APHR Condemns Myanmar Military for War Crime on International Human Rights Day—Bombing of Mrauk-U Hospital

JAKARTA, 11 December 2025—ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) condemns in the strongest possible terms the December 10 attack on Mrauk-U General Hospital located in Rakhine State—a war crime committed on a day meant to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

At approximately 9:13 p.m., the military junta carried out two 500-pound bombs on Mrauk-U General Hospital, killing around 33 civilians and injuring nearly 100, many remaining in critical condition. Striking a protected medical facility at night, when patients and health workers were most vulnerable, represents a mass atrocity and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Many of the victims were patients receiving treatment—children, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses. Healthcare workers are among the dead, with women and children making up a significant portion of the casualties.

The junta has been systematically bombing civilian infrastructure including religious sites, schools, and hospitals across Rakhine State on a near-daily basis. This latest strike marks one of the deadliest incidents targeting civilians in recent months.

“The attack on Mrauk-U Hospital was a deliberate mass killing of protected civilians. Committing such an atrocity on International Human Rights Day shows the junta’s absolute contempt for humanity,” said Hon. Mercy Chriesty Barends, Indonesian MP and Chairperson of APHR.

This bombing is part of a broader, systematic campaign of violence against civilians across Myanmar. According to the United Nations and humanitarian agencies, since the 2021 coup:

• more than 6,800 civilians have been verified as killed,

• over 3.5 million people are displaced by conflict, and

• nearly 20 million require humanitarian assistance.

“Hospitals must never be targeted. The junta’s criminal disregard for civilian life demands full accountability,” said Hon. Wong Chen, Malaysian MP and APHR Board Member.

“The scale of killings — over a thousand Rakhine civilians in two years — shows a broader campaign against Myanmar’s people. ASEAN must act to prevent further mass atrocities,” said Hon. Kasit Piromya, former Foreign Minister of Thailand and former APHR Board Member.

Access to information remains severely restricted as internet and communication blackouts continue across Rakhine, including in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Maungdaw, enabling violations to occur with impunity.

“Women, children, patients, and medical workers were among the victims. These are protected civilians under international law. The atrocities we are seeing are nationwide and systematic. ASEAN can no longer look away,” added Hon. Arlene Brosas, former Philippine MP and APHR Board Member.

The Mrauk-U hospital bombing—carried out on International Human Rights Day—exposes the junta’s deepening brutality even as it attempts to mask its crimes through a sham election designed to manufacture false legitimacy.

APHR urges ASEAN and the international community — including the UN, EU, US, UK— to:

1. Recognize the Mrauk-U attack as part of ongoing mass atrocities requiring urgent regional and international action.

2. Reject the junta’s fraudulent electoral process in its entirety.

3. Engage with major external partners—including China and India, who hold critical influence—to coordinate pressure to halt attacks on civilians and permit unhindered humanitarian access.

4. Support targeted sanctions, including an arms and jet-fuel embargo, and strengthen accountability mechanisms.

5. Promote civilian protection, establish humanitarian corridors, and ensure full and safe humanitarian access.

APHR stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar. ASEAN and the international community must act with urgency and resolve in response to this mass killing.