The United Nations has said a third of the Myanmar's people need humanitarian assistance, as fighting intensifies between the military junta and armed ethnic groups.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a report on Myanmar's human rights situation, compiled during a one-year period through July. It says humanitarian needs are rising amid the escalating conflict, which is "causing surges of displacement and worsening food insecurity" across the country.

The report also says a record of 18.6 million people, about a third of the population, require humanitarian assistance. These include 5.3 million people believed to be in need of urgent support.

Myanmar faces a severe shortage of funds to respond to the crisis, and its emergency stockpiles are running out. The UN chief is calling on the international community to provide immediate support.