UN Expert Urges Global Action to End ‘Decades of Impunity’ in Myanmar

Despite extensive documentation by civil society groups and international investigators, Andrews noted that not a single senior military official has been held accountable.

A senior United Nations human rights expert has issued a strong call for urgent international action to hold Myanmar's military leadership accountable, warning that decades of unchecked abuses have pushed the country into a full-scale human rights catastrophe.

In his final report, From Impunity to Justice, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said that the failure to prosecute those responsible for grave violations has entrenched a cycle of violence that continues to devastate the country.

"Ending the crisis will require not only dismantling the military's capacity to attack and oppress the people of Myanmar, but also holding those responsible for grave human rights violations to account," Andrews said. "The international community has done far too little to support those seeking justice."

Decades of abuses without accountability

Myanmar's military has long been accused of widespread human rights violations, including:

• Attacks on civilian populations

• Persecution of ethnic minorities

• Systematic sexual violence

• Actions amounting to crimes under international law

Despite extensive documentation by civil society groups and international investigators, Andrews noted that not a single senior military official has been held accountable.

"For the people of Myanmar, justice delayed is justice denied," he said, reflecting growing frustration among citizens who have endured decades of repression.

A cycle of violence reinforced by inaction

The report highlights how the absence of accountability has enabled repeated abuses, with the military continuing to operate with near-total impunity.

While some cases have been brought before international tribunals and foreign courts, Andrews described these efforts as limited in scope and insufficient to dismantle the broader system shielding perpetrators.

He also criticised the international community's response as inconsistent and inadequate.

"The Security Council's failure to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court is an abdication of responsibility," Andrews said, calling it a reflection of weak global commitment to justice.

Grassroots efforts to build justice mechanisms

Amid the lack of formal accountability, the report highlights the work of Myanmar's civil society, legal experts, and pro-democracy groups, who are developing alternative mechanisms to pursue justice and provide remedies for victims.

These efforts include:

• Documenting evidence of human rights violations

• Building frameworks for future prosecutions

• Supporting victims and survivors

"The champions of accountability in Myanmar deserve the full backing of the international community," Andrews said, stressing that rebuilding judicial institutions will require sustained technical and financial support.

Pathways to accountability identified

The report outlines several concrete steps the international community can take to advance justice:

• Expanding investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC)

• Preparing cases against senior military officials

• Increasing use of universal jurisdiction by national courts

• Establishing a reparations fund for victims

• Supporting ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

A key focus is the pending ICJ ruling in the case concerning allegations of genocide against the Rohingya population—a decision that could have major legal and political implications.

Pressure on global and regional actors

Andrews called on key international players, including the United Kingdom and ASEAN, to take a leading role in coordinating a stronger response—particularly in anticipation of the ICJ judgment.

"In the case of a ruling against Myanmar, States must act swiftly and decisively," he said. "Genocide is an intolerable stain on humanity's conscience and must be met with immediate consequences."

He also urged governments to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Myanmar's military authorities to comply with international law and court orders.

A test of global political will

The report concludes that while mechanisms for accountability exist, progress has been hindered by a lack of political will.

"Opportunities to break the cycle of impunity are available," Andrews said. "What is missing is the determination to act."

As Myanmar continues to face escalating conflict and humanitarian distress, the call from the UN signals a critical moment for the international community—one that will determine whether decades of impunity can finally be challenged or allowed to persist.