EU and Allies Condemn Myanmar’s Military Rule as Human Rights Crisis Deepens

Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan

February 2, 2026

HRRC commends the European Union for its principled stance, sustained humanitarian support, and unwavering commitment to democracy, accountability and human rights in Myanmar. We strongly condemn the Myanmar military junta for its continued repression, grave human rights violations and denial of international law, which have deepened human suffering and undermined prospects for peace and democratic restoration.

People queue to cast their votes at a polling station during Myanmar's general election in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, December 28, 2025. [Image credit: REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo]

Five years after Myanmar’s military seized power, the country remains trapped in violent conflict, mass displacement and systemic human rights abuses, according to statements by the European Union and key international partners. The EU restated that the 2021 coup illegally overturned the will of the people, who had demonstrated strong faith in democracy through high turnout in the November 2020 general elections.

Recent elections held in December 2025 and January 2026 were closely monitored by the EU, which concluded that necessary standards for free and fair elections were not met, with a lack of transparency, inclusiveness and credibility. Widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arbitrary detentions and ongoing violence continue, with calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including those detained under the Election Protection Law.

The humanitarian situation is severe: Over 16 million people require urgent assistance, more than 3.6 million are internally displaced, and tens of thousands have fled to neighboring countries. As the largest donors, the EU and its Member States reaffirm their commitment to providing humanitarian and development aid and supporting ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as a pathway to stability.

Parallel to the post-coup crisis, international attention remains focused on atrocities against the Rohingya. Five years after the 2017 military campaign, the EU and partners condemned killings, sexual violence and forced displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh. Ongoing investigations, including proceedings before the International Court of Justice, seek accountability for crimes that may amount to genocide, while Rohingya communities continue to face persecution, statelessness and confinement.

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Glossary 

• Accountability – being held responsible for actions or crimes

• Arbitrary – done without a clear reason or fair process

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – a group of Southeast Asian countries that work together.

• Atrocities – extremely cruel and violent actions

• Campaign (military) – a planned series of military attacks

• Cite / Citing – to mention as a reason or example

• Civilian – a person who is not part of the military

• Commitment – a strong promise or dedication to do something

• Condemn – to strongly criticize or say something is wrong

• Confinement – being kept in a place and not allowed to move freely

• Consensus – general agreement among many people or groups

• Coup – when the military takes power by force from an elected government

• Credibility – being believable or trustworthy

• Democracy – a system where people choose their leaders through voting

• Detention – being kept in custody, usually by police or authorities

• Displaced – forced to leave one’s home

• Fundamental freedoms – basic human rights like speech and movement

• Genocide – the attempt to destroy a whole group of people because of who they are

• Humanitarian – related to helping people suffering from crisis or disaster

• Inclusiveness – allowing all groups of people to take part

• Investigations – official efforts to find facts and truth

• Junta – a military group that controls a country illegally

• Persecution – unfair and cruel treatment of a group

• Proceedings – official legal actions or court cases

• Repression – controlling people through force, fear, or punishment

• Seized (power) – taken control by force

• Solidarity – standing together and supporting others

• Statelessness – having no legal citizenship in any country

• Systemic – happening as part of a whole system, not just once

• Transparency – openness and honesty, nothing hidden

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References 

1. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166618 

2. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/lao-pdr/myanmar-declaration-high-representative-behalf-european-union_en

3. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/whats-new/statement_rohingya/id2925274/ 

4. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/01/31/myanmar-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-fifth-anniversary-of-the-coup/ 

5. https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/88338/PAK88338%20(Electoral%20Laws%20Vol.%20I).pdf 

6. https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/Chairmans-Statement-on-ALM-Five-Point-Consensus-24-April-2021-FINAL-a-1.pdf