HRC59: Myanmar’s Echoes of Despair - A Call for Global Action
The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council
16 June – 09 July 2025
Item 4: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report and oral update of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar
27 June 2025
By Matilde Gamba / GICJ
Executive Summary
On 27 June 2025, during the 19th meeting of the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council, country delegates convened for an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in Myanmar. During the discussion, Mr. Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Mr. Thomas Andrews, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, presented their latest findings and urgent updates on the country’s deteriorating human rights situation, stressing the alarming humanitarian consequences of Myanmar military junta’s ongoing violence against civilians.
Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025, that displaced millions and killed thousands, the Tatmadaw, the country’s military, escalated its attacks on civilians, restricting humanitarian aid even in areas protected by ceasefires. Both experts underscored that the junta has continued to operate and perpetrate campaigns of repression, abuse, arbitrary detentions, and indiscriminate airstrikes with impunity. The High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur called for robust international action, including an arms embargo, sanctions on aviation fuel, and a renewed push for accountability through international mechanisms. Civil society members, human rights defenders, and political prisoner survivors, including Ms. Zue Padonmar, Mr. Bo Kyi, and Ms. Noor Aziza, powerfully highlighted the suffering and resilience of the people facing the junta’s indiscriminate crimes and abuses.
The interactive dialogue underscored that the situation in Myanmar is not merely a domestic political crisis but a profound humanitarian emergency and international legal concern. Western and regional democracies unanimously condemned the junta’s actions and violence, reinforcing the need for accountability and supporting international justice mechanisms. By strongly supporting the High Commissioner’s recommendations, they underscored the importance of denying the junta’s legitimacy, particularly in light of the regime’s planned 2025 elections, and stressed the urgency of sustained aid, inclusive dialogue, and ceasefire adherence.
Conversely, other countries such as Belarus, Russia, and China defended the principle of non-interference, that of avoiding dealing with Myanmar’s “internal affairs” and rejecting country-specific mandates, while they criticised the Western politicisation of the Human Rights Council.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) firmly supports the recommendations put forward by the High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur. GICJ reiterates its condemnation of the ongoing violence and systematic human rights abuses in Myanmar perpetrated by the military. It urges the international community to reject political complacency and maintain strong pressure on the junta to ensure accountability for human rights violations and support all efforts for a democratic and inclusive Myanmar.
Background
Since the military coup on 1 February 2021, Myanmar has descended into one of the world’s gravest and most complex crises, marked by systemic human rights violations, political repression, and humanitarian collapse. Just hours before the new Parliament was due to convene, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s armed forces, ousted the democratically elected government of the National League for Democracy (NLD). Key civilian leaders, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, were arbitrarily detained and forced to declare that the power had been transferred to Min Aung Hlaing, leaving the country into an indefinite state of emergency under Article 417 of Myanmar’s military-drafted 2008 Constitution. [1]
The Tatmadaw claimed widespread voter fraud in the November 2020 general elections, in which the NLD secured a landslide victory, winning 396 out of 476 seats. The allegations were firmly rejected by Myanmar’s Union Election Commission and international observers such as the Carter Center and the Asian Network for Free Elections, who confirmed the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
The United Nations (UN) and the international community overwhelmingly and unanimously condemned the 2021 military takeover. As a result, the UN Secretary-general, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar all declared the coup as a clear violation of international norms and democratic principles. The OHCHR warned that the Tatmadaw’s actions reversed a decade of hard-won, although fragile, democratic progress and plunged the country into a full-scale political and humanitarian emergency.
In the months and years following the coup, Myanmar has suffered devastating consequences. According to OHCHR, by early 2025, more than 6,800 civilians had been killed—6,231 in 2024 alone, including 1,144 women and 709 children, primarily during indiscriminate airstrikes, artillery shelling, and extrajudicial killings [2]. Over 22,000 individuals remain arbitrarily detained, and at least 130 have been sentenced to death by military-controlled courts [3].
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) further estimated that over 3.5 million people have been internally displaced [4], one-third being children, while the total number of people in desperate need for assistance, food, and shelter has soared to 20 million [5], representing nearly half of Myanmar’s population.
This dire situation worsened significantly following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake on 28 March 2025, which struck the central regions of Mandalay and Sagaing, killing between 3,700 and 3,740 people, injuring thousands, and leaving over 9 million in severely affected areas. Infrastructure damage was catastrophic, with more than 700 health facilities and 2,300 schools destroyed or severely damaged. Widespread needs include access to clean water, sanitation, emergency healthcare, and food assistance [6]. OCHA reports that 4.3 million people are now exposed to waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and gender-based violence, especially women and girls in displacement camps.
Compounding the suffering, the junta has intentionally obstructed humanitarian access, particularly in conflict-affected or resistance-controlled areas. Reports confirmed the military continued conducting airstrikes during declared ceasefires, shut down communication networks, and blocked the movement of humanitarian convoys carrying essential aid.
Despite the overwhelming needs, regional responses remain ineffective. The ASEAN Five-Point Consensus [7], adopted in April 2021 as a framework to resolve the crisis, has yielded minimal progress due to Myanmar’s non-compliance and ASEAN’s lack of enforcement mechanisms. No formal dialogue or humanitarian corridors have materialised, and ASEAN’s special envoy has had limited access to stakeholders outside the junta.
In the vacuum of institutional response, Myanmar’s civil society has mobilised to meet urgent needs. Women-led organisations, community-based health workers, and local resistance groups have stepped up to establish parallel governance, education systems, and emergency services. However, their efforts remain underfunded, lack international recognition, and face targeted repression by the regime.
Summary of the High Commissioner’s Report and the Special Rapporteur’s Oral Update
At the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered his latest report on the situation in Myanmar, presented under Agenda Item 4 pursuant to HRC resolution 49/23. Drawing on extensive consultations with internally displaced persons, ethnic minorities, civil society representatives, and community leaders within and outside Myanmar, the High Commissioner’s analysis details the catastrophic human rights situation, with particular emphasis on the post-coup escalation of military violence, systematic violations of international law, and the worsening humanitarian emergency.
The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action and outlines four key thematic pillars: (1) ensuring accountability, (2) supporting inclusive governance, (3) building a people-centred economy, and (4) sustaining principled international engagement.
Accountability and Justice
Mr. Türk opened his report with an unequivocal condemnation of Myanmar military junta’s continued and widespread commission of grave violations of International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). He argued that, as of early 2025, more than 6,800 civilians have been killed since the February 2021 coup, while over 22,000 people remain arbitrarily detained, including many sentenced to death following trials in military courts that fail to meet basic standards of due process and fair trial guarantees. In March 2025, the already dire situation worsened when a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, killing nearly 4,000 people and affecting over 6 million.
Mr. Türk underscored that, instead of prioritising humanitarian relief, the military junta escalated its attacks in the wake of the disaster. The report documents more than 600 military operations since the earthquake, of which 94% were conducted during declared ceasefires, directly targeting schools, religious buildings, and other protected civilian infrastructure, actions that may amount to war crimes under international law.
The High Commissioner reiterated the imperative of accountability to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation. He reinforced the need to release all political prisoners, end impunity, and ensure that those responsible for violations are brought to justice, both domestically and internationally. In this context, Mr. Türk renewed his call on the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He further emphasised the relevance of transitional justice mechanisms, including truth-telling, formal recognition of past atrocities, and the provision of reparations, especially to victims from long-persecuted communities such as the Rohingya. Ongoing proceedings at national and international levels, the report asserts, are crucial first steps toward achieving justice.
Good Governance and Civic Space
A second crucial point addressed by the High Commissioner’s report is the ingenuity and courage of Myanmar’s civil society, which has mobilised to fill the governance vacuum left by state collapse. In protest against military rule, civil servants across multiple sectors resigned en masse, forming the backbone of an emerging alternative system of governance in resistance-controlled areas. These decentralised structures, often led by women, youth, ethnic minorities, and religious communities, are delivering essential services such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid in areas abandoned or attacked by the junta.
Mr. Türk maintained that good governance in Myanmar’s future must be civilian-led, representative, and grounded in human rights. To that end, he called for the repeal of discriminatory laws that have enabled decades of persecution based on ethnicity, religion, and gender, including those historically used to disenfranchise communities like the Rohingya and Christian minorities.
A vibrant, inclusive civic space is seen as a cornerstone of democratic transition and, to this end, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of protecting media freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly, calling for independent journalism, digital rights, and community-based democratic platforms to be safeguarded and supported in all future political processes.
Economic Justice and Equity
In his report, the High Commissioner highlighted the urgency of fundamentally restructuring Myanmar’s economy, which has been long manipulated by the military junta for its own enrichment, to serve instead the needs of the people of Myanmar. In this regard, Mr. Türk identified systemic corruption, crony capitalism, and the exploitation of natural resources as core drivers of inequality and conflict.
He documented how military-linked companies, including those controlled by the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL), continue to monopolise critical sectors, including jade, timber, and energy. These networks have diverted state wealth into the hands of the armed elite, depriving ordinary citizens of access to basic services and economic opportunity.
The High Commissioner’s report called for a radical shift towards a people-centred economy that prioritises investment in education, healthcare, social protection, and land rights. Mr. Türk urged international actors, especially foreign investors and corporations, to sever ties with military-affiliated businesses and to conduct thorough human rights due diligence to avoid complicity in violations.
Accordingly, displaced individuals interviewed during the consultations expressed a strong desire to return home, not only for safety, but to reclaim dignity through economic self-sufficiency. Based on this data, the High Commissioner underlined the importance of establishing an inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economic model for Myanmar and its people.
Regional and International Engagement
On this last point of his report, the High Commissioner expressed grave concern over the international response to the crisis in Myanmar. Mr. Türk sustained that international engagement in the region has become increasingly inconsistent and under-resourced, arguing that, despite the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian aid levels have declined dramatically. He pointed out that, as of April 2025, the Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan was only 12% funded, while the Rohingya Joint Response Plan stood at just 22%.
For this reason, the High Commissioner issued a renewed call for:
- A comprehensive arms embargo, particularly on aviation fuel and dual-use goods;
- Targeted sanctions on junta-linked financial and corporate entities;
- The establishment of cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanisms, especially to areas beyond junta control;
- Non-recognition of the military’s planned 2025 elections, which the report denounces as lacking legitimacy and designed solely to consolidate autocratic rule.
Mr. Türk also urged states to explore longer-term legal status options for Myanmar refugees, particularly Rohingya populations in Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and India, recognising that conditions for voluntary return do not currently exist. In this framework, the report called on all states to uphold the principle of non-refoulement and refrain from forced deportations or pushbacks at sea.
Importantly, the High Commissioner recommended active engagement with legitimate representatives of the Myanmar people, including the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic armed organisations, women’s groups, youth networks, and civil society movements working for peace and democracy.
The Special Rapporteur’s Oral Update
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, opened his oral update by commending the High Commissioner’s report and echoing its concerns. He described the earthquake aftermath as a “crisis within a crisis”, revealing that many survivors remain homeless, exposed to extreme heat, rain, and disease, as the junta blocks or politicises humanitarian aid.
Mr. Andrews turned to the catastrophic impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, describing it as a humanitarian disaster compounded by political failure. In the weeks following the disaster, he conducted a field visit to the Thai–Myanmar border, where he encountered earthquake survivors who were still sleeping outdoors in makeshift conditions, exposed to extreme heat, heavy rains, hunger, and the spread of disease. He shared accounts from humanitarian workers who had been physically prevented from passing through military checkpoints to deliver essential assistance. In some areas, survivors were forcibly evicted from shelters, left with no alternative housing or support.
The Special Rapporteur underlined that, although resistance forces declared a ceasefire to allow humanitarian access, the junta not only ignored this gesture but soon intensified its military operations. Turning to the international response, Mr. Andrews expressed grave concern over a dramatic decline in funding for humanitarian operations in Myanmar. The Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is currently only 12% funded, while the Rohingya Joint Response Plan stands at a mere 22%. These gaps, he warned, are having devastating consequences. He reported that displaced persons in central Rakhine State are now experiencing critical shortages in food rations, and there are credible accounts of deaths due to starvation. He added that, unless new funding is urgently secured, more than 100,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand will be left without food rations by August 2025, and by October, more than one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will be without basic support.
In addressing the broader picture of how to weaken the military junta’s grip on the country, Mr. Andrews reminded the Council that the regime relies on three critical pillars: money, weapons, and legitimacy. He explained that undermining these pillars is not only necessary but demonstrably possible, citing the example of Singapore, which, through targeted action, has reduced the transfer of weapons and weapons-related materials to the junta by over 90%.
However, the Special Rapporteur made clear that more decisive action is needed, reiterating Mr. Türk’s call for an arms embargo, particularly on jet fuel and dual-use goods. He also addressed the junta’s attempts to seek international legitimacy by organising elections in late 2025, which he denounced as fundamentally fraudulent and illegitimate. Mr. Andrews urged all member states to refuse to recognise the results of any such process, warning that legitimising a sham election would be tantamount to endorsing the repression.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Andrews warned that without an immediate course correction, the situation in Myanmar would deteriorate further and more lives would be lost. He called on all UN member states to restore and expand humanitarian funding, to impose and enforce sanctions that would cut off the junta’s access to military and financial resources, and to engage directly with legitimate political and civil society actors.
Interactive Dialogue
Opening Statements
The Enhanced Interactive Dialogue was opened by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, who presented his latest report on Myanmar, describing the continued deterioration of the human rights situation. He detailed the junta’s systematic violations of international law, including indiscriminate airstrikes, mass arbitrary detentions, and obstruction of humanitarian aid, particularly following the devastating March 2025 earthquake. Drawing on consultations with communities across Myanmar, he outlined four urgent pathways forward: justice and accountability, inclusive governance, a people-centred economy, and sustained international engagement.
The Special Rapporteur, Mr. Thomas Andrews, echoed these concerns, describing firsthand the suffering of earthquake survivors and condemning the junta’s use of aid as a tool of repression. He warned that international humanitarian funding is collapsing, with millions at risk of losing access to food and medical care. Mr. Andrews stressed that the junta relies on money, weapons, and legitimacy, and urged states to cut all three by strengthening sanctions, denying recognition of the junta’s planned 2025 elections, and supporting Myanmar’s democratic resistance.
Statements by Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
Ms. Zue Padonmar, a human rights and women’s rights defender from Karenni State in Myanmar, delivered a video statement highlighting the severe and ongoing human rights violations committed by the Myanmar military junta. Speaking as both an activist and a survivor of airstrikes, she described the immense suffering of civilians in eastern Myanmar, where the military routinely targets schools, religious sites, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps with helicopter strikes and artillery.
Ms. Padonmar admonished that since the earthquake on 28 March 2025, the junta has continued its attacks despite announcing a ceasefire, conducting over 900 airstrikes and artillery shellings, resulting in more than 600 deaths and 1,300 injuries. She stated that over 3.5 million people have been displaced, many with no homes to return to, and that the junta has deliberately obstructed humanitarian aid, undermining the efforts of frontline responders.
Despite this, Ms. Padonmar applauded the resilience of the Karenni people and their ongoing efforts to build democratic, inclusive governance from the ground up. In 2023, the Interim Executive Council of Karenni State was established, a civilian-led body that now provides humanitarian services, education, and rule of law, with 35% of leadership roles held by women. Similar governance initiatives are emerging across the country, reflecting a growing movement toward a federal democratic Myanmar.
Ms. Padonmar issued an urgent appeal to the international community for increased humanitarian aid, recognition and support for civilian-led governance structures, and concrete action to isolate the junta. She called for an end to the supply of weapons and aviation fuel to the military, and for international accountability mechanisms to prosecute those responsible for atrocities.
Mr. Bo Kyi, former political prisoner and Joint Secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), delivered a powerful statement on behalf of the more than 22,000 political prisoners currently detained by the Myanmar military junta. He underscored that among those imprisoned are elected civilian leaders, women activists, students, artists, ethnic minorities, and ordinary citizens, who have been arbitrarily arrested for exercising their democratic rights and held in military-controlled courts where trials are devoid of due process and marked by brutal torture.
Mr. Bo Kyi condemned this widespread repression as a systematic attack on democracy, asserting that it represents not the rule of law but a form of state terror. He expressed particular concern for the treatment of detainees following the March 2025 earthquake, reporting that prison buildings collapsed. He stressed that several inmates, including political prisoners, were seriously injured or killed, with no investigation or accountability pursued, describing these conditions as “hellish” and emblematic of the junta’s cruelty and impunity.
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, Mr. Bo Kyi insisted that this demand is not only about restoring individual freedom, but also about reclaiming dignity, peace, and justice for Myanmar as a whole. He warned against international complacency and the risk of the world forgetting the imprisoned, who remain unseen and silenced behind bars. He urged states to increase pressure on the junta, support international justice mechanisms, and provide protection for civil society actors and documentation efforts that are gathering evidence of human rights violations.
Ms. Noor Aziza, a Rohingya civil society member, delivered a deeply moving statement following her return from Cox’s Bazar, the largest refugee camp in the world. She described harrowing conditions faced by Rohingya refugees, particularly women and children, highlighting the pervasive climate of fear, trauma, and violence.
Ms. Aziza warned of the consequences of shrinking humanitarian aid, with food rations being cut, 6,500 learning centres closed, and half a million children now at risk of trafficking and exploitation. In this climate, she noted a dangerous push for premature repatriation, despite the High Commissioner’s and Special Rapporteur’s reports affirming that conditions in Rakhine State remain unsafe for voluntary, dignified return.
She firmly rejected any return that would restore the statelessness, surveillance, and systemic discrimination the Rohingya have endured. “Return without rights,” she stated, “is not a solution.” Instead, she called for a future Myanmar that fully includes the Rohingya as equal citizens from the outset. To this end, Ms. Aziza urged member states to expand third-country resettlement, provide legal protection, education, and livelihoods, increase humanitarian aid, particularly in Rakhine State, and support transitional justice mechanisms. Most importantly, she called for the full inclusion of Rohingya voices in any future political process.
Statements by Countries and Groups
The representative of the European Union (EU), Mr. Thiseas Poullos, welcomed the High Commissioner’s report and thanked the civil society speakers for their testimonies. The EU expressed deep concern over the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Myanmar and stressed that the military bears overwhelming responsibility for the crisis. Mr. Poullos recalled that many of the acts committed by the military junta, including attacks on civilians and aerial bombardments during ceasefires, may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The representative condemned the junta’s persistent use of violence, including after the March 2025 earthquake, and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, and the restoration of democratic rule. Mr. Poullos further reaffirmed support for bottom-up forms of governance as a sign of popular resistance and called for transparent and inclusive democratic processes. The EU reiterated its support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2669, and accountability mechanisms.
The representative of Estonia, Ms. Riia Salsa-Audiffren, speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, expressed deep concern about the continuing mass attacks on civilians, especially following the devastating March 2025 earthquake. Ms. Salsa-Audiffren reiterated strong support for ASEAN and UN efforts to establish a ceasefire and promote inclusive dialogue aligned with the will of the Myanmar people. Estonia emphasised the need for accountability for atrocities, including those committed against the Rohingya, and welcomed the upcoming international conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities held in the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 30 September 2025.
The representative of Thailand, Mr. Paisan Ruapanichki, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to playing a constructive and proactive role in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar. As a neighbouring state, Thailand reiterated its humanitarian approach, noting it is currently hosting over 56,000 displaced persons from Myanmar. The representative reminded the Council of Thailand’s continued provision of humanitarian assistance along the border, including the distribution of medical supplies, training of health personnel, and access to basic education for displaced children. In response to the earthquake, Thailand also provided relief items and made financial contributions to international organizations assisting Myanmar.
The representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mr. Boungnalith Southichak, similarly expressed support for the restoration of peace and stability in Myanmar and welcomed the Myanmar authorities’ commitment to holding general elections in December 2025. The representative reaffirmed Lao’s backing of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as the main reference for addressing Myanmar’s political crisis, commended Myanmar’s cooperation with ASEAN and the UNHRC in providing humanitarian assistance and encouraged the international community to constructively support Myanmar in achieving a peaceful and durable solution to its complex challenges. Lastly, Mr. Southichak stood firm on the importance of ensuring non-discriminatory aid delivery to all those affected by the earthquake and ongoing conflict.
The representative of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Seong Deok Yun, expressed deep concern about the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, condemning the military’s escalating attacks, including airstrikes and artillery shelling, and expressed particular alarm at credible reports of the junta obstructing humanitarian access. Reaffirming its support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, the representative emphasised the importance of strengthened cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations. Mr. Yun concluded by affirming Korea’s continued engagement in international efforts to achieve a peaceful and democratic resolution in Myanmar.
The representative of Bangladesh, Mr. Tareq Md. Ariful Islam, highlighted the country’s disproportionate burden in hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees for more than eight years, including 118,000 new arrivals since November 2023 due to renewed violence in Rakhine State. The representative reiterated that sustainable and voluntary repatriation is the only durable solution to the Rohingya crisis. Mr. Ariful Islam called on the international community to take concrete steps to create conducive conditions for return in Rakhine State, where food insecurity is worsening and humanitarian assistance has been drastically reduced.
Bangladesh urged greater international support, including cross-border humanitarian delivery, and maintained that the upcoming UN High-Level Conference in September must offer a clear roadmap for resolving the crisis through repatriation, justice, and accountability. The representative also encouraged the High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur to keep the Rohingya issue high on the Council’s agenda.
The representative of Malaysia, Ms. Nadzirah Osman, as 2025 Chair of ASEAN, reiterated its commitment to facilitating a peaceful solution in Myanmar. Ms. Osman welcomed recent unilateral ceasefires declared by the junta and other stakeholders and called for all parties to fully respect and maintain these ceasefires to enable humanitarian access and confidence-building. Malaysia reaffirmed the centrality of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and called for increased support from the international community to address the crisis, not only in terms of human rights but also in combating transnational crimes, such as trafficking, drug smuggling, and online scams. The representative urged coordination with ASEAN-led mechanisms, particularly the AHA Centre, to ensure timely and effective humanitarian response.
The representative of Indonesia, Ms. Erlina Widyaningsih, expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation, further worsened by the earthquake, highlighting Indonesia’s contribution of over USD 1.2 million in humanitarian assistance, including food and medical supplies. While welcoming unilateral ceasefires, the representative urged all parties to take concrete steps towards a permanent cessation of violence and to allow timely, impartial humanitarian access. Ms. Widyaningsih echoed the Special Rapporteur’s observation that Myanmar’s people overwhelmingly seek a genuine, inclusive democracy, and reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to supporting a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned dialogue process that reflects these aspirations.
The representative of Viet Nam, Mr. Le Thanh Tung, similarly expressed concern over the prolonged conflict and humanitarian emergency in Myanmar, particularly in the wake of the earthquake. Stressing the importance of prioritising the well-being of Myanmar’s people, the representative reaffirmed ASEAN’s central role and welcomed outcomes from the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025. Mr. Tung insisted on the need for a coordinated, non-interference-based approach and expressed support for continued cooperation between ASEAN, the UN, and regional partners to promote peace and sustainable development.
Similarly, the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Farzaneh Bani Asad Azad, aligning with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian impact of the earthquake. The representative reiterated the need for urgent economic support and comprehensive recovery for affected families. Commending the report’s recognition of the Rohingya as part of Myanmar’s society and the need for legal reform, Ms. Asad Azad noted that emerging constituencies for change could contribute to national unity. Iran applauded countries like Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees and urged Myanmar to address root causes and restore full rights to Rohingya Muslims.
Conversely, the representative of Belarus, Ms. Ina Vasileuskaya, voiced opposition to what she called politicised country-specific mandates, arguing they undermine constructive dialogue. The representative urged the Human Rights Council to adopt an inclusive, respectful approach and to consider the views of affected governments. While acknowledging Myanmar’s cooperation with some UN agencies, Ms. Vasileuskaya criticised the described one-sided portrayal of the situation, failing to account for the negative impact of sanctions. Belarus welcomed regional initiatives and reminded that the UN human rights system should support, not pressure, Myanmar’s path toward stability and humanitarian improvement.
The representative of China, Mr. Song Changqing, acknowledged the High Commissioner’s report and reaffirmed China's position that the Myanmar crisis is complex, involving intertwined internal and external dynamics. Advocating for non-interference and respect for sovereignty, the representative stated that discussions in the Council must contribute to stability, not escalation. Mr. Changqing reiterated his country’s role in mediating dialogue between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups, citing the facilitation of ceasefire agreements in Kunming. Following the earthquake, China provided significant humanitarian relief and pledged to continue supporting Myanmar’s peace and reconstruction through constructive engagement.
The representative of Switzerland, Mr. Michael Meier, thanked the High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur for their presentations and emphasised the need for a coherent, international response rooted in international law. Mr. Meier condemned grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by all actors, particularly sexual violence, torture, recruitment of children, and attacks on civilians. The representative called for an end to impunity, emphasising support for international justice mechanisms and national jurisdictions based on universal jurisdiction. Switzerland advocated for the inclusion of civil society, women, youth, and ethnic communities in any future political process and asked which stabilization measures would best support sustainable, inclusive, law-based development.
The representative of the Russian Federation, Mr. Stanislas Kovpak, focused on the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, stating that the resolution of the Myanmar situation should respect sovereignty and non-interference. Russia criticised what it described as biased reporting that places blame solely on Myanmar’s authorities and expressed support for the Myanmar government’s constitutional path toward social reconciliation. The representative rejected unilateral coercive measures and attempts to isolate Myanmar, which it claimed would only worsen the situation. Russia welcomed ASEAN’s role and called for dialogue over pressure, reaffirming its commitment to working with Myanmar bilaterally and within the UN.
Statements by NGOs and Civil Society
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) voiced grave concern over the ongoing and intensifying human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. They condemned the military junta’s indiscriminate airstrikes, including attacks on schools, religious sites, and IDP camps, even during declared ceasefires and following the March 2025 earthquake. NGOs repeated that as long as the junta retains access to jet fuel, weapons, and financial resources, it will continue to commit mass atrocities.
Multiple statements highlighted the systematic use of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and arbitrary detention, particularly targeting women, ethnic minorities, and civil society actors. NGOs underscored the urgent need for accountability through support for international justice mechanisms, including the ICC, and called for the establishment of a trust fund for victims.
Speakers also decried the junta’s deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid and warned of drastic funding cuts that have crippled relief efforts, leaving millions without essential food, shelter, or medical care. They urged states to restore and increase humanitarian assistance, including cross-border aid and direct support to local responders.
The repression of journalists, lawyers, and civil society, including through arbitrary arrests and anti-terrorism laws, was also a key concern. NGOs warned that shrinking civic space and media crackdowns are silencing truth-tellers and shielding the junta from international scrutiny.
Finally, representatives of NGOs rejected the junta’s planned elections as illegitimate and called for the full inclusion of Rohingya and other minorities in any future democratic process. They urged the international community to act decisively to end impunity, support grassroots democratic actors, and uphold the rights and dignity of the people of Myanmar.
Concluding Remarks
In closing the dialogue, Ms. Noor Aziza expressed appreciation for the continued efforts of the Special Rapporteur and the High Commissioner but warned that expressions of concern are no longer sufficient. She stated that the crisis in Myanmar is not simply deteriorating, but it is being allowed to deteriorate, due to a lack of accountability, political will, and action on root causes. Speaking on behalf of the Rohingya community, Ms. Aziza urged the Council to prioritise the inclusion of Rohingya voices in all discussions on governance, accountability, and return, and reiterated that repatriation without rights and safety is not a solution but a risk. She concluded by calling on the international community to treat the Rohingya not merely as victims, but as active participants in shaping solutions.
Mr. Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, warned of a global failure to support the people of Myanmar at a time when they need international solidarity most. He emphasised that the humanitarian funding crisis is not only financial but moral and political, driven by a retreat from the very principles of human rights. Mr. Andrews opposed the growing political forces undermining global human rights commitments and urged all states to reaffirm their responsibility through concrete action, not only rhetoric. He concluded by warning that the Human Rights Council must live up to its role as the “conscience of the United Nations.”
High Commissioner Volker Türk echoed these concerns, stating that the root cause of the crisis lies in the military’s capture of the state. He warned that Myanmar is an issue of international concern and that continued inaction undermines the UN’s foundational values. Mr. Türk urged member states to revisit and implement long-standing recommendations from the UN system, including those related to justice, accountability, and universal jurisdiction. Highlighting the emergence of local governance structures in areas no longer under military control, he called for strategic international support to reinforce these efforts. He concluded by stating that the time for statements has passed—the moment now requires coordinated and sustained international action to support the people of Myanmar.
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) strongly supports the High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations to advance justice, accountability, and long-term peace in Myanmar. GICJ unequivocally condemns the ongoing and systematic violations perpetrated by the military junta, including targeted attacks on civilians, mass arbitrary detentions, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities—most notably the Rohingya. GICJ is deeply concerned by the junta’s use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of control and its deliberate obstruction of life-saving assistance, further exacerbating suffering among already vulnerable populations.
GICJ reiterates its urgent call for a comprehensive arms and jet fuel embargo, the imposition of targeted sanctions against military-linked entities, and the restoration of full humanitarian access. We further call on the international community to fully engage with and support local civil society, grassroots governance initiatives, and ethnic actors, and to ensure the meaningful participation of Rohingya and other minority communities in all future political and accountability processes.
Lastly, GICJ stresses that all perpetrators of international crimes must be held accountable through credible international justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and universal jurisdiction proceedings. The time for statements must give way to coordinated and decisive action to support the people of Myanmar in reclaiming their rights, their dignity, and their future.
References
[2] Myanmar: Four years on, coup leaders ramp up violations to unprecedented levels, UN finds | OHCHR
[3] Myanmar: UN Human Rights Chief alarmed at death sentences by secretive military courts | OHCHR
[4] Myanmar Humanitarian Update No. 45 | 28 March 2025 | OCHA
[5] https://www.unicef.org/media/167986/file/Myanmar-Humanitarian-SitRep-31-December-2024.pdf.pdf
[6] Myanmar: Earthquake - Mar 2025 | ReliefWeb
[7] Chairmans-Statement-on-ALM-Five-Point-Consensus-24-April-2021-FINAL-a-1.pdf
