UN condemns escalating violence in deadliest day of Myanmar protests so far

In response to the killing of at least 18 protesters demonstrating against Myanmar's military coup, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Sunday together with the UN chief, strongly condemned the "escalating violence" and called for an immediate end to the use of force.

More than 30 demonstrators have been wounded as police and military forces used live rounds together with less-than-lethal force against crowds nationwide protesting the month-long takeover, according to OHCHR, citing "credible information".

The Secretary-General António Guterres "strongly condemned" the violent weekend crackdown, said a statement issued by his Spokesperson, according to UN News.

"He is deeply disturbed by the increase in deaths and serious injuries. The use of lethal force against peaceful protestors and arbitrary arrests are unacceptable."

Guterres urged the international community "to come together and send a clear signal to the military that it must respect the will of the people of Myanmar as expressed through the election and stop the repression."

The military has claimed, without evidence, that the ruling party of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi – the National League for Democracy (NLD) – fraudulently won parliamentary elections. Arrested on February 1, she and other leaders have remained in detention and according to news reports she is due in court on Monday.

On Friday, the UN Ambassador to Myanmar denounced the coup in a General Assembly meeting in New York, calling on the international community to take the "strongest possible measures" against the military junta to restore civilian rule. The top diplomat was reportedly fired from his post on Saturday.