The United Nations (UN) investigators found “systematic torture” in Myanmar’s military detention facilities including beatings, electric shocks, strangulations, and gang rape, with abuse getting worse across the country since the 2021 military coup, according to the UN.
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar released its annual report Tuesday documenting crimes and identifying commanders who run detention centers. The report covers July 2024 to June 2025 and draws on more than 1,300 sources including nearly 600 eyewitness testimonies, photographs, videos, and forensic evidence.
Myanmar fell into civil war after the military seized power in February 2021, locking up civilian leaders including President Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup sparked mass protests and violent crackdowns on protesters. A nationwide armed resistance followed. Fighting between military forces, pro-democracy groups, and ethnic armed groups has forced millions from their homes while pushing the country into deep crisis.
The crimes documented include burning of sexual body parts, other forms of sexual violence, and summary executions of captured fighters or civilians accused of being informers. “We have uncovered major evidence, including eyewitness testimony, showing systematic torture in Myanmar detention facilities,” said Nicholas Koumjian, head of the investigative team. The group has made progress identifying those responsible and commanders who oversee these facilities. New investigations have opened into attacks in Rakhine state and air strikes on schools, homes, and hospitals.
Evidence collected by investigators has already helped proceedings before the International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, and in Argentina. It helped the ICC prosecutor’s November 2024 request for an arrest warrant against Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing. Argentine courts issued warrants against him and 24 others in February 2025.
Investigators warn their work faces budget cuts from the UN’s funding crisis, cutting their 2025 budget to just 73% of what was approved and requiring 20% staff cuts in 2026.
