Armed Conflict Spreading Across Myanmar as Violence Escalates

GENEVA - U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet says armed conflict is intensifying and spreading across parts of Myanmar in opposition to the military coup in February and could result in the heavy loss of life.

Violence and gross human rights abuse continues to escalate against civil society opposed to the military takeover of the country’s democratically elected government. Rather than efforts to de-escalate the crisis, U.N. rights chief Bachelet says the military leaders are building up troops in key areas. That is happening primarily in areas with significant ethnic and religious minority groups, including Kayah State, Chin State and Kachin State.