2/24/26, 11:05 AM World Report 2026: Myanmar | Human Rights Watch Since the coup, unregulated extraction of heavy rare earth metals in Myanmar has surged, DONATE NOW primarily in Kachin and Shan States by Chinese-linked operators who export the raw materials for processing. More than 300 mining sites have been established without any environmental or labor standards, with devastating impacts on the environment and communities’ health and safety. Use of chemical leaching mining processes has led to severe contamination of rivers, with elevated levels of arsenic and other toxic metals found downstream in Thailand and the Mekong River basin. Ethnic armed groups and local militia that control the border areas often facilitate the mining operations. Key International Actors China and Russia continue to provide arms, military equipment, and political support to the Myanmar junta while blocking international action on the military’s crimes at the UN Security Council. In July, the United States lifted sanctions on junta allies involved in the sale of arms and related supplies to the Myanmar military. In November, the US announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Myanmar; TPS protects non-US citizens from deportation to countries where return would be unsafe. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court prosecutor requested an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the junta, for the alleged crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution of the Rohingya committed in 2017. The judges have not yet issued a public decision on the request. In July 2025, the International Court of Justice accepted the interventions of four states in Gambia’s case against Myanmar under the Genocide Convention, in addition to the seven previous interveners. The merit hearings are expected in January 2026. In February, an Argentine court issued arrest warrants for 25 individuals from Myanmar for crimes against humanity and genocide committed against the Rohingya. The case was brought under the principle of universal jurisdiction. We useThe cookies, tracking technologies, third-party UN General Assembly convened a and High-Level Conference on the Rohingya in September. analytics tools to better understand who is using the website and improve your experience. By using our website you are agreeing to this. Read our privacy policy to find out what cookies are used for and how to change your settings. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2026/country-chapters/myanmar?utm_source=chatgpt.com 6/8