The present report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 46/21.

Thirteen months after launching a coup against the Government, an illegal military junta has waged a relentless war against the people of Myanmar and their fundamental rights.

The results have been devastating. Junta forces have killed at least 1,600 civilians and displaced over 500,000. Half of the population has fallen into poverty. The World Health Organization is now projecting that there will be over 47,000 preventable deaths in Myanmar this year. Thirteen million people face food insecurity.

In the report, the Special Rapporteur highlights some of the most serious human rights violations in Myanmar during the period September 2021 through February 2022. He documents the military’s violent attacks on civilian populations, including air strikes, mortaring, arson, extrajudicial killings and the use of forced labour and human shields. He describes the junta’s campaign to arrest and imprison activists, journalists, peaceful protesters and other opponents. He documents the junta’s criminalization of fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and assembly. He also shares the experiences of those who have faced torture and other ill - treatment during periods of detention. Many of these attacks constitute probable crimes against humanity and/or war crimes, and perpetrators must be brought to justice.

In the report, the Special Rapporteur describes the efforts of the people of Myanmar to oppose the military junta and defend their nation. Led by large numbers of young people, including many young women, protest organizers have demonstrated great skill, tenacity and creativity in the mobilization of opposition despite the near - constant threat of imprisonment or death. The Special Rapporteur is inspired by their conviction and tireless efforts.

To succeed, the people of Myanmar need a much stronger level of support from the international community. The report concludes with specific recommendations that the Special Rapporteur urges the Security Council and Member States to take.