UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today issued an urgent warning regarding the intensifying environment of violence, repression, and intimidation in Myanmar as military-controlled elections approach on December 28.
#Myanmar:
Dozens have reportedly been detained for exercising freedom of expression ahead of military-controlled elections on 28 Dec.@volker_turk calls on authorities to “stop using violence to compel people to vote, and stop arresting people for expressing dissenting views.” pic.twitter.com/ZVUYAsLbik— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) December 23, 2025
Coercion and Arbitrary Detentions
The High Commissioner urged an immediate halt to coercive practices being used to compel participation in the upcoming vote. Reports indicate that dozens of individuals have been detained under a restrictive “election protection law” for merely exercising their freedom of expression.
“The military authorities in Myanmar must stop using brutal violence to compel people to vote, and stop arresting people for expressing any dissenting views,” Türk said.
The UN Human Rights Office highlighted several cases of extreme sentencing:
- Youth Activists: In Hlaingthaya Township, Yangon, three youths were sentenced to between 42 and 49 years in prison for hanging anti-election posters.
- Cultural Figures: Film director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Htut, and comedian Ohn Daing were each sentenced to seven years in prison for criticizing a pro-election propaganda film.
Threats Against the Displaced
Disturbing reports from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Mandalay region and other areas reveal that the military is using the threat of aerial bombardment to force returns. One source informed the rights office that IDPs were told: “You guys come back to the town (to vote). If you do not come back, we will continue to bomb you.”
High Commissioner Türk emphasized that forcing displaced people to undertake unsafe and involuntary returns constitutes a clear human rights violation.
Environment of Fear
The Office also noted that armed groups opposing the military have contributed to the climate of fear, citing reports of teacher abductions and bombings of election offices in Yangon during November.
“These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression,” Türk 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.”
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Background
The current crisis follows the February 2021 ousting of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, the country has remained in a state of turmoil, with the UN consistently documenting widespread human rights abuses and the erosion of democratic institutions.
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