UN OHCHR urges to hold Myanmar military to account

The UN's top human rights official has issued a strong condemnation of Myanmar's military rulers, saying the security forces had killed at least 54 people since the coup at the beginning of last month.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, demanded the security forces halt what she called their "vicious crackdown on peaceful protesters".

"It is utterly abhorrent that security forces are firing live ammunition against peaceful protesters across the country," Shamdasani said in a video message Thursday from Geneva.

The actual death toll could be much higher than 54, she said, adding that more than 1,700 protesters had been arrested.

She called on everyone with information or influence to help hold to account military officials who have committed human rights abuses.

"This is the moment to turn the tables towards justice and end the military's stranglehold over democracy in Myanmar," Shamdasani said.