Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar
(1-01-2025 to 15-01-2025)
(47) months ago, on 1 February 2021, the military junta attempted an illegal coup, toppled the civilian government, and unlawfully detained State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and other senior members of the civilian government, parliamentarians and activists. Since then, the military junta has ignored the will of the people of Myanmar, placed the country in turmoil, and made people suffer tremendously as a result of its inhumane and disproportionate acts.
As of 15 January 2025, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the military has ruthlessly killed 6,180 people and arrested another 28,247 people. 21,535 people remain in detention and 170 people have been sentenced to death, including 119 post-coup death row prisoners and 44 in absentia since 1 February 2021, when the military unleashed systematic and targeted attacks and violence against innocent civilians. Four democracy activists who were sentenced to death were executed by the military junta in July 2022.
Crimes committed Across Myanmar by the Junta Troops and its affiliates
Crimes perpetrated by the junta troops and its associates, militias across Myanmar include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and the targeting of civilians, including children. These atrocities have led to widespread displacement, destruction of civilian properties, and a climate of fear and insecurity among the civilian population. The junta's widespread and systematic tactics of brutality are aimed at suppressing dissent and maintaining its grip on power, regardless of the human cost and violations of international law.
According to the data collected by AAPP, from January 1 to 15, 2025, (52) people in total; (30) women and (22) men, were killed by the junta’s airstrikes across the country, including (11) children under the age of 18. These are the numbers that have been verified. Among the deaths, Rakhine State recorded the highest number of fatalities, totalling (31), followed by (17) in Kachin State.
War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity and Mass Murders Committed by the Military Junta
Air Strikes Kill Over 40 Civilians in Rakhine State's Ramree Township
Myanmar Now reported that the junta’s air strikes killed at least 41 people and injured 50 others in Kyauk Ni Maw village, Ramree Township, Rakhine State on 8 January 2025. The assault on the village, under Arakan Army (AA) control, destroyed more than 500 homes and a market, leading local volunteers to seek urgent medical assistance for the wounded.
A local emergency volunteer told that multiple bombing runs by two fighter jets resulted in numerous casualties. The strikes hit the southern section of the densely populated village, with resulting fires spreading to central and northern areas.
Local villagers and the AA's People Security and Administrative Departments collaborated to contain the flames. The casualties included women and children among the dead and injured. AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha condemned the attacks on civilians in non-combat areas and it is a war crime.
Village sources reported that victims include both ethnic Rakhines and Muslims, though full identification of the deceased remains pending. Emergency responders indicated that the targeted area also housed displaced people from across Rakhine State. Local sources said over 12,000 people recently sought refuge in Ramree Township, fleeing ongoing conflict.
An emergency volunteer noted that the village had been under naval surveillance for three months, suggesting deliberate targeting of civilian areas. The AA has secured control of 14 of Rakhine State's 17 townships since November 2023, with only Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung Island remaining under military junta control.
According to the local source, Kyauk Ni Maw was targeted due to concerns over AA's potential advance on Kyaukphyu. Earlier this month, air strikes killed at least 10 people in Ponnagyun and Myebon townships. Former Rakhine politician Pe Than stated that this aerial assault demonstrates the military junta's rejection of peace negotiations.
Drone Attack Kills Seven Civilians at Hindu Temple in Bago Region
Seven civilians were killed and four injured in a drone attack on a Hindu temple in Phyu Township, Bago Region, during New Year's Eve, according to Myanmar Now. The strikes targeted the 50-year-old Shri Maa Mansa Mandir Temple in Ran Na Gar Village, located six miles northeast of Phyu, in the early afternoon of 31 December. A displaced villager from Ran Na Gar told Myanmar Now that he received a call around 1pm informing him of the seven casualties.
The Myanmar Hindu Union issued a statement condemning what it described as a deliberate attack on vulnerable minorities. The statement identified the seven victims, aged between 30 and 55 years old, and detailed how the attacks occurred in two waves. The first drone strike targeted civilians, including those attempting to rescue the injured, followed by a more powerful second strike that resulted in all seven deaths.
Since late December, military junta troops have been advancing from bases in Nyaung Chay Htauk Village, south of Phyu and Kyu Inn Village northeast of Zeyawaddy into resistance-held territories west of the Sittaung River. Clashes have occurred near villages such as Kyu Inn, Myet Ni Kwin, Hnaw Khin, and Har Sa Nar Pu, forcing residents to flee.
A displaced resident from Htan Kone Village stated that Military troops have positioned themselves in surrounding areas, less than three miles north of Ran Na Gar. The rural communities between the Yangon-Mandalay road and the Sittaung's west bank remain vulnerable to clashes as both sides struggle for territorial control in eastern Bago Region. The military junta maintains control of Phyu Township's three towns - Phyu, Kanyutkwin, and Zeyawaddy.
Multiple Civilian Deaths as Air Strikes Continue During New Year Holiday
Myanmar Now reported that several civilians, including two children aged three and five, were killed on 31 December as air strikes continued across multiple states and regions during the New Year's Eve holiday.
In Loikaw Township, Karenni (Kayah) State, strikes on an internally displaced persons' (IDP) camp at around 4pm on 31 December resulted in the deaths of a three-year-old child, a 38-year-old woman, and a 52-year-old woman. According to Banyar Khun Aung, an official of Karenni State's Interim Executive Council (IEC), three others sustained injuries, with one suffering shrapnel wounds to the head. Tar Eh Soe, spokesperson for the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), stated that throughout 2024, air strikes have increasingly targeted IDP camps, villages, and areas where displaced civilians seek shelter from violence.
Local sources reported additional strikes in western Demoso Township around midnight, though no casualties occurred as the bombs struck an uninhabited hill. In Mawkmai Township, southern Shan State, an air strike at 11am targeted the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) headquarters in Ban Mat Village, destroying a civilian clinic.
In Ngazun Township, Mandalay Region, an evening strike on Thakyin Village killed five people, including a five-year-old child, and injured seven others. The attack also killed eight cattle and damaged eight houses. A local resident told Myanmar Now that despite no recent fighting in the area, nearby villages have faced monthly air strikes since September.
In Ponnagyun Township, Rakhine State, strikes on Yoe Ta Yoke village's high school and monastery resulted in five civilian deaths, including a child, and injured at least ten people, including a monk. A village resident confirmed that three died immediately, while two others succumbed to injuries en route to a clinic. The Arakan Army, which now controls 14 of Rakhine State's 17 townships, has faced continuous aerial assaults. Previous strikes in Thandwe killed one civilian and wounded six on 23 December, while attacks in Gwa Township on 27 December resulted in five deaths and seven injuries.
On 30 December, air strikes targeted Karen New Year celebrations in Mutraw and Doo Tha Htu Districts, areas under Karen National Union (KNU) control. The KNU condemned these attacks as deliberate acts against the Karen community.
Air Strike in Thabeikkyin Township Claims Two Lives, Including Child
Myanmar Now reported that an air strike on Chaunggyi Village in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, on 2 January killed a five-year-old girl and a man in his 50s, while leaving 27 others injured.
The attack, which began around 8 pm, struck several buildings in the village centre, damaging a fire station, a humanitarian relief office, and nearby shops. According to the local residents, among the 27 injured, 16 suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, including several displaced individuals from Madaya Township. Mandalay Free Press reported that the strike destroyed 23 civilian homes and five vehicles belonging to the Metta San Yay humanitarian office.
A local source told that the latest strike appeared to deliberately target civilian areas, a pattern the village has experienced for years. The official added that the attack might have been motivated by the village's bustling activity under resistance control.
Human Rights Abuses
Digital Freedom Watchdog Reports Severe Deterioration of Internet Rights in Myanmar
Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that internet freedom and security in Myanmar has significantly deteriorated since the illegal seizure of power in February 2021, according to a digital freedom monitoring group.
The Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), a digital freedom watchdog based in Thailand, reported on 7 January 2025 that military junta imposed more than 130 internet blackouts across 82 townships in 10 regions and states in 2024 alone. Over 100 townships experienced internet outages between February 2021 and the end of 2024.
Han, a technology expert with the Myanmar Internet Project, told RFA Burmese that these restrictions constitute severe human rights violations. Restricting internet freedom impacts fundamental rights, affecting education, economy, healthcare, and social development, he explained.
The MIP report highlighted that internet access has been predominantly cut off in cities across Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Rakhine and Shan states, as well as in Sagaing and Magway regions. In 2024, military junta detained 374 people for posting critical content on social media platforms.
A Yangon-based online business owner told RFA that the restrictions, including targeting of virtual private networks (VPNs), have devastated local businesses. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the resident described how tightened restrictions and unreliable VPN services have significantly disrupted business operations.
On 1 January 2025, the military junta enacted the Cybersecurity Law, imposing prison sentences and fines for electronic technology misuse and VPN service provision. A legal expert, speaking anonymously, noted that personal freedoms have been severely curtailed since the suspension of key sections of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens.
The MIP documented that in 2023, military junta cut off internet and phone communications in 62 townships at least 72 times and arrested 550 people for social media criticism. According to an October 16 report by U.S.-based Freedom House, Myanmar ranks among the worst nations for internet freedom.
Human Rights Myanmar (HRM) expressed concern over Meta Platforms' decision to relax content moderation policies. HRM emphasized Meta's responsibility to prevent its platforms from enabling harm in high-risk environments like Myanmar, particularly given the platform's historical role in enabling human rights violations, including those against the Rohingya community in 2017.
Military Junta Imposes New Cybersecurity Law to Tighten Digital Control
According to the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), the military junta enacted a new cybersecurity law on 1 January that imposes prison sentences and fines for cyber misuse and online gambling, further expanding its tools of oppression.
An official from MIP, which conducted an initial study of the law, stated that the new legislation contains provisions specifically designed to suppress internet users rather than protect public interests.
The law monitors the storing or sharing of information about designated groups via electronic technology and social networks. Information shared on devices like phones, computers, or the internet could be criminalized. Section 3(b) of the law extends its reach to take action against citizens abroad, according to MIP findings.
Myanmar Now reported that the digital space has been severely undermined through social media bans, internet shutdowns, VPN restrictions, and crackdowns on online expression, including surveillance and arrests.
Violations under the law carry penalties of one to three years in prison, fines of 5-20 million kyat (US $2,400 to $9,500), or both. Section 33 requires digital platforms with over 100,000 users to store personal data and usage records for up to three years. The law enables affiliated organizations to request user data without court permission. Phone and internet lines in conflict areas are frequently cut off, while those who express criticism face arrest and imprisonment.
Nai Aue Mon, Program Director of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland, expressed concern that civil society groups and media will face increased hostile scrutiny. In a statement, he said that in free countries, cybersecurity regulations ensure the right to information, freedom of expression, and digital safety to protect the public.
The law represents a violation of fundamental human rights and appears designed to isolate people and conceal atrocities, including indiscriminate airstrikes and the use of advanced weapons against civilians from global scrutiny, according to the Human Rights Foundation of Monland.
Military Junta Administrators Extort Money from Civilians to Evade Forced Conscription
Myanmar Now reported that local administrators under military junta control are demanding bribes from eligible individuals and their families to avoid forced conscription or arrest in Mandalay Region and Nay Pyi Taw.
At least five residents from these areas told Myanmar Now that these extortion practices began in December following meetings between township-level general administration department members and ward-level administrators. In Wundwin Township, Mandalay Region, administrators collected approximately six million kyat (USD 1345/-) from a village of 60 households, according to a resident who requested anonymity. The collections were recorded through 100-household elders but no receipts were provided.
A Wundwin Township villager said administrators claimed the money would be distributed to township-level administrators and police stations. "One evening, the police and administrators arrived in the village, demanding a list of names of those who hadn't paid. Who would dare defy them? This is their time," the villager said. In Amarapura and Sintgaing townships of Mandalay Region, village administrators collected 30,000-50,000 kyat (USD 7/- to USD 11/-) per household, promising exemption from conscription by lottery.
Following the loss of two Regional Military Command headquarters in northern Shan State and Rakhine State, along with numerous bases nationwide, the military junta has intensified recruitment efforts, leading to targeted arrests and conscription notices.
A resident from Hpa Yar Kone Village in Yamethin Township reported that households with eligible men must now pay 150,000 kyat (USD 34/-) each. "Things calm down once we pay the group collecting the money. With over 100 households in the village, each collection brings in more than 7 million kyat," the resident said.
A young man from Pyinmana Township, Nay Pyi Taw, revealed paying monthly bribes of 50,000 kyat since August. Despite these payments, he was detained in December and had to pay an additional eight million kyat (USD 1794/-) to avoid conscription. The military junta's national-level conscription committee denied issuing directives for such practices, stating that action would be taken if complaints were filed.
The military junta revived the enforcement of military service law in February 2024, requiring men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve three to five years. For specialists, the age limit extends to 45 for men and 35 for women. In areas with strong resistance presence, such as Myingyan District, a representative of the Taungtha Township People's Movement Committee reported no such extortion cases, attributing this to ongoing combat engagements.
Military Junta Arrests 17 People for Alleged Fuel Sales to Resistance-Controlled Areas
Myanmar Now reported that the military junta has arrested 17 people for allegedly selling fuel to areas under the control of resistance forces, following raids conducted near Mandalay and Sagaing. During the operations, twenty-two fuel trucks and over 60,000 gallons of fuel were seized.
The arrested individuals face up to three years in prison under Section 5 of the Important Goods and Services Act if found guilty of violating restrictions imposed on areas held by resistance groups.
The restrictions cover parts of Sagaing and Mandalay regions, most of Kachin State except Myitkyina, and all of northern Shan State apart from three towns - Muse, Mongyai and Tangyan - which remain under military junta control.
According to local media reports, the fuel was allegedly being transported to areas captured by the Kachin Independence Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, the People's Defence Force, and other resistance groups. A Sagaing resident told Myanmar Now that the Military Security Affairs conducted the raids. The source revealed that those arrested were engaged in licensed trade, while key figures involved in contraband fuel supplies remained untargeted.
The resident stated that many people are involved in fuel trading in Sagaing, including administrative staff under military junta control. Police and military personnel are also involved in transporting and selling. The restrictions have created a thriving underground trade in fuel and other essential supplies.
Vessel Carrying IDPs Held for Over a Week at Naval Base
Myanmar Now reported that after an extended detention spanning more than a week, military authorities finally permitted a cargo ship carrying 270 civilians fleeing Rakhine State to depart from the Pammawady Naval Regional Command base on Hainggyi Island, Ayeyarwady Region, on 6 January. The prolonged holding of the Shwe La Min 5 vessel forced internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Rakhine State's Manaung, Kyaukphyu, Taungup, and Sittwe townships, along with families and civilian personnel, to endure harsh conditions with limited facilities.
A source close to one of the passengers told that the week-long detention created significant hardships for those aboard. "It was quite difficult. There was only one toilet. With so many people, no one could even take a shower," the source said. Passengers, including elderly people and children, struggled with basic needs while stranded under the hot sun for days.
The extended detention reportedly stemmed from the vessel carrying triple its registered passenger capacity, with authorities claiming they awaited permission from Naypyitaw. During their week-long confinement, passengers faced inflated prices, with boiled eggs costing 1,500 kyat (USD 0.35) and phone charging services at 3,000 kyat (USD 0.65).
The journey's fare had already been set at more than double the standard 150,000-kyat (USD 32/-) rate. Throughout the week-long detention, naval officers conducted inspections while soldiers maintained guard positions, though no passengers were detained despite concerns about potential links to the Arakan Army (AA). Local sources from Hainggyi Island confirmed the ship's eventual departure at approximately 4pm on 6 January.
Actions of Resistance Forces against the Junta
Arakan Army Takes Control of China-Myanmar Pipeline Station in Ann Township
Myanmar Now reported that the Arakan Army (AA) has secured control of the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline station in Ann Township, Rakhine State, with Kyaukphyu remaining the only section under military junta control in the state. Local sources confirmed that the AA recently captured the pipeline control station in Ann's Taung Zauk Village.
The 500-mile pipeline network traverses through Rakhine State, Magway Region, Mandalay Region, and Shan State before reaching China's Yunnan Province. The military junta maintains control of Kyaukphyu, where the pipeline originates, retaining management and profits from oil and gas exports to China.
A source close to the AA confirmed that their forces now control all pipeline stations in the state, following their capture of the Western Command in Ann on 20 December. This development impacts the military junta's ability to maintain full responsibility for the pipeline. The pipeline, operational since 2013, generates billions in foreign currency annually through daily natural gas deliveries to China. It operates through investments from China's state-owned CNPC, South Korea's POSCO, Indian firms, and Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), currently under Western sanctions.
KIA and Allied Forces Secure Full Control of Mansi Town
Myanmar Now reported that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces have gained complete control of Mansi, a town near the China-Myanmar border in southern Kachin State, following a month of intense fighting. The offensive began on 4 December as part of a broader campaign centred on Bhamo, approximately 14 miles northwest of Mansi.
KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu confirmed that their combined forces captured Light Infantry Battalion 319, Battalion 601, and Artillery Unit 532 bases in Mansi at around 11am on 8 January. While the KIA-led resistance forces had controlled most of the town since last year, the three bases north of the town had remained outside their control until now.
During the 8 January operation, military junta conducted approximately 20 air strikes, with aircraft also observed over the KIA stronghold of Laiza near the Chinese border, according to KIA sources. While significant weapons and ammunition were seized from the captured bases, casualty figures remained unavailable at the time of reporting.
With Mansi now secured, allied forces are expected to intensify operations against Bhamo, where several military installations are located, including Infantry Battalions 236 and 47, Artillery Units 336 and 304, and Tank Unit 5014, alongside the Military Operations Command 21 (MOC-21) headquarters.
KIA sources reported that their forces and allies control most of Bhamo, with military junta troops confined to the MOC-21 base in the city's north. While the military junta defends with air strikes, KIA and allied forces continue targeting the MOC-21 base with heavy artillery.
Captain Zin Yaw, a CDM soldier from Myanmar's military, described MOC-21 as the second-largest military command center in Kachin State after the Northern Regional Military Command (RMC) in Myitkyina. "MOC-21 is like a small regional command centre and it is the largest after the Northern RMC in Myitkyina," he stated. Heavy fighting has also been reported in Waingmaw Township, across the Ayeyarwady River from Myitkyina, with air strikes and artillery fire reported on 3 January.
Since beginning its offensive in March last year, the KIA has captured 13 towns in Kachin State and one in Shan State. Other ethnic armed groups control most of northern Shan State and Rakhine State, while People's Defence Force units under the National Unity Government (NUG) have captured eight towns in Sagaing and Mandalay regions. The NUG's Ministry of Defence reports that resistance groups, including ethnic armed organizations, now fully or partially control 144 townships.
Activities of the National Unity Government and Ethnic Groups
NUG Acting President Calls for Enhanced Cooperation to End Military Junta Rule
National Unity Government (NUG) Acting President Duwa Lashi La delivered a New Year's address on 1 January 2025, inviting capable leaders to join in fulfilling public responsibilities alongside the government.
The Acting President emphasized the importance of strengthening practical cooperation among ethnic revolutionary armed organizations and political forces in 2025, both politically and militarily, to eliminate the military junta.
In his address, Acting President stated that the NUG stands ready to transfer responsibilities to capable leaders who can guide systemic changes and oversee key ministries. He acknowledged the need for expanded leadership within the government and expressed openness to transferring responsibilities to more qualified individuals when necessary.
The Acting President also outlined plans for implementing reforms across relevant ministries to strengthen leadership and ensure the revolution's success, reaffirming his commitment to advancing these objectives throughout the year.
NUG Grants New Year Amnesty to 169 Prisoners
The National Unity Government (NUG) announced the release of 169 prisoners through an amnesty decree issued by the Office of the Acting President on 1 January 2025.
The prisoners were released unconditionally from various detention facilities under Section 401(1) of the Penal Code. The NUG stated this decision reflects its commitment to promoting compassion and humanity while advancing the goals of the Spring Revolution.
The amnesty, overseen by the NUG's judiciary, aimed to bring comfort to the public and honor the spirit of unity and reconciliation during the New Year period, allowing those released to reunite with their families for the holiday celebrations.
Through this act of clemency, the NUG reaffirmed its dedication to justice, humanity, and the broader aspirations of the revolution by reducing sentences for selected individuals.
NUG Ministry Concludes Campaign on Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls
The Ministry of Women, Youth, and Children Affairs of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced on 15 January 2025 the completion of a 16-day awareness campaign focused on preventing violence against women and girls.
The campaign, organized jointly with the Karen Women's Organization, began on 6 December 2024 and drew 93 participants, comprising 88 women and 5 men. The initiative included educational sessions dedicated to protecting women and girls from violence and promoting awareness of their rights.
NUG Reports Distribution of 7.7 Billion Kyats in Humanitarian Aid During 2024
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of the National Unity Government (NUG) reported on 6 January 2025 that it distributed humanitarian aid worth over 7.7 billion Kyats (approximately 3.7 million USD) throughout 2024, funded by donations from Myanmar citizens.
The ministry's annual report detailed the allocation of funds from 1 January to 31 December 2024: 5.073 billion Kyats supported displaced persons and refugees, 30 million Kyats provided food supplies, 80.3 million Kyats delivered emergency aid for CDM workers, and 46 million Kyats assisted political prisoners and their families.
Additional disbursements included 445 million Kyats for martyrs and wounded citizens, 1.295 billion Kyats for natural disaster victims, 4.5 million Kyats for vulnerable populations, and 691 million Kyats for general humanitarian assistance.
Response of the International Community
UN Warns of Military Junta's Deadly Airstrike in Rakhine State
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar released a statement on 10 January 2025 expressing deep alarm over military junta's aerial attack in Kyauk Nimaw Village, Ramree Township on 8 January 2025. The attack killed over 40 civilians, including children and women, while more than 20 people sustained injuries.
The UN statement highlighted that approximately 500 homes were destroyed in Kyauk Nimaw Village, with children, women, and elderly among the casualties. The humanitarian community underscored the severe deterioration of conditions in Rakhine State amid escalating violence, where civilians face extreme risks, acute food insecurity and near-total collapse of critical public services.
The UN statement emphasized that civilians are paying the highest price of the conflict. The humanitarian community reiterated calls for upholding obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure protection of civilians and civilian property. It stressed the need to protect humanitarian workers and supplies while guaranteeing unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid to vulnerable populations.
This attack represents another instance of the military junta's systematic targeting of civilian populations in clear violation of international humanitarian law.
US Sanctions Military-Linked Telecom Company Mytel
The United States Bureau of Industry and Security has added Mytel, a telecommunications company partially owned by Myanmar's military junta, to its sanctions list, according to a statement released on 10 January 2025. The US agency sanctioned Telecom International Myanmar Co, Ltd (Mytel) for providing surveillance services and financial support to the military junta, enabling human rights abuses through tracking and identifying targeted individuals and groups.
The Myanmar Internet Project, a digital rights advocacy group, reported that the military junta has maintained control over the country's telecoms providers since February 2021, enabling internet and telephone blockages and user tracking through SIM cards. "While other operators are not fully owned by the military junta, they remain under its control. Operators like Mytel, which are entirely controlled by the military junta, pose a greater risk as they enable more violations of digital rights," a representative from the group told Myanmar Now.
Myanmar's telecommunications sector comprises four main operators: MPT, a joint venture between Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and Japanese companies; Ooredoo, acquired by Ayeyar Hinthar Holdings' Zaw Win Shein; ATOM (formerly Telenor), owned by Thein Win Zaw; and Mytel. In March 2022, Telenor Group sold its Myanmar operations to M1 Group and Shwe Byain Phyu Co, Ltd, citing the military junta's attempts to control telecoms operators through measures including wiretapping. The company later rebranded as ATOM Myanmar.
Athan, a freedom of expression advocacy group, reported in mid-2024 that telephone and internet services had been cut off in approximately 87 townships nationwide. In some townships, services were restricted to Mytel SIM cards only, as the military junta attempted to force public usage of their controlled network. Mytel, serving millions of domestic users, operates as a joint venture with 49 percent ownership by Vietnamese military-owned Viettel Global Investment, 28 percent by military-owned Star High Company, and 23 percent by Myanmar National Telecom Holding Public Co, Ltd.
UN Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar
The Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General at the United Nations highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar during a daily press briefing on 3 January 2024.
Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reported that ongoing conflicts persist across Myanmar, with recent escalation of fighting in Rakhine State. The civilian population continues to face severe risks amid acute food insecurity and the near-complete breakdown of essential public services. The number of internally displaced persons has risen dramatically, with over 3.5 million people forced from their homes. This represents an alarming increase of nearly 1.5 million displaced individuals compared to the previous year.
The UN spokesperson emphasized that the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which required nearly $1 billion in funding, received only 36 percent of the requested amount by year-end. Looking ahead, humanitarian needs in Myanmar are projected to reach unprecedented levels, with an estimated 20 million people requiring assistance in 2025, up from 18.6 million in 2024. To address these escalating needs, the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan aims to provide assistance to 5.5 million people, requiring funding of $1.1 billion.
International Community Calls for Immediate Action on Myanmar Crisis
A joint statement addressing the deteriorating situation in Myanmar was issued on 6 January 2025 by the High Representative of the European Union along with the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom.
The international partners expressed deep concern over the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis across Myanmar. The statement cited credible reports of severe violations including indiscriminate aerial bombardments, sexual and gender-based violence, destruction of homes, and attacks on humanitarian workers by the military junta. Reports also detailed the abduction and forced recruitment of children and ethnic minorities.
Particular concern was raised about the intensifying conflict in Rakhine State and the suffering of all communities there, including the Rohingya. The humanitarian situation has reached critical levels, with more than 3.5 million people displaced and over 15 million facing acute food insecurity.
The international partners called for de-escalation of violence, respect for international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and unimpeded humanitarian access. They reaffirmed support for UN Security Council resolution 2669 (2022) and ASEAN's central role in resolving the crisis through the Five Point Consensus, while supporting inclusive dialogue for a peaceful return to democracy in Myanmar.
ASEAN Parliamentarians Condemn Military Junta's Deadly Airstrike in Rakhine State
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) issued a strong condemnation on 11 January 2025 regarding the military junta's recent airstrike on Kyauk Ni Maw village in Rakhine State that killed at least 41 civilians, including women and children, and injured more than 52 others on 9 January 2025.
The attack, which destroyed over 500 homes, has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation is further complicated by the military junta's cutoff of internet and mobile phone services, severely hampering communication and medical assistance efforts.
APHR Co-Chairperson and Indonesian House Representative Mercy Chriesty Barends emphasized that this attack demonstrates the military junta's systematic brutality and targeted assaults on civilians, particularly in ethnic minority areas.
The parliamentarians highlighted that the Kyauk Ni Maw massacre is part of a broader pattern of violence since the military junta's illegal seizure of power in February 2021, including widespread airstrikes, arbitrary detentions, and systematic attacks on ethnic and religious minorities.
APHR Board Member and Malaysian Parliament member Wong Chen called for ASEAN to suspend Myanmar's participation in all meetings, implement diplomatic isolation of the military junta, and develop a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis. The organization called for increased targeted sanctions against the military junta's leadership and their revenue streams, including the natural gas sector, while expanding humanitarian assistance to affected regions.
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Date: 15 January 2025
Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York
