final report to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, Andrews urged governments to renew their commitment to protecting civilians and supporting the country’s embattled population, stating that the current geopolitical climate is “less than conducive to advancing human rights in Myanmar and beyond.”
More than five years after the military coup in February 2021 – which overthrew the civilian government and led to the arrest of President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi – Myanmar is at a “crossroads,” according to Andrews. He cautioned that waning international pressure and diminishing humanitarian funding could have devastating consequences for a population already enduring widespread violence and deprivation. The situation demands sustained attention and action, he emphasized.
Andrews, who has served as an independent expert mandated by the Human Rights Council since May 2020, noted that while initial international responses to weaken the military junta had shown promise, there are “alarming” signs that governments are losing resolve. He questioned whether the international community would scale up effective measures and support the people of Myanmar, or “retreat and abandon” them in their time of greatest require.
The human cost of the ongoing conflict is staggering. According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, nearly one-third of Myanmar’s population – approximately 18.4 million people – now requires humanitarian assistance, and more than 12 million face acute hunger . Over 3.6 million people have been displaced nationwide as fighting intensifies across regions including Sagaing, Magway, Chin, Bago, and Kayin.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
The military coup triggered widespread protests and the emergence of armed resistance movements, now controlling significant portions of the country. Violence against civilians has dramatically increased, with airstrikes on civilian targets soaring from nine in 2021 to 1,140 in 2025, according to reports from the UN human rights office, OHCHR. These airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 982 civilians in 2025 – a 53 percent increase compared to the previous year – including 287 children.
The impact on communities is devastating. More than 100,000 homes have been burned down, and the use of landmines by junta forces has created a climate of constant fear. In Rakhine State alone, over 190 people were killed in aerial attacks that also destroyed homes, medical facilities, and camps for internally displaced people.
International Efforts and Future Prospects
Despite the grim situation, Andrews highlighted that international measures aimed at isolating the military leadership have yielded some results. Sanctions targeting military-controlled businesses and arms supply networks have disrupted the junta’s ability to acquire weapons, and the regime has struggled to gain international legitimacy.
Though, the Special Rapporteur stressed the need for sustained and increased pressure. He urged the international community to build upon existing measures and provide unwavering support to the people of Myanmar, who continue to demonstrate “remarkable courage and tenacity.”
The future of Myanmar remains uncertain. The UN Human Rights Council continues to monitor the situation closely, and the international community faces a crucial decision: whether to reinforce effective measures and stand with the people of Myanmar, or to allow the crisis to deepen. The coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of the country and the fate of its citizens.
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