By Basant El-Faramawy
The United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Kelley Currie, said Thursday that the military-backed government is deliberately attacking civilians to instill fear and force submission, while increasing weapons purchases from China, Russia and other countries are fueling the conflict and a "catastrophic" human rights situation.
Intentional Attacks on Civilians
Currie told reporters that the junta's strategy includes targeting civilians to terrorize them into compliance. She warned that regional and international engagement with the government without demanding reductions in violence, the release of political prisoners, or dialogue toward peace is deeply worrying.
Arms Purchases from China and Russia
The government's armed forces hold a significant advantage in arms and manpower, including unchallenged air power using planes from China and Russia. Despite heavy force, they have failed to overcome armed resistance that has spread civil war across much of the country since the 2021 coup.
ICJ Ruling on Rohingya Genocide Looms
Currie also raised concern about potential violence if the International Court of Justice rules that Myanmar's military committed genocide or failed to prevent it during the 2017 crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya minority. She noted increased online activity by groups responsible for hate speech against non-Buddhist, non-Bamar minorities, which she sees as a prelude to violence following the court's decision.
Economic Mismanagement and Corruption
The legal economy has shrunk while the illicit economy has grown since the 2021 takeover, Currie said. She described the military's economic management as "spectacularly bad" and deeply corrupt, relying on patronage networks, illegal kickbacks, and schemes spanning the formal, gray, and black markets to fund military operations and surveillance.
Political Prisoners and Detentions
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 32,000 people, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, have been detained since the 2021 coup, with at least 15,000 still behind bars.
