War crimes escalating in Myanmar: UN investigators

Report says there’s evidence of systematic torture, gang rape, abuses against children

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Crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the Myanmar military have "escalated at an alarming rate", UN investigators warned on Aug 13, citing systematic torture, gang rape and abuses against children.

The United Nations' Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) said that in the last six months, more than three million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes, as conflict spirals within the country.

"We have collected substantial evidence showing horrific levels of brutality and inhumanity across Myanmar," said IIMM chief Nicholas Koumjian.

"Many crimes have been committed with an intent to punish and induce terror in the civilian population." In its annual report, covering July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the IIMM said the conflict in Myanmar had "escalated substantially" in that time, "with reports of more frequent and brutal crimes committed across the country".