Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar (16-03-2025 to 31-03-2025)

Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar

(16-03-2025 to 31-03-2025)

(50) 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 31 Mach 2025, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the military has ruthlessly killed 6,473people and arrested another 28,968 people. 22,062 people remain in detention and 168 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.

Moreover, over 3.5 million people are being displaced. Almost 20 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. Among them, 10.4 million are women and girls. 112,485 houses were burned down throughout Myanmar since the illegal coup until the end of December 2024, according to a report by Data for Myanmar.Of those, 108,645 houses were deliberately set on fire by junta soldiers or members of allied organizations according to the report released by Data for Myanmar on 27 February 2025.

Unfortunately, the suffering of the people has been compounded by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck Myanmar on 28 March. Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region and Nay Pyi Taw were among the hardest hit. Due to the earthquake, more than 3,800 killed, over 5,100 people injured. Over 3.2 million people were affected. Infrastructures as well as houses and religious facilities were severely destroyed.

Amidst such people suffering, the military junta has continued carrying out of aerial and artillery attacks across the country.

Crimes committed Across Myanmar by the Junta Troops and its affiliates

Crimes perpetrated by the junta troops and its affiliates, 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 March 1 to 31, 2025, the junta killed (86) people in total across the country; (28) women and (58) men, including (11) children under the age of 18. These are the numbers that have been verified. Among the deaths, Magway Region recorded the highest number of fatalities, totalling (42). Among the (86) deceased, (54) people were killed by the junta’s airstrikes.   

War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity and Mass Murders Committed by the Military Junta

Junta Airstrikes Continue in Quake-Hit Regions Despite Humanitarian Emergency

BBC stated that in the aftermath of the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Sagaing Region on 21 April, Myanmar’s military continues to launch airstrikes across affected areas, drawing strong condemnation from the United Nations.

Less than three hours after the quake, an airstrike in Naungcho, Shan State killed seven civilians. Further attacks were reported in Chang-U Township, Sagaing Region as well as near the Thai border, areas severely impacted by the disaster. The strikes have obstructed ongoing rescue operations and endangered already vulnerable civilians.

To facilitate the humanitarian efforts, the National Unity Government announced a two-week humanitarian pause in all offensive operations in earthquake-affected areas, effective from 30 March 2025, stating that only defensive actions would be taken during this period.

The military’s reliance on aerial assaults has intensified as it continues to lose control of territory across the country. Resistance forces now control approximately 42 percent of Myanmar’s land, while large areas remain contested. Despite widespread calls for an arms embargo, foreign-supplied attack aircraft and training have enabled the continuation of indiscriminate bombings.

International experts warn that the military’s conduct may constitute war crimes, as airstrikes have repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure including schools, religious sites, and medical facilities. With growing evidence of systematic violations, pressure is mounting on the global community to impose coordinated sanctions and block the junta’s access to military resources.

More than 100 civilians killed by military junta airstrikes in March

According to The Irrawaddy's report, more than 100 civilians were killed by military junta airstrikes in March alone in territories controlled by the democratic forces. The casualties include 40 fatalities in Letpanhla village, Singu Township, Mandalay Region; eight in Myaung and Kani townships in Sagaing Region; 55 in Myaing, Pauk, Htilin and Gangaw townships in Magwe Region; and 10 in Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan State. A military observer noted that the military junta has been targeting civilians because they cannot win land battles. The reasoning appears to be that they attack civilian populations in areas they've lost to instil fear, often targeting areas with no active fighting.

On 22 March, eleven civilians, including a doctor, his nurse wife who was four months pregnant, and their five-year-old son were killed in a military junta airstrike on Hnan Khar Village in northern Gangaw Township, Magwe Region. The bombing targeted Dr. Mya Soe Aung's clinic, killing five children and injuring six people. The doctor and his wife had provided healthcare to conflict-affected people since joining the Civil Disobedience Movement after the 2021 coup.

Multiple strikes hit Letpanhla Village, a rest stop on the Mandalay-Mogoke road, on 4, 14 and 17 March, killing forty civilians including seven children and injuring more than 50 others. Ko Osmond, a Mandalay People's Defence Force spokesman, stated that there had been no ground clashes in Singu since they seized the town last July, making the air attacks unprovoked and deliberately targeting civilians.

On 16 March, ten people, including two monks, five novices, and two women, died when four 250 lb bombs struck Sein Yadanar monastery in Nawnghkio town, controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army. The monastery was sheltering residents who had fled fighting. The military junta's warplane also used machine guns in the attack, wounding fourteen monks and four civilians.

Other deadly airstrikes in March included attacks on villages and oil fields in Myaing and Pauk townships that killed more than 30 civilians; a raid on Alelban village in Htilin Township killing four civilians and destroying over 40 houses; and strikes on villages along the Chindwin River in Kani Township that killed five women. In Myaung, the military junta used paragliders to drop bombs, killing four people.

The Human Rights Ministry of the National Unity Government reports the military junta carried out 2,109 air raids from 2023 to 16 March this year, killing 372 children. Research group Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica documented 865 bombing raids from September to December last year averaging seven daily that killed 475 civilians and wounded 1,013 others.

Military Junta Airstrikes Kill Three Civilians at Monastery in Ponnagyun Township, Rakhine State

According to Myanmar Now, military junta airstrikes killed three civilians and injured 15 others at a monastery in Ponnagyun Township, Rakhine State on 25 March. The attack occurred around 7 pm and targeted Aung Pyu Pyin Village, approximately 13 miles north of Ponnagyun town, according to a statement from the Ponnagyun Youths Association. The three deceased were identified as Than Maung, 53, Ma Ri, 45, and Thet Kyaw, 19. Among the injured were five children under 15 years old. Most victims were displaced villagers seeking shelter at the monastery.

The Ponnagyun Youths Association, which has been assisting displaced people in the region, strongly condemned the airstrikes, stating there was no justification for targeting civilians outside a conflict zone. Their statement emphasized that targeting a monastery, a sacred place in any community, with airstrikes is "a despicable and immoral act" and "completely unacceptable in a Buddhist country." Ponnagyun Town, located just 20 miles northeast of the state capital Sittwe, is under Arakan Army (AA) control.

The AA, which has captured 14 of Rakhine State's 17 townships since launching its offensive in November 2013, has vowed to bring the entire state under its control. Major clashes continue near Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, both still under military junta control. Only Munaung Township, the third township still occupied by the military junta, remains free of conflict. The AA and its allies have also initiated attacks on military junta outposts along Rakhine State's borders with Bago, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions, with escalating conflict throughout the area.

Military Junta Airstrike Kills Four Civilians, Including Infant, in Sagaing Village

According to Myanmar Now, a nighttime air raid on a farming village in Sagaing Township resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including an infant, on 17 March. Military junta aircraft dropped bombs twice around 10:15 pm on 17 March on Sint Kaing Village, located on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River, killing two elderly villagers in their 80s, a 30-year-old woman, and a baby boy.

A local man described the attack: "They bombed people's homes while they were asleep. An elderly couple, a woman, and a baby boy lost their lives, and many houses were destroyed." Sint Kaing Village, situated 15 miles north of Min Kun in Sagaing Township, is located opposite ThaHpan Daunt Village in Mandalay Region's Madaya Township, where intense fighting has occurred recently. However, an officer from the Pyin Oo Lwin District People's Defence Organisation (PDO) stated that resistance forces had not been operating in Sint Kaing for some time, suggesting the airstrike deliberately targeted civilians.

"This is a targeted attack on civilians," the PDO officer said. "There were clashes here a long time ago, and the junta troops advanced into this area previously. Now, with no clashes occurring anymore, they've killed people without cause."Sint Kaing, a village of several hundred households, is primarily an agricultural community. Due to emergency evacuations following the bombing, funeral arrangements for the victims have been delayed.

This isn't the first time Sint Kaing has suffered from military airstrikes. In 2022, similar attacks killed an eight-month-old baby, a 23-year-old woman, and a woman in her 60s, while injuring 15 other villagers. Around that time, Lieutenant Yakkha of the resistance's Sagaing District Battalion 1 reported that military junta soldiers shot and killed people attempting to flee during their advance into northern Sagaing Region.

Two days before the 17 March attack on Sint Kaing, the military junta's air force killed dozens of civilians when it bombed Let Pan Hla village in Mandalay Region's Singu Township, approximately 45 miles from Sint Kaing. While the exact death toll from the Let Pan Hla airstrike remains unconfirmed, it may exceed 30 fatalities.

According to a frontline source, more than 40 civilians have been killed in military junta airstrikes across Madaya and Singu townships, Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan State, and parts of Sagaing Region in recent days. The source noted that limited connectivity has prevented many residents from receiving timely information, recommending the use of air raid sirens and makeshift bomb shelters in villages under resistance control.

Before the 2021 coup, the Min Kun area was a popular tourist destination known for its ancient pagodas, the Min Kun Bell, and traditional handicrafts. The rural villages near Min Kun, which once relied on tourism, have experienced significant population decline as nearby conflicts have deterred visitors and forced residents to seek safer livelihoods elsewhere.

Human Rights Abuses

Military Junta Holds Conscription Lotteries in Mandalay's Maha Aungmyay Township

Drawings to select recruits for mandatory military services were conducted on 24 March at ward-level administration offices throughout Maha Aungmyay Township in Mandalay, according to local sources. Approximately 50 military junta soldiers, pro-junta militia members, firefighters, and others were stationed outside each office providing security as the lotteries proceeded. Ward-level administrative staff oversaw the lotteries and summoned civilian families to participate by entering the names of their conscription-eligible family members.

A resident of Maha Aungmyay Township explained that the lottery process assigns numbers to potential recruits, with those drawing numbers between 1 and 100 being conscripted for the current batch (Batch 12). Those drawing higher numbers will be called up in subsequent batches.

No one eligible for conscription is exempt from the process, though families are permitted to draw lots on behalf of their eligible members. If no household member attends the lottery after being summoned, the ward administration staff draws their lots for them and announces the results via loudspeaker.

Following the lottery, family members must sign a pledge letter stating they will not attempt to evade conscription. Authorities warned that those who fail to comply after signing would be arrested. Pro-junta militia members have also threatened consequences for families whose members flee to avoid conscription, including potential arrest of other family members and sealing off their homes.

Most young people are reluctant to participate in person, fearing immediate conscription if they draw a low number. A woman in her 30s from the township reported that some parents have expressed unwillingness to give up their children, stating they would go to jail on their children's behalf instead.The lotteries were conducted only in Maha Aungmyay Township on 24 March, following similar drawings in several of Mandalay's Myo Thit ("new city") wards and Pyigyitagon Township in previous days.

The military junta, which is fighting resistance forces and ethnic resistance organizations across multiple fronts throughout the country, has enlisted 50,000 new recruits in 10 batches of 5,000 each. Numerous instances of desertion, capture, injury, and death have been recorded among these new recruits.

The military junta has also restricted eligible individuals from leaving the country without prior authorization. During a visit to Kalaw in southern Shan State on 20 March, the junta's second-in-command Vice-Senior General Soe Win acknowledged reports of corruption in the conscription process, admitting that lower-tier administrators had accepted bribes, while defending the central conscription committee's adherence to the law.

Thai-Myanmar Border Trade Plummets as Military Junta Seizes Over 300 Cargo Trucks

Thai-Myanmar border trade has sharply declined following the seizure of more than 300 cargo trucks carrying Thai goods in Hpa-an, Karen State, earlier this month. The military junta has detained the trucks at the Thiri car compound as part of new efforts to combat illegal trade.

Junta personnels are inspecting the trucks' cargo for tax compliance, with those lacking proper documentation facing confiscation. This enforcement action has created significant uncertainty among local businesses, leading many to halt imports temporarily. A member of the Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Service Association's central committee told Myanmar Now: "We are uncertain about the policy under which these actions will be taken against the seized goods, so trade has slowed, though it hasn't completely stopped. Only essential goods and those without issues are still being transported."

The trade disruption has dramatically reduced the volume of goods crossing the Myawaddy border. Previously, hundreds of cargo trucks daily transported consumer products, food, and construction materials from Myawaddy to Yangon. Currently, only a few dozen trucks remain operational.Despite the overall decline, the military junta has prioritized exports to maintain revenue streams.

Many border gates in Myanmar that handle trade with neighboring countries such as Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh are now under the control of ethnic armed groups, preventing the junta-led border trade from fully operating.

Actions of Resistance Forces against the Junta

KNU Seizes Strategic Military Junta Outpost Near Thai-Myanmar Border

Myanmar Now stated that the Karen National Union (KNU) announced on 26 March that its forces have captured a key military junta outpost near the Thai-Myanmar border, marking a significant victory in their ongoing operations. The camp, situated in Kha Lel Day Village, Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State, fell on 25 March. The strategically located Kha Lel Day military base is a fortified hilltop position northeast of the village, approximately two miles from the Thai-Myanmar border along the Moei River. The assault was launched on 22 March by Battalions 19, 21, 22, and 24 of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), operating under KNLA's Brigade 7, the armed wing of the KNU.

After three days of intense fighting, resistance forces successfully captured the camp and seized weapons and ammunition from military junta troops. The KNU initiated the operation with a series of drone strikes on 22 March. In response, the military junta conducted airstrikes on 24 March, dropping four bombs from fighter jets and more than 30 bombs from Y-12 aircraft over the battlefield.

Facing mounting pressure, military junta troops abandoned their position.  This victory follows other recent gains by Karen forces, including Brigade 5's recapture of a historic headquarters in December 2024. On 14 March, Brigade 7 forces also seized Point 1248 camp (also known as Pu Lu Tu camp), a military junta base near Paingkyon Town in Karen State. A high-ranking KNU official, stated that the KNU has established a policy of zero tolerance for military junta camps within its administrative territories. "This policy has been in place for a long time," the KNU official said. "Other brigades have been fighting for a while too. And Brigade-7 has been implementing this policy for about three months now."

Arakan Army Seizes Most Military Junta Checkpoints Near NyaungKyoe Village in Bago Region

The Arakan Army (AA) has captured most military junta checkpoints near NyaungKyoe Village in Bago Region's Pandaung Township this week, according to AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha. "Fierce battles are taking place around Pagankwe Village and NyaungKyoe Village in Pandaung Township, Bago Region," Khaing Thukha told Myanmar Now. "Our joint forces have already captured and taken control of most of the checkpoints around NyaungKyoe Village."

The AA and its allies are advancing along the Pandaung-Taungup road, a strategic route connecting Rakhine State and western Bago Region. Khaing Thukha reported that many military junta troops are retreating while simultaneously launching repeated airstrikes in the area. NyaungKyoe is located just over nine miles east of the Moehti Mountain Base, which the AA seized on 26 January, approximately 17 miles from Oke Shit Pin Town on the Ayeyarwady River's west bank. "The remaining junta forces are retreating in scattered groups," Khaing Thukha said. "With ongoing airstrikes, the situation is complicated, and the fighting remains intense."

The AA's offensive has now reached western Bago, where several military junta Defense Industry factories are located near Oke Shit Pin and Pyay. These factories are part of the military junta's network of 25 Defense Industry facilities producing weapons ranging from small arms to heavy anti-aircraft systems, with most concentrated in Magway (15), Bago (7), Naypyitaw (2), and Yangon (1).

After capturing 14 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State, including Ann Town where the military junta's Western Command headquarters fell to resistance forces, the AA has turned its attention to the Rakhine Yoma mountain range, which spans Rakhine State, Magway and Bago regions.

Since capturing Gwa Township in December last year, the AA has been moving along the Bay of Bengal, pushing deeper into Ayeyarwady Region. The armed group has recently captured two major checkpoints from the military junta's Light Infantry Battalion 308, a strategic base central to the junta's military operations in western Myanmar.

Simultaneously, the AA continues its advance near Natyaekan camp in Ngape Township, approximately 10 miles from the Rakhine-Magway border, where intense fighting persists according to local sources. In response, the military junta is reinforcing its troops in Pwintbyu Township, Magway Region. Since launching offensives on 13 November 2023, the AA has captured 14 townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa in Chin State. Fighting continues near Sittwe and Kyaukpyu, with Manaung Township remaining the only area in Rakhine not yet affected by the conflict.

As the AA continues to make significant territorial gains, the military junta's ability to maintain control is increasingly threatened. The seizure of key checkpoints, ongoing clashes, and the potential vulnerability of strategic weapons factories highlight the growing challenges facing the military junta's operations across multiple regions.

Sagaing Earthquake's Devastating Impact on Myanmar

NUG: Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 2,418 as Humanitarian Challenges Mount

The National Unity Government (NUG) announced that the death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March has reached 2,418 as of the evening of 31 March, with many more people still missing. According to the NUG's statement, international organizations have only been able to provide relief and rescue services in limited areas in Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, leaving many townships without effective search and rescue operations.

Relief efforts face significant security risks in some Mandalay Region townships due to the military junta's use of heavy weapons and indiscriminate shelling. The statement emphasized that these military actions are impeding vital humanitarian work in earthquake-affected areas.

The earthquake has caused severe water supply issues in parts of Mandalay and Sagaing, with ground cracks leading to groundwater leakage, wells running dry, and water becoming discolored. Cases of diarrhea due to contaminated water have been reported in Sagaing Township.

The NUG highlighted the urgent need for temporary shelters and tents, as both those whose homes collapsed and those fearful of aftershocks are sleeping in streets and open areas. Ongoing challenges include disruptions to electricity, internet, and transportation services. Adding to these difficulties, a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring rain this week, which could create additional hardships for earthquake survivors seeking temporary shelter. The statement also noted that high prices and shortages of food and fuel are hampering the delivery of supplies to affected areas.

Death Toll Exceeds 400 in Pyay Bwe as Earthquake Aftermath Worsens

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports, rescue workers stated that the death toll from the earthquake in Pyay Bwe, Mandalay Region, has risen to more than 400 people, with approximately 1,000 others injured.The devastation has been extensive, with all neighborhoods of PyawBwe Myint, Mandalay Tan, and Myoma completely destroyed. Rescue workers reported significant challenges in reaching numerous areas due to blocked roads.

A rescue worker described the grim situation, saying, "We're already smelling the stench. There are still many places where rescue is not possible." The worker expressed doubt about finding survivors in these inaccessible areas. Rescue workers claimed the military junta is only counting bodies that arrive at hospitals in their official death toll for Pyay Bwe. They noted many victims were buried by families without hospital registration, suggesting the actual death toll is likely higher than SAC reported.

The rescue operation faces additional challenges due to hot weather conditions and families' desires to recover bodies in the best possible condition. Workers estimate it will take at least a month to completely clear the rubble of collapsed buildings in Pyay Township. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on 28 March caused widespread destruction across Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Bago, Nay Pyi Taw, and north-eastern Shan State.

Earthquake Damages Obo Prison in Mandalay, Killing at Least 12 People

According to the All Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM), Mandalay's Obo Prison was severely damaged by the earthquake, resulting in at least 12 deaths and at least 10 injuries. Men's dormitory and two women's dormitories of the Prison collapsed during the earthquake, causing fatalities and injuries among both prisoners and prison staff.

Ko Thaik Htun Oo, founder of PPNM, told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that the announced figures represent only confirmed numbers, with actual casualties potentially being much higher. He stated, "The numbers we are releasing are just the confirmed numbers. The number of casualties could be much higher." Ko Thaik Htun Oo criticized the military junta for not releasing information about prison casualties, calling it "a cover-up of deaths in prison."

PPNM reported that they have systematically confirmed the deaths of one male and two female prisoners at Obo Prison, and are still verifying the gender of nine additional fatalities. Obo Prison is located in Mandalay, near the epicenter of the earthquake. The military junta has not released any information regarding damage to the prison facility.

Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 40 in Pyinmana as Rescue Operations Continue

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), rescue workers have found 40 bodies among collapsed buildings caused by the earthquake in Pyinmana, Nay Pyi Taw. More than 130 injured people have been transported to nearby hospitals as rescue efforts continue.

A rescue worker in Pyinmana told that as of 7 p.m. on 28 March, many people remained trapped in collapsed buildings. A worker described the situation: "The rescue operation is in full swing as everything is destroyed. We have just returned with one dead body. According to eyewitnesses, we have seen up to forty dead bodies. There are over 130 people injured. We are sending them to the (200) bed hospital and nearby hospitals. We cannot even go to other places to help. Even Pyinmana town is not accessible."

Buildings and monasteries along Bogyoke Road in central Pyinmana suffered particularly severe damage from the earthquake. Residents reported that Taungnyo Road, which runs from Pyinmana to Thapyay Kone and the City Hall, has been closed due to cracks in the roadway and is currently only accessible to motorcycles. Rescue operations continue as teams work to locate and free those still trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds Forty in Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), rescue workers reported that more than forty people had died in the earthquake in Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region, as of the evening of 28 March. Many buildings in Yamethin town and surrounding villages collapsed during the earthquake, with at least forty bodies recovered from the rubble so far. A rescue worker told RFA, "We are continuing the rescue operation. We still can't reach some areas. It's over forty now. There are also quite a few patients in the hospital." The worker added that at least sixty people were injured in the disaster.The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck on 28 March, with its epicenter located 12 miles northeast of Mandalay.

Activities of the National Unity Government and Ethnic Resistance Organizations

NUG Calls for Immediate ASEAN Action on Myanmar's Humanitarian Crisis

The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on 19 March calling for urgent and precise actions in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar caused by the military junta's continued violence.

The statement emphasized that while international attention remains focused on Ukraine, ASEAN must take decisive steps to address Myanmar's worsening situation. It noted that ASEAN has both the authority under its Charter and the capability to support long-term peace and stability in the region.

The NUG highlighted the immense daily suffering of Myanmar's people due to the junta's ongoing violence, particularly referencing recent airstrikes on a Buddhist monastery in Naungcho, Shan State, and attacks on villages across the country. These military assaults have forced civilians to flee their homes and destroyed critical infrastructure including schools and hospitals.

According to data from the NUG's Ministry of Human Rights, as of 16 March 2025, the military junta has conducted 2,190 airstrikes on civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of 372 children. The statement emphasized that these actions targeting civilian infrastructure further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and require immediate intervention from ASEAN and the international community.

NUG’s Announcement of a Temporary Pause on Military Offensive and Emergency Humanitarian Relief Effort for Earthquake Victims

To facilitate rescue operations for people trapped in the debris of collapsed buildings, structures, and workplaces, the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced on 29 March that the People's Defence Force (PDF) will implement a two-week pause in offensive military operations, except for defensive actions, in earthquake-affected areas starting March 30, 2025.

The United Nations relief agencies, international organizations, and INGOs are urged to provide immediate emergency assistance and medical support to the earthquake victims.

In NUG-controlled territories, we will collaborate with the UN and INGOs to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps. In State Administration Council (SAC)-controlled areas, if safety guarantees are provided, NUG-affiliated CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) healthcare professionals will cooperate with international humanitarian organizations to deliver emergency rescue and medical services to the affected people.

The NUG has initially allocated one million US dollars for emergency relief operations to address the immediate needs of those affected by the earthquake.

The NUG, together with resistance forces, allied organizations, and civil society groups, will carry out rescue operations under the "People to People" initiative.

Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, NUG Issues Emergency Announcement

The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar has issued an emergency announcement regarding a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale that struck near Sagaing on 28 March 2025. The earthquake's epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, with tremors felt across multiple countries including Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, and China.

The NUG reports that a significant 6.4 magnitude aftershock occurred approximately 12 minutes after the initial quake, centered about 18 kilometers south of Sagaing near the Innwa Bridge airport area. The earthquakes have caused extensive damage across the Sagaing and Mandalay Regions, with numerous buildings collapsed, including heritage sites and religious structures.

In response to this crisis, the NUG convened an emergency meeting within hours and has directed relevant ministries to initiate immediate relief efforts, including search and rescue operations, relocation efforts, and reconstruction activities. The NUG has expressed deep sorrow for those affected and pledged support throughout the recovery process.

The announcement calls on the international community to provide humanitarian aid with effective coordination to ensure assistance reaches those genuinely in need. The NUG has advised civilians to remain vigilant due to risks of additional building collapses, dam failures, and bridge destruction from potential aftershocks.

National Unity Government Appeals to International Community Following Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar

The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar issued an urgent appeal to the international community on 31 March 2025, calling for direct humanitarian assistance to victims of a catastrophic earthquake that struck the country on 28 March 2025.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 2,400 lives as of 31 March, with thousands more injured and many still missing. The NUG emphasized that the disaster compounds the immense suffering already experienced by Myanmar people due to the political crisis following the February 2021 military illegal coup.

In its statement, the NUG highlighted that the humanitarian crisis is being exacerbated by continued military junta airstrikes, which are actively hindering urgent relief efforts in affected areas.

The NUG expressed gratitude to numerous countries and organizations that have quickly responded with support, including Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, the European Union, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The statement underscored the critical importance of upholding core humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality, and independence during relief operations. The NUG noted that past experiences have demonstrated the military junta's tendency to politicize and manipulate humanitarian assistance for its own benefit rather than prioritizing affected communities.

The NUG called specifically on the United Nations and ASEAN to ensure aid reaches earthquake victims directly through trusted and reliable partners to prevent interference. The statement emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as a race against time to save lives, with any obstruction potentially having devastating consequences.

The government affirmed its commitment to facilitating relief efforts in collaboration with the international community, pledging transparency, accountability, and effective distribution of aid to uphold the dignity of those affected and bring hope to devastated communities. The National Unity Government also appealed directly to the Secretary General of the United Nations, seeking urgent international coordination for earthquake relief efforts.

MOHADM Releases Situation Reports on Devastating Sagaing Earthquake

The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management released Situation Report 1, 2, and 3 on 29, 30, and 31 March 2025 respectively, informing of the escalating impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Sagaing Township on 28 March. The death toll has risen dramatically from 469 in the initial report to 2,418 by 31 March, with many people still missing.

The earthquake affected multiple regions including Mandalay, Sagaing, Bago, Nay Pyi Taw, and Shan State, with at least 13 major aftershocks above 4.0 magnitude reported. The disaster has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with over 2,970 buildings collapsed, 95 religious structures damaged, and 7 bridges destroyed according to early assessments.

Relief efforts face significant challenges including electricity and water shortages, limited access to food and medicine, and restricted emergency operations due to military presence. The NUG reports that in military-controlled areas, aid workers face security risks, while in NUG-controlled territories, coordinated rescue operations are underway with local administrative and defense units.

The situation is expected to worsen with forecasts of heavy rain from a low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal, which threatens to complicate relief efforts for the more than 13,400 homes damaged. The NUG has identified urgent needs including water supplies, food, medicine, temporary shelter materials, and household essentials.

The NUG has announced safety guarantees for Civil Disobedience Movement participants who join rescue operations and is coordinating with international organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to affected areas.

NUG Offers Support for Political Dialogue Between KIO/KIA and PSLF/TNLA

The National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement on 14 March expressing its readiness to support peaceful political solutions between the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) and the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta'ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA).

In its statement, the NUG emphasized that most issues between the groups could be resolved through direct negotiations without major difficulties. The government highlighted that both organizations recognize the military junta's strategic intent to create divisions among revolutionary forces at a time when the regime remains weak in both strength and legitimacy.

The NUG called on leaders from both ethnic armed organizations to prevent recent ground-level clashes from escalating into broader ethnic tensions, expressing confidence that the leadership can manage the situation responsibly. The statement noted that face-to-face discussions would likely ease tensions and welcomed indications of upcoming central-level talks between the two sides as a positive development.

The government also praised moves to gather public opinion and engage in inclusive dialogue as constructive actions reflecting a people-centered approach. The NUG reiterated that revolutionary groups must maintain focus on the will of the people, stressing that only through unity, solidarity, and inclusive political solutions can they overcome challenges and achieve the long-desired goal of a federal democratic union.The NUG concluded by affirming its ongoing readiness to assist in the political dialogue process wherever needed.

NUG Claims Control of 75% of Sagaing Region, 94 Towns Nationwide

The National Unity Government's (NUG) Minister of Defence, U Yee Mon, announced on 22 March that the NUG currently maintains control over approximately 75% of Sagaing Region. The statement was made during the launch of the "Kabaw Brotherhood Campaign."

"Specifically, in the case of Sagaing Region as a whole, we can say that we've gained territorial control over as much as 75%," Minister U Yee Mon stated. "Nationwide, what we'll clearly see by 2025 is that even areas which previously lacked the capacity for military operations are now increasingly able to engage actively."

The Minister highlighted three key achievements of the NUG: securing public support and successfully establishing the People's Defence Forces (PDF); expanding liberated areas under revolutionary control across the country; and dismantling the military junta's administrative mechanisms in favor of functioning public administration systems.

U Yee Mon also noted that in the entire Kabaw region—comprising Kalay and Tamu districts—only Kalay and Tamu towns remain partially under military junta control, with all other areas now under PDF authority. According to data provided during the announcement, revolutionary forces have now taken and maintained control of 94 towns nationwide. The Minister characterized these developments as reflecting "the success of our first-phase strategic objectives".

Myanmar Ambassador Urges UN to End Weapons Transfers to Military Junta

Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, called for an immediate halt to weapons transfers to Myanmar's military junta during a UN panel discussion on gender equality and preventing gender-based violence on 17 March.

Speaking at the joint General Assembly and Economic and Social Council meeting, the Ambassador highlighted how small arms and light weapons enable ongoing atrocities in Myanmar, where over 6,400 people, including nearly 1,500 women, have been killed since the February 2021 coup. More than 20,000 people have been unjustly detained, while approximately 20 million require humanitarian assistance.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized that continued arms transfers reinforce impunity, worsen vulnerabilities for women and children, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, and threaten regional security. He appealed to all member states to "cut the flow of weapons, jet fuel and dual-use items to the military junta" to save lives and support Myanmar's people in their efforts to build a federal democratic union.

Myanmar Ambassador Calls for Support to Women's Rights Defenders Amid Ongoing Military Junta Atrocities

At a side event on the margin of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women held on 18 March, Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, delivered closing remarks highlighting the ongoing struggle of Myanmar's women against military authoritarianism.

The event, titled "Beijing+30: Resisting Authoritarianism and Conflict – Myanmar Women's Fight for Rights and Equality," brought together panellists who shared insights about the dire situation facing civilians, particularly women and girls, under military rule since the February 2021 coup.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized that indiscriminate aerial attacks by the military junta continue to target civilian populations, including schools, hospitals, religious facilities, and markets, with women, girls, and children bearing the brunt of these atrocities.

While commending the "unwavering commitment" of Myanmar's women in resisting the junta, the Ambassador stressed that events alone are insufficient. He called for concrete action through financial support, humanitarian aid, and technical assistance for civil society organizations and women human rights defenders working on the ground.

"As we unite, justice will prevail in Myanmar," Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun concluded, calling for "greater, collaborative and coherent support" from the international community to help build Myanmar's future.

Myanmar Ambassador Urges UN Security Council to Act Against Military Junta

Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, delivered an appeal for action during the UN Security Council's High-Level Open Debate on "Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations" held on 24 March.

In his address, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun expressed dismay that Myanmar has "the highest level of organized criminality in the world according to the Global Organized Crime Index," with scam centers generating billions of dollars annually. He emphasized that the military junta and its affiliated Border Guard Forces have created safe havens for criminal syndicates by providing security and facilitating their operations.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun pointed out the Security Council's inaction despite the severity of the situation, noting that despite adopting one resolution on Myanmar since the coup, there has been no follow-up, implementation review, or regular reporting mechanism established.

"Every passing day the Council fails to act decisively, more civilians are indiscriminately killed by the military junta; more atrocities are committed by the military; and more innocent victims worldwide are lured by these surging scam operations," the Ambassador stated.

In his conclusion, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun urged the Council to "act decisively by cutting the flow of weapons, jet fuel and dual-use items to the military junta" to allow the people of Myanmar to fulfill their aspiration of ending military dictatorship and building a federal democratic union.

Myanmar Ambassador Calls for Holistic Approach to Rohingya Crisis at UN General Assembly

Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, delivered a statement on 25 March supporting the draft resolution on the "Scope, modalities, format and organization of the High-Level Conference on Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar."

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized that the plight of the Rohingya has been severely exacerbated since the February 2021 military coup. The Ambassador stated that creating conditions for safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees continues to face difficulties, with a conducive environment yet to be established. He directly linked the Rohingya crisis to the broader situation in Myanmar, declaring that "Rohingya issue is part of the crisis in Myanmar and that the root cause, the military junta and its dictatorship in Myanmar, must be comprehensively addressed."

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun highlighted the military junta's ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity affecting all civilians in Myanmar, including the Rohingya and other minorities. He cited the recent forced conscription of civilians, including Rohingya, as a concrete example of the military's continuing abuses.

"Repatriation of the refugees will not be possible if we are unable to put an end to the military junta from committing indiscriminate airstrikes and aerial bombings across Myanmar," the Ambassador stated, calling for a holistic approach that integrates addressing the broader Myanmar situation alongside other considerations. In his conclusion, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun encouraged member states to adopt the draft resolution, describing it as a signal of unified aspiration toward protecting and promoting the rights of all people in Myanmar, particularly the Rohingya and other minorities.

Response of the International Community

UN Calls for Unhindered Humanitarian Access to Earthquake-Affected Areas in Myanmar

The United Nations Office in Myanmar issued a statement on 31 March, urging unhindered access to earthquake-affected areas for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement comes in response to the devastating earthquake that has compounded an already severe humanitarian crisis in the country.

UN Resident Coordinator and Acting Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Marco Luigi Corsi, emphasized that the movement of humanitarian convoys, medical personnel, and assessment teams should not face restrictions. While acknowledging current supply difficulties, he confirmed ongoing efforts to reach areas where assistance is most urgently needed.

Mr. Corsi highlighted the earthquake's impact on Myanmar's already dire situation, stating, "This latest tragedy could exacerbate an already dire crisis and further weaken the resilience of societies already repeatedly affected by conflict, displacement and past disasters."

According to the statement, the UN and its partners have collectively contributed an initial $15 million to support life-saving response efforts and are actively mobilizing emergency supplies. Mr. Corsi stressed that the people of Myanmar urgently require strong support from the international community.UN figures indicate that approximately twenty million people in Myanmar were already in need of humanitarian assistance even before the earthquake struck, further emphasizing the critical nature of the current situation.

International Leaders Express Support Following Myanmar Earthquake

World leaders and international organizations have issued statements of solidarity and pledged support following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and widespread devastation, calling for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected regions. He emphasized that the earthquake has further compounded Myanmar's already dire humanitarian situation resulting from ongoing conflict and instability and urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance.

ASEAN extended its deepest sympathies to the people of Myanmar and Thailand affected by the disaster, highlighting the importance of timely humanitarian assistance. The regional bloc expressed readiness to support relief efforts through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) and emphasized the need for equitable access to aid for all affected populations.

The Quad partnership of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States issued a joint statement pledging over $ 20 million in humanitarian assistance. The four nations stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access and called for the implementation of ceasefires to allow aid to reach those in need, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the people of Myanmar during this critical time.

The UN Security Council also released a press statement expressing deep sympathy and condolences to earthquake victims. Council members underscored the importance of strengthening rescue, relief, and recovery efforts while scaling up immediate humanitarian assistance. They reaffirmed the necessity of creating a safe environment to ensure the timely and effective delivery of aid without disruption or discrimination.

Singapore's Foreign Minister Calls for Effective Ceasefire in Earthquake-Hit Myanmar

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated on 30 March that he hopes for an effective ceasefire during the difficult times currently facing Myanmar following the devastating earthquake. In a post on his Facebook page, Minister Balakrishnan emphasized the need "To save lives and focus assistance where it is needed." He expressed Singapore's commitment to supporting Myanmar's reconstruction and peace process in the long term.

The Foreign Minister also stated that Singapore stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar as they face what has been described as the worst earthquake disaster in central Myanmar's history. The National Unity Government (NUG) has already declared a two-week nationwide ceasefire beginning 30 March to facilitate relief efforts.

WFP Halts Aid to One Million People in Myanmar as US Funding Cuts Bite

The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun halting aid to nearly one million people in Myanmar as critical funding shortfalls force the UN agency to make sweeping cuts. On 19 March, displaced people in relief camps received their final handouts, with the agency announcing it will only serve around 35,000 people in April. Currently, almost 20 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

"I pray every night that this news is not true," said Byar Mee, who received her last monthly payout of approximately $50. "I pray to God that the donors are blessed and are able to help us again. Please help us and pity us." WFP Myanmar chief Michael Dunford attributed the funding crisis. The situation in Myanmar has been particularly dire since the failed illegal military coup in 2021, plunging the country into a multi-sided civil war that has killed thousands, displaced millions, and pushed the poverty rate to 50 percent. At the Waingmaw Lisu Baptist Association camp outside Myitkyina in Kachin State, 379 households and more than 1,800 people are facing an uncertain future without WFP support.

Japan Expresses "Serious Concern" Over Military Junta's Election Plans

Human Rights Watch report that Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed "serious concern" about the Myanmar military junta's plans to hold national elections by January 2026 during a session of the Japanese Diet on foreign affairs on 21 March. The statement came in response to Myanmar junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing's public announcement of the election timeframe during his recent visit to Belarus.

Addressing a question from an opposition lawmaker, Foreign Minister Iwaya stated, "The Japanese government is seriously concerned that holding national elections while there has been no political progress, such as the release of those detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and dialogue to break through the current situation, will only invite more resistance from the Myanmar people and make a peaceful resolution difficult."

Since the February 2021 coup, the military junta has committed widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and indiscriminate attacks on civilians that amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. The junta has also arbitrarily detained opposition politicians while dissolving and criminalizing their political parties, creating an environment of fear that makes free and fair elections impossible.

Japan is not alone in opposing the military junta's election plans. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan recently told reporters, "We told them [Myanmar's junta] that election is not a priority at the moment." United Nations human rights experts have urged UN member countries to denounce the proposed elections as fraudulent.

While the Japanese government's expression of concern represents a positive step, there are calls for Japan to take stronger action, including persuading other governments such as ASEAN member states, South Korea, and India to publicly condemn the junta's election plans and withhold technical support for a process that cannot be credible, free, or fair.

WHO Establishes Early Warning System for Respiratory Diseases in Conflict-Affected Myanmar

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Myanmar has successfully implemented an Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) to monitor influenza and other respiratory pathogens in conflict-affected areas, filling critical gaps in the nation's disrupted public health surveillance system.

Working in collaboration with health partners and supported by the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Partnership Contribution, the initiative focuses particularly on Kachin and Rakhine states, where ongoing conflict has severely impacted healthcare infrastructure and reporting capabilities.

The adaptive surveillance system monitors respiratory syndromes through both indicator-based and event-based components. In 2023 and 2024, the system detected more than 40 clusters of influenza-like illness across Myanmar, enabling timely responses despite the challenging operational environment.

"This surveillance approach has proven to be an adaptive and resilient solution in Myanmar's evolving health crisis," said a WHO representative. "In 2024, it provided real-time alerts and facilitated the mobilization of response teams to mitigate the impact of outbreaks."

The initiative strengthens Myanmar's participation in the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, with the National Influenza Centre leading efforts for virus sharing, genomic sequencing, and influenza data management.

The WHO notes that this model demonstrates how well-coordinated surveillance systems can function effectively even in conflict settings, providing valuable lessons for global health security and pandemic preparedness that could be applied in other crisis-affected regions.

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Date: 31 March 2025

Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York