The Secretary-General’s report (A/78/278), submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 77/227, provides a stark overview of the worsening human rights, political, and humanitarian crises in Myanmar between August 2022 and August 2023. The report highlights the continued plight of the Rohingya Muslims, alongside other minority groups, under the shadow of the military junta that took control of the country in February 2021. Key issues addressed include the brutal military repression, further deterioration of human rights, and the worsening socioeconomic conditions, compounded by natural disasters such as Cyclone Mocha.
1. Human Rights Deterioration and Military Brutality
Since the February 2021 military coup, Myanmar has seen an unprecedented rise in human rights abuses. The report confirms that thousands have been killed, including children, and an increase in sexual and gender-based violence committed by the military has been documented. Civic space continues to shrink dramatically, with strict repression of free expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
One of the most alarming findings is the widespread targeting of civilians through aerial bombardments and large-scale burning of villages, tactics that have become common in the junta’s efforts to suppress armed resistance across the country. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, especially in regions such as Rakhine, Chin, and Sagaing, where military operations have escalated. Resistance movements, including armed ethnic groups and civilian defense forces, are also involved in human rights abuses, further aggravating the already dire situation.
2. The Rohingya: Continued Persecution
The Rohingya Muslims remain one of the most persecuted groups in Myanmar. Despite ongoing calls for their protection, there has been no significant action from the military to address the root causes of their displacement. Nearly a million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, and internally, they continue to face widespread discrimination and restrictions, including lack of access to civil documentation, freedom of movement, and basic services such as healthcare and education.
While there have been some minor improvements in freedom of movement in certain areas of Rakhine State, largely due to improved intercommunal relations, the structural issues that perpetuate the Rohingya’s plight remain unaddressed. Citizenship documentation remains inaccessible to the vast majority of Rohingya, exacerbating their vulnerability. The military’s policy of classifying Rohingya as “Bengali” through the use of National Verification Cards continues to be a significant barrier to their reintegration.
3. Humanitarian Access and Cyclone Mocha
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar was further compounded by the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha in May 2023, which severely affected vulnerable communities in Rakhine State, including Rohingya in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The report highlights the urgent need for safe, full, and unhindered humanitarian access to these populations. Despite international efforts to provide relief, the military regime has actively obstructed humanitarian assistance, particularly in cyclone-affected areas, exacerbating the suffering of displaced communities.
The United Nations (UN) and its humanitarian partners have faced significant challenges in delivering aid, with the military severely limiting access to conflict-affected regions. In many instances, initial approvals for humanitarian operations have been rescinded, and travel authorizations for aid workers have been suspended. This has hindered efforts to assist the 1.6 million people affected by the cyclone and the wider humanitarian response, which targeted 5 million people in 2023.
4. Political Stalemate and Continued Repression
Efforts by the State Administration Council (SAC) to consolidate control over Myanmar have included further repression of political dissent and the dissolution of major political parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD). The extension of the state of emergency, martial law in dozens of townships, and internet shutdowns have all been employed to restrict political and civil rights. The SAC’s promises of elections remain hollow, with little indication that a genuine, inclusive political process will emerge.
The UN report notes that the military has engaged selectively with ethnic armed organizations, particularly those aligned with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, while excluding key resistance groups, such as the National Unity Government (NUG) and the People’s Defence Forces (PDF). The designation of the NUG and PDF as “terrorist organizations” by the military regime further stifles the prospects for inclusive dialogue or reconciliation.
5. Regional and International Responses
The continued conflict and instability in Myanmar have resulted in more than 64,000 people fleeing the country since February 2021, and over 1.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). The crisis has not only strained Myanmar’s neighboring countries, such as Bangladesh, but has also exacerbated regional security concerns, including the proliferation of illicit activities.
The United Nations has urged neighboring states and international actors to leverage their influence over Myanmar’s military leadership, pressing for an immediate end to violence and the release of political prisoners, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), through its five-point consensus on Myanmar, continues to play a central role in diplomatic efforts, though its effectiveness remains limited.
6. Conclusion
The Secretary-General’s report paints a grim picture of Myanmar’s future under the continued rule of the military junta. The situation for the Rohingya and other minorities remains dire, with little hope for meaningful change without sustained international pressure and cooperation. The humanitarian crisis, compounded by natural disasters, demands urgent attention and action. Moving forward, the UN and ASEAN must work together to de-escalate violence, ensure humanitarian access, and seek a sustainable political solution that addresses the aspirations of all Myanmar’s communities, particularly the Rohingya.
