HRC58: ID with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

The 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

24 Feb - 4 April 2025

Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

19 March

By Shyla Gheek / GICJ

Executive Summary

On 19 and 20 March, the Human Rights Council assembled to discuss the Special Rapporteur’s report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, four years after the military coup, which underscored the two major challenges of violence and oppression faced in the state. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Mr. Thomas H. Andrews, presented a stark and urgent appeal to Member States, warning of an escalating humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, highlighting the importance and effectiveness of international support and the dire threat of destabilization without it. 

During the dialogue, numerous States echoed concerns over the humanitarian emergency, attacks on minority groups such as the Rohingya, and barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Several delegations welcomed sanctions and due diligence efforts already taken to limit the junta’s access to weapons and finances, while others called for stronger international coordination and increased humanitarian support. Civil society organisations urged an immediate reversal of aid cuts and emphasised the need for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights defenders.

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the wide engagement and supports the Special Rapporteur’s call to action. We stress the urgent need to block the junta’s access to resources, reaffirm commitments to international humanitarian aid, and ensure justice mechanisms are supported. GICJ urges the Council to take meaningful steps to uphold human dignity and protect the people of Myanmar in this time of grave need.

Background

On 19 and 20 March 2025, the Human Rights Council convened to consider the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Mr. Thomas H. Andrews, under the mandate established by the Human Rights Council to monitor and assess the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The mandate aims to investigate and report on human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties, with a focus on accountability, justice, and the impact of systemic violence on the civilian population.

Since the military coup in February 2021, the situation in Myanmar has drastically deteriorated, with the junta intensifying attacks on civilians, ethnic and religious minorities, and political opposition. Four years on, the country continues to witness grave human rights violations, including airstrikes on homes, hospitals, and places of worship, widespread use of landmines, and the forced recruitment of young men. Despite international condemnation and targeted sanctions, the military has maintained its grip on power, fuelling a deepening humanitarian crisis and displacing millions within and beyond Myanmar’s borders.

The objective of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate is to document these abuses, provide credible evidence to international mechanisms, and advocate for concrete action from the global community. Recent developments include the alarming scale of aid cuts from key donors such as the United States, which have led to severe disruptions in life-saving services, especially for the Rohingya community and other vulnerable groups. Key actors in this context include United Nations bodies, humanitarian organisations, civil society, and States engaging in efforts to support accountability, humanitarian relief, and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.

Summary of the Special Representative Report 

The 2025 report by Mr. Thomas H. Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, provides a sobering overview of the worsening crisis in the country. It outlines two interconnected challenges facing the people of Myanmar: the escalating violence and repression carried out by a weakening military junta and the simultaneous withdrawal of critical international support. The report presents a detailed account of the junta’s intensifying military campaign, including indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian areas, mass executions, widespread sexual violence, and the destruction of over 100,000 homes and civilian structures since the 2021 coup.

The scale of suffering is unprecedented. Over 3.5 million people have been displaced, half the population has fallen into poverty, and millions face acute food insecurity. Disease outbreaks, including tuberculosis, cholera, and malaria, are on the rise. In parallel, the report stresses how a rapid reduction in international aid has deeply undermined civil society and humanitarian responders who are holding the front lines in an increasingly dire context. The Special Rapporteur warns that such withdrawals not only deepen the crisis but also threaten regional stability.

The report commends some positive examples of targeted sanctions and financial restrictions imposed by Member States, which have contributed to limiting the junta’s access to powerful weapons. However, these gains are fragile. The Special Rapporteur urges the international community to expand these efforts by sanctioning key financial entities, arms dealers, and networks involved in supplying aviation fuel and dual-use technologies. The report outlines specific recommendations, including enhanced financial scrutiny and the termination of relationships with Myanmar’s state-owned banks.

In addition to financial measures, the report calls for the rejection of the junta’s attempt to seek legitimacy through planned sham elections. Instead, it advocates for formal recognition of the National Unity Government and other emerging democratic institutions as legitimate representatives of the Myanmar people. It also calls on the Human Rights Council to publicly defend the cause of human rights in Myanmar, especially as local actors remain unable to speak freely without risking their ability to deliver life-saving services.

The Special Rapporteur emphasizes the need for immediate reversal of aid cuts, urging Member States—particularly those like the United States—to allow humanitarian actors to implement transition plans and secure alternate sources of support. Abrupt cessation of programs is described as both unnecessary and cruel. The report encourages greater flexibility from donors, including supporting unregistered organizations, easing reporting burdens, and enabling cross-border assistance, especially for displaced populations.

A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive aid strategies that address the needs of people of all genders and persons with disabilities. The report calls for refugee protections aligned with international standards, expanded resettlement programs, and respect for the principle of non-refoulement. With a view toward long-term justice, the Special Rapporteur urges Member States to support international legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for atrocity crimes, including referrals to the International Criminal Court.

Finally, the report outlines concrete steps for regional bodies such as ASEAN, urging them to acknowledge the junta’s violations of the Five-Point Consensus, bar junta representatives from summits, and instead engage with legitimate opposition structures. The report closes with a clear call: the people of Myanmar need principled action, not silence. Without it, the crisis will continue to escalate, and global commitments to human rights will ring hollow.

Interactive Dialogue

Opening Statements

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Mr. Thomas H. Andrews, opened the session with a powerful and urgent warning to the Council, calling it a “pivotal moment” for international action. He characterized the crisis as deepening both in scale and severity and expressed concern that recent decisions by UN Member States could exacerbate the suffering of millions.

Addressing the assembly with a tone of alarm and resolve, Mr. Andrews asked, “If not now, then when?” He acknowledged that several countries had made genuine efforts to curb the junta’s capacity to attack civilians, including by denying access to weapons, increasing scrutiny on financial institutions, and imposing targeted sanctions. He praised specific measures such as the Bangkok Bank’s recent decision to end transactions with the Myanmar Economic Bank—a key facilitator of the junta’s arms purchases. He cited this as a concrete example of action aligned with his recommendations in the report "Banking on the Death Trade", which outlines how cutting off financial enablers of arms transactions can directly reduce civilian harm.

Mr. Andrews reported a dramatic reduction—over 90%—in arms exports from Singapore to Myanmar over the past year, alongside a global drop of more than one-third in overall military procurement by the junta. Nevertheless, he warned that the military continues to face fierce resistance and has responded by intensifying violence, including aerial bombardments of civilian targets such as schools, hospitals, tea shops, festivals, and religious gatherings. He further raised the alarm about a new conscription policy involving abductions of young men from the streets and their homes, amid staggering military losses in the tens of thousands.

The Special Rapporteur highlighted the rampant use of landmines, reporting that Myanmar now ranks first globally in landmine-related deaths. Widespread rape and sexual violence continue to be used as tools of war and repression.

Critically, Mr. Andrews turned his attention to the growing humanitarian crisis. He stated that over 20 million people—more than one-third of the population—require humanitarian assistance and that the crisis is worsening not only due to military action but also because of decisions made by the international community, particularly the abrupt withdrawal of life-sustaining aid by donor states. He emphasised the devastating impact of U.S. funding cuts, which were made despite formal exemptions for humanitarian operations. These cuts have led to the closure of rehabilitation centres and essential medical services, including treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, which now poses a cross-border threat to regional public health.

Referencing the World Food Programme’s announcement, Mr. Andrews warned that over 1 million people will lose food assistance in Myanmar due to lack of funding. If this trend continues, he said, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh could see their food rations cut by more than half—leaving families to survive on the equivalent of 20 cents per person per day. He drew a direct link between past aid cuts and spikes in malnutrition, particularly among children.

Mr. Andrews issued a direct appeal to Member States, urging them to reject misinformation and unfounded criticisms of aid programs and instead act decisively. He asked the Council to issue a formal declaration of conscience against the cuts and to reinvest in humanitarian programs. He concluded by reminding the room: “The Human Rights Council has been called the conscience of the UN. It is time we lived up to that title.”

Position of Member States

The delegate of Australia (on behalf of Canada and New Zealand) voiced serious concern over ongoing violence, sexual violence, food insecurity, the detention of political prisoners, and outbreaks of malaria and cholera. The delegate welcomed the upcoming disability conference in Myanmar, stressing the barriers disabled individuals face in accessing national systems—particularly women and girls affected by trauma, landmine injuries, and malnutrition.

The representative of Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation) expressed deep concern over the continued persecution of the Rohingya, the sharp reduction in food aid, and the increasing influx of refugees into Bangladesh. The delegate emphasized the need for accountability and called on Myanmar to cooperate with international justice mechanisms. They also noted a recent visit by the High Commissioner to a Rohingya refugee camp.

The delegate of Türkiye called the crisis in Myanmar "unprecedented" and demanded unhindered humanitarian access, especially for Rohingya communities facing starvation due to the blockade of life-saving aid. The representative reaffirmed her country’s support for accountability under international law and highlighted the creation of a donor task force to support peace efforts under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.

The delegate of Japan expressed profound concern over the escalating brutality and deterioration of the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar. The delegation strongly condemned the junta’s continued air strikes and acts of violence, which have disproportionately targeted civilian areas, including homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. These attacks, the delegate noted, have resulted in devastating loss of life and the further destabilisation of already vulnerable communities. In response to the worsening conditions, Japan called for immediate, concrete, and coordinated international action to halt the violence and begin the process of restoring peace and stability. The representative reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the people of Myanmar through increased humanitarian assistance and emphasised that this aid must be delivered safely and without obstruction.

The representative of China maintained a cautious and non-confrontational stance, emphasizing the need for dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for Myanmar’s sovereignty. The delegate underscored China’s role in facilitating ceasefire agreements and promoting economic stability as part of a consensus-driven approach to reconciliation. They cautioned against external interference, asserting that internal challenges must be resolved through inclusive national dialogue and cooperation among all parties involved.

Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis, drawing particular attention to the junta’s forced military conscription, which has instilled fear and disrupted lives across Myanmar. The delegate highlighted the ongoing strain on Bangladesh, which is now hosting around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, with an additional 80,000 arriving in 2024 alone due to escalating violence. Emphasising the impact of recent aid cuts, the delegate warned of deteriorating nutritional conditions, especially among women and children, and urged the international community to prioritise humanitarian support before the situation worsens further. Despite the grim reality, the delegate pointed to a recent Ramadan gathering—where 100,000 Rohingya were joined by Bangladeshi officials—as a symbol of resilience and a hopeful sign for future repatriation efforts that uphold dignity and human rights.

The delegate of the United Kingdom condemned the intensifying violence, citing over 300 air strikes by the military in February alone targeting civilian infrastructure. The delegate emphasized the disproportionate impact on minorities and highlighted the UK’s commitment to humanitarian support, including £70 million in assistance and sanctions on 64 regime-linked individuals and entities.

The representative of Venezuela opposed the imposition of what it referred to as “politicised” measures. The delegate argued that such actions undermine the principle of non-interference and damage people’s right to self-determination. Venezuela rejected universalist human rights mechanisms, calling instead for dialogue to achieve peace. The delegate maintained that international actions must avoid imposing external values or frameworks that disregard a nation’s unique political and cultural context. Furthermore, the delegate warned that sanctions and punitive measures only deepen suffering and entrench division rather than fostering meaningful change. Emphasizing diplomacy over coercion, Venezuela reiterated that dialogue remains the only viable path to a sustainable and peaceful resolution in Myanmar.

Non-Governmental Organisations

The representatives of non-governmental organisations delivered urgent appeals highlighting the deadly consequences of aid withdrawals. Many emphasised that the military’s blockade of humanitarian routes, coupled with international inaction, is causing widespread starvation, medical neglect, and death. NGOs called for the immediate implementation of targeted sanctions on financial institutions and arms brokers that enable the junta’s violence. There was broad support for ending all forms of military-linked trade and for restoring and expanding humanitarian funding.

Numerous organisations also voiced particular concern for the Rohingya, describing the continued ethnic cleansing, growing malnutrition in refugee camps, and the increased risk of trafficking, child marriage, and exploitation following food aid cuts. Civil society actors warned that these decisions risk reversing years of humanitarian progress and weakening regional stability.

Concluding Remarks

The Special Rapporteur closed the session by expressing deep gratitude to all delegations and civil society representatives for their solidarity, engagement, and continued support in defence of the rights and dignity of the people of Myanmar. He acknowledged the valuable questions raised and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing dialogue beyond this session. Mr. Andrews condemned the latest atrocities, citing a targeted airstrike on a market killing 27 civilians, an attack on a monastery killing 13, and the burning of a cathedral—acts he described as entirely unjustified and emblematic of the junta’s brutal disregard for human life.

In his final remarks, the Special Rapporteur underscored the urgency of action, outlining three pillars that sustain the junta: money, weapons, and legitimacy. He urged Member States to continue undermining these foundations—pointing to encouraging examples like Bangkok Bank’s withdrawal from transactions with Myanmar’s military bank and Canada’s sanctions on the Myanmar Economic Bank. He reiterated the call to tighten and expand targeted sanctions, particularly those that restrict financial flows and access to arms. Turning to the upcoming elections in Myanmar, Mr. Andrews called them a fraudulent attempt to manufacture legitimacy while silencing dissent, jailing over 20,000 political prisoners, and crushing media freedoms. He warned that holding elections under these violent and repressive conditions only serves to deepen instability.

Mr. Andrews also addressed the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding due to cuts in international aid. With 1.5 million children missing life-saving vaccinations and over 15 million people facing acute food insecurity, he warned that without immediate funding, Myanmar could slide into famine. He described this as an "invisible crisis" that is being dangerously ignored. The situation, he stressed, is even more dire for persons with disabilities, who remain invisible within this broader crisis—left behind and often unable to access the services they need. He recounted the story of a woman who lost her limb to a landmine and has since been denied support, illustrating the systemic cruelty enabled by the junta’s policies.

Reinforcing the need for justice, Mr. Andrews welcomed the growing accountability efforts at the ICC, ICJ, and national courts like those in Argentina, as well as the determination of resistance movements to pursue legal redress. He called on all Member States to stand firmly with the people of Myanmar in their time of greatest need. “The people of Myanmar need you to stand with and for them,” he concluded. “There is no time to lose.”

Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) supports the findings of the Special Rapporteur and echoes his urgent call for the international community to take immediate and coordinated action to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. GICJ condemns the grave human rights violations committed by the junta, including indiscriminate airstrikes, forced conscription, and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. We are particularly alarmed by the impact on vulnerable groups, including children, women, and persons with disabilities. GICJ urges all Member States to strengthen sanctions targeting the junta’s sources of funding and arms, support accountability mechanisms, and restore humanitarian assistance, especially food and medical aid. The people of Myanmar must not be abandoned in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice.

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