Myanmar’s illicit economy fuels escalating violence, with civilians bearing the brunt

Myanmar has been engulfed in civil war since the military overthrew the democratically elected Government in February 2021, triggering widespread armed resistance across the country.

Special Rapporteur Kelley Anne Eckels-Currie’s new report found that at least 8,384 civilians have been killed by the military since the coup, up until 15 September 2026.

Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council who serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work.

Intentional harm

Despite the regime launching a so-called “100-day peace plan” between 20 April and 31 July 2026, the situation in the country has only deteriorated , the independent expert found.

The military continues to use weapons of war – including airstrikes and artillery – to target and destroy civilian infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, religious buildings, markets and displacement…