MYANMAR’S security forces have engaged in “systematic torture” of people held in detention centres, a United Nations-backed report revealed today.

The Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar said it had uncovered evidence of electric shocks, strangulations, beatings, gang rape, burning of sexual body parts and other forms of sexual violence over the last year.

The report said the investigation had made progress in identifying security personnel involved in detention operations, as well as “perpetrators who have summarily executed captured combatants or civilians accused of being informers.” 

Those responsible include members of Myanmar’s security forces, affiliated militias and opposition armed groups. 

“Our report highlights a continued increase in the frequency and brutality of atrocities committed in Myanmar,” lead investigator Nicholas Koumjian said. 

“We are working towards the day when the perpetrators will have to answer for their actions in a court of law.”

Myanmar has been in crisis since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, sparking a civil war.

After peaceful demonstrations were met with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, leaving large parts of the country now torn by violent conflict.