Archive · 12 Aug 2025
UN Report Details Torture by Myanmar Security Forces
The United Nations investigated Myanmar and found that security forces are systematically torturing people.
They found evidence from many sources.
People were beaten, shocked, and abused, including the removal of fingernails.
Children were also tortured, sometimes in place of their parents.
The UN has found some of the people responsible, like high-ranking officers, but the government hasn't answered questions.
The military denies wrongdoing and blames unrest on terrorists.
The investigation is ongoing, with the mechanism at risk of lacking funds to continue its work.
UN investigators found evidence of systematic torture by Myanmar security forces.
Victims were subjected to beatings, electric shocks, and other abuse, including removal of fingernails.
Children were among those tortured, often detained as proxies for their parents.
Investigators identified high-ranking commanders among the alleged perpetrators.
The Myanmar government has not responded to UN requests for comment.
- Who
- Myanmar security forces and high-level commanders.
- What
- The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) found evidence of systematic torture by Myanmar security forces.
- When
- The report covers a period up to June 30, and the IIMM has investigated abuses dating back to 2011.
- Where
- Myanmar detention facilities.
- Why
- The context is the aftermath of the 2021 military coup and the ongoing civil war.
UN Findings
Myanmar Military Stance
Nature of Allegations
UN Findings
Myanmar security forces engaged in systematic torture, including children.
Myanmar Military Stance
Myanmar military denies atrocities and blames terrorists for unrest.
- Investigating Body
- Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM)
- Types of Torture
- Beatings, electric shocks, strangulation, and removal of fingernails.
- Victims
- Children and adults
- Perpetrators Identified
- High-level commanders
- Conflict Context
- Myanmar civil war since the 2021 military coup.
- Government Response
- No response to requests for comment.
- Investigation Timeline
- Since 2011
- Funding Concerns
- UN budget cuts threaten the mechanism’s work
Sources
Myanmar security forces involved in systematic torture, UN report says
Myanmar security forces involved in ‘systematic torture’, UN report says
Myanmar: Children among those tortured by security forces, says UN report
