Tue Dec 23 17:47:40 UTC 2025: Summary:
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemns the upcoming Myanmar elections as taking place in an environment of violence and repression. He states that the military junta is using force and intimidation to compel people to vote, arresting those who express dissenting views and handing down harsh sentences. Armed opposition groups are also employing similar tactics to dissuade participation, including threats, abductions, and attacks on election infrastructure. Turk emphasizes that forcing displaced people to return to vote is a human rights violation and that the elections lack the conditions for free and meaningful participation.
News Article:
Myanmar Elections Marked by Violence and Intimidation, UN Rights Chief Says
Geneva, December 23, 2025 – The United Nations has strongly criticized the upcoming Myanmar elections, scheduled to begin Sunday, stating they are being conducted in an environment of violence and repression by both the ruling military junta and armed opposition groups.
According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, the military authorities are employing “brutal violence” to force citizens to vote, arresting and handing down severe sentences to individuals expressing dissent. Instances cited include the sentencing of three youths to over 40 years in prison for posting anti-election posters.
At the same time, armed opposition groups are accused of using intimidation to deter participation. These tactics include threats against civilians, attacks on election staff and infrastructure, and the abduction of individuals, such as nine female teachers last month.
Turk highlighted the plight of displaced people, reporting that they are being threatened with attacks or seizure of their homes if they fail to return to vote. He condemned this as a human rights violation.
“These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression,” Turk stated. “There are no conditions for the exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly that allow for the free and meaningful participation of the people.”
The elections are being touted by the junta as a step towards democracy after the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government and triggered a civil war. However, with former leader Aung San Suu Kyi remaining jailed and her party dissolved, international observers have dismissed the polls as a superficial rebranding of martial rule.
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