60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report and Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar
Joint Oral Statement
8 September 2025
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the International Commission of Jurists, the Law Council of Australia, the Law Society of England and Wales, and Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada condemn the ongoing systematic atrocity crimes that have been carried out chronically in Myanmar.
Since the 2021 military coup, arbitrary arrests and detention and unfair trials of perceived opponents of the military regime remain widespread. Over 1,800 people have reportedly died while detained by the military junta, amid reports of systematic torture and other ill-treatment of individuals in detention, including rape and other sexual violence and denial of medical care. Judges reportedly dismiss lawyers’ credible allegations of torture, with forced so-called “confessions” being routinely relied upon by courts to convict perceived opponents. Military-controlled courts have sentenced over 170 people to death without respect for due process, fair trial rights or judicial independence. Lawyers face severe and undue restrictions on the exercise of their professional duties, having to work under a constant fear of being arrested. Credible sources report that 68 legal representatives have been arrested since the 2021 coup.
We again urge this Council to respond decisively to the human rights crisis in Myanmar and call on the international community to use and support all necessary and effective means to ensure justice and accountability for all crimes under international law.
Thank you.
This statement was delivered by:
Cath Kent, Programme Lawyer
International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute
cath.kent@int-bar.org
