The UN’s outgoing special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has delivered a stark warning, accusing the international community of fuelling a “human rights catastrophe” through decades of inaction.

In his final report, From Impunity to Justice, Tom Andrews said the crisis could only be resolved by dismantling the military’s ability to attack civilians and holding perpetrators accountable. He stressed that despite overwhelming evidence of atrocities — including targeted assaults on ethnic minorities and widespread sexual violence — not a single senior military figure has faced justice.

Since the 2021 coup, regime forces have killed nearly 8,000 civilians and detained more than 30,000 others, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Civil society groups say airstrikes have destroyed homes, clinics and temples, killing thousands more.

“For the people of Myanmar, justice delayed is justice denied,” Andrews said, warning that frustration and anger are mounting as impunity continues. He described the UN Security Council’s failure to refer Myanmar to the International Criminal Court as “an abdication of responsibility”.

While international court cases offer victims “a glimmer of hope”, Andrews argued they remain too narrow to break the cycle of impunity. He urged ASEAN and the UK, as Security Council penholder on Myanmar, to lead a coordinated effort to isolate the junta and enforce any future court rulings.

His recommendations include expanding universal jurisdiction, broadening ICC investigations, and establishing a reparations fund for victims. He also called on states to prepare for a judgment in the genocide case against Myanmar concerning the Rohingya.

“Opportunities to break the cycle of impunity are available,” Andrews concluded. “What is missing is the political will to seize them.”

Andrews’ tenure ends this month, with former US diplomat Kelley Currie set to succeed him. His parting words underline the urgency of global action — and the cost of delay for Myanmar’s people.

-2026-04-30

It's evident that no-one cares.

Instead someone cares that this civil war keeps on, seeing it as a good chance to enrich oneself, to exert influence and to make shady business with the military junta.