UN: Myanmar military killed at least 702 civilians in six months; Rakhine among hardest-hit regions

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says the Myanmar military killed at least 702 civilians, including 224 women and 153 children, during a six-month period surrounding the military’s election process, with Rakhine State and central Myanmar accounting for more than 80 percent of the confirmed deaths.

The findings were published in a UN report released on June 22, documenting human rights violations committed between August 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026—from the military’s announcement of its planned elections through the end of the voting period.

Rakhine and Central Myanmar Suffer Highest Civilian Death Toll

According to the report, 573 of the 702 confirmed civilian deaths occurred in Rakhine State and central Myanmar, making the two regions the most severely affected by military violence during the reporting period.

The UN said the documented deaths were verified through credible sources but warned that the actual number of casualties is likely to be significantly higher because internet shutdowns, access restrictions, and funding shortages have hindered documentation efforts.

Airstrikes Identified as Greatest Threat to Civilians

The report identified airstrikes as the single greatest threat to civilians across Myanmar.

According to the UN, at least 505 civilians, including 175 women and 112 children, were killed in attacks involving fighter jets, drones, paramotors, and gyrocopters.

The UN said aerial attacks caused the highest level of destruction and civilian suffering during the reporting period.

Violence Escalated Around Military Election

The report found that civilian casualties surged during August–September 2025 and again between December 2025 and January 2026, periods that coincided with the military’s election announcement and intensified military operations to consolidate territorial control.

The UN warned that the election period was accompanied by escalating armed conflict and widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Aid Declines

Beyond the violence, the report warned that Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis is worsening due to declining international financial support.

According to the UN, funding cuts have forced many civil society organizations to reduce or suspend humanitarian projects, close essential services, and lay off staff.

Aid distributions, education programmes, and psychosocial support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have also been reduced or halted.

The report further warned that emergency healthcare services are deteriorating because of military-imposed restrictions and shrinking humanitarian funding, while shelters supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are closing or operating with severely reduced capacity.

UN Rights Chief Warns Myanmar Is Being “Forgotten”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the people of Myanmar are increasingly being overlooked by the international community.

“The people of Myanmar are being forgotten,” Türk said, warning that reductions in international assistance are compounding the suffering caused by the Myanmar military’s continuing attacks against civilians.

He called for sustained international engagement and increased humanitarian support for communities affected by the conflict.