Children killed, tortured in Myanmar junta’s crackdown, UN expert says

Scores of children have been killed in Myanmar since last year’s coup, not just in the crossfire of the conflict but as deliberate targets by a military poised to inflict immense suffering, a United Nations expert said on Tuesday (June 14).

According to a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, minors were beaten, stabbed and had their fingernails or teeth removed during interrogation, while some endured mock executions.

The junta has repeatedly berated the UN and Western countries for meddling and denied accusations that it was committing atrocities. A military spokesman could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Based on input from UN agencies, humanitarian and human rights groups and civil society organizations, the report said 250,000 children were displaced by fighting and at least 382 were killed or maimed, including by airstrikes or heavy artillery.

“The junta’s relentless attacks on children underscore the depravity and willingness of the generals to inflict immense suffering on innocent victims in their attempt to subjugate the people,” Andrews said in a statement.

“The junta’s attacks on children are crimes against humanity and war crimes.”