Press Release: CHRO Condemns Escalating Junta War Crimes in Western Myanmar Ahead of Sham Elections
For Immediate Release
24 October 2025 — The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) condemns in the strongest terms the Myanmar military junta’s latest mass atrocity in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State. On 10 December 2025—International Human Rights Day—an airstrike on a hospital reportedly killed more than 30 civilians and injured approximately 80 others. Targeting a protected medical facility constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This atrocity is part of the junta’s escalating nationwide campaign of terror. Similar attacks have intensified in Chin State, where dozens of bombs were dropped in the same week to clear the way for advancing junta ground troops. From 14 September—the date the elections were announced—through to 1 December, at least 30 airstrikes struck towns and villages across Chin State, killing 12 civilians, including six children, and injuring at least 91 others. Schools, hospitals, religious buildings, and civilian homes have been deliberately targeted, exposing a systematic campaign of violence against civilians ahead of the junta’s illegitimate ballot.
“Make no mistake—these are war crimes, and taken as a pattern, they amount to crimes against humanity,” said Salai Za Uk Ling, Executive Director of CHRO. “These crimes persist because of a lack of accountability. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law and may only be targeted if they are used for acts harmful to the enemy outside their humanitarian function. What we are witnessing is not pre-election security—it is terror under electoral disguise,” he continued.
“This is a deliberate campaign to silence communities, crush resistance, and instil fear ahead of a fake election designed to legitimize military rule,” he added. “The international community must not recognize or legitimize any electoral process built on war crimes. Burma’s civilians urgently need protection, sustained international pressure on the military, and meaningful accountability.”
CHRO reiterates its call on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to immediately issue an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. CHRO further urges the international community to take coordinated and effective action, including the overdue referral by the UN Security Council of the whole situation in Myanmar to the ICC and the imposition of global aviation fuel embargoes to halt the junta’s airstrikes.
“It has been over a year since the ICC Prosecutor applied for an arrest warrant, yet Min Aung Hlaing continues to direct a brutal nationwide campaign against civilians while enjoying impunity,” said Salai Za Uk Ling. “With elections looming and violence intensifying, the ICC must act now. An arrest warrant is essential—not only to deliver justice for Rohingya genocide survivors, but to deter the atrocities being committed across Myanmar today.”
For media enquiries:
Salai Za Uk Ling
Executive Director, CHRO
(English) – Signal: +91 87988 37474
Salai Mang Hre Lian
Human Rights Program Manager, CHRO
(Burmese) – Signal: +91 96128 54821