At least 5,350 civilians have been killed and more than 3.3 million people have been displaced.Since the military seized power on February 1, 2021, more than half of the population has been living below the poverty line, mainly as a result of the violence perpetrated by the national armed forces.
In addition, nearly 27,400 people have been arrested, with numbers rising since compulsory military service was introduced in February this year.
Devastation, destruction and deprivation
“The report looks at the devastating impact of violence, destruction and deprivation on people’s mental health, as well as the deterioration of economic and social rights, which causes further economic decline,” OHCHR spokeswoman Liz Throssell told reporters in Geneva.
In the meantime, “Young people, who hold the key to Myanmar’s future, are fleeing abroad to avoid the need to serve or fight for the military.“, she added.
Deaths in custody
According to reliable OHCHR sources, at least 1,853 people have died in custody since the coup. including 88 children and 125 women.
“Many of these individuals have died after being subjected to abusive interrogations, other forms of ill-treatment in detention or after being denied access to adequate health care,” Ms Throssell said.
‘Depraved’ torture methods
According to the report, torture and ill-treatment in military custody are widespread. James Rodehaver, head of the UN human rights team in Myanmar, listed some of the methods.
“The introduction of animals such as snakes or insects or other. Wild animals to induce fear and terror in individuals. Beating people with iron poles, bamboo sticks, batons, rifle butts, leather strips, electric wires, motorcycle chains, suffocation, mock executions, electrocution and burning with tasers, lighters, cigarettes and boiling water.
“It is true that some of the most depraved behaviors are used as torture methods in these detention centers,” he said.
Holding perpetrators accountable
OHCHR called for all those responsible for serious human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law in Myanmar to be held to account.
Ms Throssell noted that in light of the report’s findings, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk has appealed to the Security Council to refer the full extent of the current situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC Treaty).
“He reiterates his calls for an end to the violence and for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained,” she said.
