Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar (16-04-2026 to 30-04-2026)

Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar

(16-04-2026 to 30-04-2026)

(63) months ago, on 1 February 2021, the military junta attempted an illegal coup, toppled the elected 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.

Over 3.7 million people are being displaced. Almost 22 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Among them, over 10.4 million are women and girls, and over 6.3 million are children. 116,897 houses were burned down throughout Myanmar since the illegal coup until the end of 31 May 2025, according to Data for Myanmar.

According to the UNDP, 49.7 per cent of the population in Myanmar was living under the national poverty line in 2023. Its report in June 2025 further revealed that even in Myanmar's commercial hub, Yangon, nearly half of the city's population lives in poverty, and the economic collapse, displacement, and inadequate services are pushing more families into poverty every day. Moreover, due to the complete dismantling of the rule of law by the junta, transnational organised crimes including online scams, drug trafficking, and human trafficking are rising across the country and generating serious security implications for the region and beyond.

The suffering of the people has been further compounded by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025. Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, and Nay Pyi Taw were among the hardest hit. The earthquake killed almost 4,200 people, injured over 3,680 others, and affected over 3.2 million people. Infrastructure, houses, and religious facilities were severely destroyed.

According to the data collected by AAPP, from 1 January to 30 April 2026, (350) people in total; (169) women and (181) men, were killed by the junta across the country, including (72) children under the age of 18. The identities of these victims have been verified. Meanwhile, (243) people were killed by the junta’s airstrikes marking the highest cause of death. During the stated period, the AAPP has also received information regarding the death of (508) civilians, as a result of junta attacks, whose identities have yet to be confirmed.   

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

448 human rights violations by military junta in April

The Documentation and Research Department of the National Unity Government's Ministry of Human Rights released data documenting the military junta's atrocities across Myanmar during April 2026, recording a total of 448 human rights violation cases nationwide.

According to the data, the military junta carried out 191 aerial attack cases involving 589 individual aerial attacks during April, killing 149 people. Among the deaths, 18 were children under the age of 18, 57 were adults and 74 were of unknown age. A further 210 people were injured, including 37 children under the age of 18. The junta's aerial attacks comprised 469 airstrikes, 58 drone attacks, 43 paramotor attacks and 19 gyrocopter attacks. The attacks also destroyed 38 buildings, including 18 religious buildings, 11 schools and nine medical facilities. Karenni (Kayah) State recorded the highest number of aerial attacks with 160, followed by Sagaing Region with 111.

The ministry also documented seven massacre cases committed by the junta during April, resulting in the deaths of 73 people. Among the deceased, 24 were above the age of 18, two were under 18 and 47 were of unknown age. By gender, the victims included 11 females and 28 males, while the gender of 34 victims remained unknown. The ministry defines a massacre as a case involving the deaths of at least five persons.

Of the 448 total violation cases documented in April, property destruction was the most prevalent with 110 cases, followed by 92 cases of other violations, 91 extrajudicial killings, 63 cases of forced labour, 22 arbitrary arrests and 22 cases of forced displacement. The data also recorded 14 cases of destruction of religious buildings, nine arbitrary detentions, eight cases of torture, seven attacks on medical centres, seven violations of freedom of movement, one enforced disappearance, one violation of freedom of religion and belief, and one unfair trial. Magway Region recorded the highest number of violation cases with 69, followed by Mandalay Region with 67 and Sagaing Region with 66.

Airstrikes remained the military junta's principal method of attack against the civilian population during April. The junta's sustained reliance on airpower against areas beyond its control reflects a deliberate strategy of terrorising civilian populations from the air, in grave violation of international humanitarian law.

In addition, the ministry documented 26 cases of forced conscription by the junta involving 109 persons during April. Magway Region recorded the highest number of conscripted persons with 41, followed by Mon State with 30, Tanintharyi Region and Mandalay Region with 12 each, Yangon Region with 11, including one woman, and Ayeyarwady Region with three. These figures further evidence the junta's coercive conscription campaign, which human rights groups have condemned as a form of forced labour.

The scale and systematic nature of the violations documented, including indiscriminate aerial attacks on civilians, massacres, extrajudicial killings and the destruction of religious buildings, schools and medical facilities, constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Junta airstrikes on bridge kill at least 11 civilians in southern Chin State

Mizzima reported that a wave of aerial bombardments by the military junta has left at least 11 civilians dead in Kyin Dway Town, Kanpetlet Township, as the junta intensifies its campaign to regain control over southern Chin State.

According to the Chin People's Union/Army (CPU/CPA), junta fighter jets conducted consecutive strikes on the Kyin Dway Bridge, a critical civilian trade route, on 29 April and 30 April 2026. CPU/CPA General Secretary Salai Yawnman confirmed that nine people, primarily local residents repairing the bridge, were killed in the initial attack on the morning of 29 April. A second strike on the same location the following afternoon claimed the lives of two additional men.

The CPU/CPA refuted claims from pro-junta sources suggesting the bridge was a military target, emphasising that the victims were unarmed civilians engaged in essential infrastructure work. In addition to the human toll, the airstrikes destroyed heavy machinery, including a JCB earthmover, a vehicle and four motorcycles.

Military observers suggested the attacks are part of a broader tactical shift by the junta to sever supply routes and isolate areas in the Chin and Yaw regions. The aerial escalation coincides with increased ground activity, including the reported junta capture of Falam town on 25 April and the deployment of approximately 200 troops from the 368th Artillery Regiment to nearby Kangyi village.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Chin People's Union issued an urgent advisory for residents to construct bomb shelters at their homes and workplaces, warning that airstrikes have become a primary threat to civilian life as the junta attempts to re-establish its foothold in liberated territories. The repeated and deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians and critical civilian infrastructure, in the absence of any military objective, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, including the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilian objects.

Junta airstrikes and artillery kill more than 10 children in Myingyan Township

Local medias reported that a devastating escalation in junta violence has claimed the lives of more than 10 children under the age of 12 in Myingyan Township between 20 and 27 April, as the military junta intensifies its use of airstrikes and heavy artillery.

The Myingyan Township People's Movement Committee reported that the fatalities, mostly young boys, some as young as seven, were the result of incendiary bombs dropped from jet fighters, drones, gyrocopters and paramotors, as well as shelling from howitzers operated by Light Infantry Battalion 15. An official from the committee said that in that week alone, over 10 children had died from both airstrikes and heavy artillery fire, some as young as seven years old. He added that in Myingyan there was not a single village that had not faced military columns or artillery shelling. On 22 April alone, strikes on Yon Htoe village destroyed a monastery and several homes.

The surge in violence follows recent leadership changes within the junta's military command structure, leading to a scorched earth policy across Myingyan and Taungtha townships. Residents reported that over 23 villages were raided and burned in April, with junta soldiers returning to partially burned sites repeatedly until every structure was levelled. In Pyo Kan-Kan Swe village, junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia members reportedly looted essential community assets, including a public transformer and a new funeral hearse.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening as airstrikes now occur between three and ten times daily, often involving multiple aircraft simultaneously. While urban residents are fleeing to border regions or foreign countries to escape extortion and forced conscription, rural villagers are hiding in open fields and farmlands, braving extreme seasonal heat because they are too terrified to remain in their homes.

Junta airstrike kills four young civilians in Letpadan Township, Bago Region

Mizzima reported that four young civilians were killed and six others injured after military junta jet fighters carried out an airstrike in Letpadan Township, western Bago Region, despite no ongoing ground clashes.

At around 11:30 am on 22 April, two junta jet fighters dropped at least 10 bombs on Won Kalay (Sar Chaung) village, near Thae Kaw Dam in the War Yone Pin Zin village tract. The victims were aged 15, 16, 19 and 20 and were not members of the People's Defence Force (PDF) but civilians and made their living through fishing to support their families.

There was no fighting near the village and no revolutionary bases in the area, adding that, as usual, the military junta deliberately targeted civilians, using excessive force to spread fear.

The airstrike killed four young men instantly. The airstrike destroyed three houses. Of the six people injured, two were reported to be in critical condition. Among the wounded were two young children and two elderly individuals.

A spokesperson for the Bago Region People's Defence Team said that the more the military junta suffers losses on the battlefield, the more it deliberately and indiscriminately targets civilians with airstrikes in their area. He urged the public to remain extremely vigilant and take precautions against the threat of aerial attacks. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that the military junta is using excessive airpower across the country, resulting in widespread civilian casualties and significant destruction of property. The deliberate targeting of civilians, including children, in the absence of any military engagement constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Junta troops kill three civilians, including two deaf brothers, in Natmauk Township

Myanmar Now reported that junta troops killed three civilians, including two deaf brothers, in Magway Region's Natmauk Township.

The brothers were herding cattle near the village of Kyeekan when they encountered a column of junta soldiers on 22 April. A local said one was completely deaf and the other could not speak, so they did not avoid the junta soldiers. He said they ran into the column and were both shot in the head. The victims were identified as Han Myint, 40, and Win Myint, 38, both from Kyeekan. Myanmar Now said they can indicated that their bodies were later burned and that the skull of one had been shattered based on the photos they seen.

The junta column of around 100 troops entered the area from neighbouring Pyawbwe Township before the mid-April Thingyan holidays. After staying in several local villages for about a week, they briefly withdrew before returning with reinforcements on 21 April. The same day, junta troops carried out a drone strike on a monastery in the village of Paypinshay, killing one man and severely injuring a novice monk, who lost a leg, the PDO said.

Residents accused the junta troops of looting homes in Kyeekan and other nearby villages, taking valuables including cash, food supplies and motorbikes. More than 30 houses were burned, according to the group. Another column of about 80 troops has been operating in southeastern Natmauk Township, where it burned a pig farm and two houses, the PDO said.

Natmauk Township, about 80 miles from the capital Naypyitaw, has seen intensified fighting in recent months. Across Magway Region, clashes in March killed 29 civilians and injured 35, while nearly 270 homes were destroyed and more than 20,000 people displaced, according to the Tamar Institute, a group that monitors the situation in the region. The extrajudicial killing of unarmed civilians, including persons with disabilities, and the destruction of civilian property constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Human Rights Abuses

Junta arrests National Literary Award Winner U Tin Nyunt over political book sales

Mizzima reported that renowned writer and National Literary Award Winner U Tin Nyunt has been arrested and charged by the junta's administration in Thanlyin Township, along with his son and a bookseller, following the online sale of political titles published during the previous civilian government's term.

U Tin Nyunt, 71, was taken into custody at his residence by junta security forces at around 2:00 am on 23 April. He has been charged at the Thanlyin Police Station under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, a broadly defined law often used to criminalise dissent. According to family sources, one of his sons remains in detention alongside him, while a young female bookseller was arrested in a separate raid for listing the author's work on TikTok.

The crackdown reportedly centres on three specific titles published between 2015 and 2020: Nga Tar the Dog Handler, The Generals Lied to Me, and U Than Shwe's Yadaya (Rituals). Junta officials reportedly cited the lack of an online shopping licence as a pretext for the bookseller's arrest. Literary circles, however, view the move as a direct targeting of political content from the National League for Democracy (NLD) era.

U Tin Nyunt is a pillar of Myanmar's literary community, having authored over 50 books across multiple genres. A retired teacher and former editor at The Voice Daily, he was awarded the National Literary Award in 2017 for his memoir, A Teacher's Memoir. He is perhaps most famous for his novel Tears on the Yoma.

The arrests come amid a period of heightened sensitivity for the junta's new quasi-civilian administration, which was formally inaugurated on 10 April following the junta's sham elections. While the rotating chair of ASEAN has recently called for the release of political prisoners, the detention of a high-profile cultural figure like U Tin Nyunt suggests a continuing hardline stance on freedom of expression. Both the author and his son remain in custody as family members seek legal counsel to challenge the charges. The arbitrary arrest and prosecution of writers and booksellers for the peaceful expression of political views constitute violations of international human rights law, including the right to freedom of expression.

President U Win Myint under heavy junta surveillance following release on parole

Mizzima reported that President U Win Myint, who was released from prison on parole on 17 April, has reportedly been placed under heavy military surveillance at his residence in Naypyidaw.

Sources indicated that the conditions resemble house arrest, with junta military intelligence personnel closely monitoring the property and interrogating visitors. President U Win Myint has been residing with his family in a rented house in Ottarathiri Township, Naypyidaw.

Dr Myo Nyunt, a member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) central executive committee and party spokesperson, was also reportedly summoned for questioning after midnight on 18 April. A source familiar with the matter, speaking to Mizzima on condition of anonymity at around 12:00 pm on 19 April, said he was taken away at 1:00 am on 19 April and returned home at 11:00 am the same day. Mizzima had not yet been able to reach Dr Myo Nyunt for comment. The NLD community believes Dr Myo Nyunt was summoned for questioning after he visited President U Win Myint to pay his respects and referred to him as the President in a media interview regarding his release. Another source told Mizzima that military intelligence followed the others and came to the house, asking whether they had visited the president. The source confirmed that they had, but said the intelligence officers did not return afterward.

In 2026, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing issued pardons for 4,335 prisoners, though only 1,686 were actually released, according to the latest figures compiled by the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPNM) on 18 April. The group said that among those released, just 292 were political prisoners. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) issued a statement on 20 April expressing its satisfaction alongside the public over President U Win Myint's opportunity to reunite with his family.

The continued surveillance and de facto house arrest of the duly elected President, alongside the interrogation of those who visit him, constitute ongoing violations of international human rights law, including the rights to liberty and freedom of association.

Myanmar Labor Alliance calls for dismantling of junta-linked labour organisations ahead of May Day  

On the eve of International Workers' Day, the Myanmar Labor Alliance (MLA) issued a high-alert statement on 30 April, calling for the urgent dismantling of junta-linked labour organisations that it claims are sabotaging genuine worker representation.

In its 136th May Day address, the MLA warned that these fake entities are being manufactured to divide the labour movement and weaken the bargaining power of the working class. According to the statement, workers in Myanmar have faced worsening conditions since the illegal coup, including declining incomes, rising living costs and fewer job opportunities. Many are dealing with low wages and long working hours, while also enduring unsafe workplaces and a lack of social protection.

The MLA said workers' rights have been severely restricted, particularly the right to organise and defend their interests. Freedom of association is increasingly under threat, with reports of intimidation, arrests, surveillance and crackdowns on trade union activities. As a result, workers are more vulnerable to exploitation and are often unable to raise concerns, report rights violations or engage in collective bargaining.

The statement said that workers and activists who stand up for labour rights face threats, violence, imprisonment and even death. It added that independent trade unions are being cracked down on, while fake organisations are created to divide and weaken the labour movement. The alliance also urged workers, farmers and low-income communities to unite in the spirit of May Day to resist these conditions.

In addition, the MLA called on governments, employers and international organisations to reject illegitimate systems and actors, support measures under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, review harmful ties, and cut financial flows that contribute to abuse and rights violations. The suppression of independent trade unions and the right to freedom of association constitutes a violation of international human rights law and international labour standards.

Actions of Resistance Forces against the Junta

Resistance forces reject junta leader Min Aung Hlaing's 100-day surrender ultimatum

Myanmar Now reported that resistance groups across Myanmar have rejected a call by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, who has recently installed himself as president, to surrender within 100 days and enter peace talks.

Speaking at the first meeting of his newly formed administration in Naypyitaw on 16 April, the junta leader called on anti-junta groups formed since his illegal 2021 coup to lay down their arms by 31 July, junta-controlled state media reported. He also invited ethnic armed organisations, including both signatories and non-signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), to attend negotiations within the same period. Claiming that a growing number of resistance fighters had already returned to the legal fold, he added that those willing to surrender would be welcomed. He also said that groups that have not held talks with the junta in recent years, including the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF) and the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF), would also be invited.

Many of these groups were among the original signatories of the NCA, a partial ceasefire agreement signed in 2015. Since the junta's illegal seizure of power in February 2021, however, they have aligned with the National Unity Government (NUG), formed by elected lawmakers, and joined the broader armed resistance, arguing that the agreement is no longer valid.

NUG spokesperson Nay Phone Latt dismissed the junta leader's proposal, saying it would not weaken the resolve of resistance forces. He told Myanmar Now that the junta leader's so-called peace offers have no substance and are widely understood, based on historical experience, as attempts to prolong military rule. He said there is no reason for the resistance to change course. A commander from the NUG's Ministry of Defence said the offer reflected the junta's weakening position rather than a genuine attempt to end the conflict. He said they have already resolved to fight this to the end and are working to ensure that no one will be able to stage another coup in the country again.

Ethnic resistance groups also rejected the overture. CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni said the proposal appeared to be an attempt to revive the ceasefire framework to stabilise the junta's position, adding that it was unlikely to produce meaningful results. He said the CNF would continue to follow the political roadmap set out by a coalition of resistance groups working towards a federal democratic system. ABSDF spokesperson Kyaw Lin said his group had no confidence in any peace initiative led by a military junta that continues to carry out airstrikes and attacks on civilians. He said they cannot trust any peace offer from a person who command to bombing and killing people every day, adding that there is no political environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and that they do not believe the junta leader has the will to create one.

More than 5,000 join Blue Shirt Campaign honouring Hanthawaddy U Win Tin and calling for release of political prisoners

Mizzima reported that more than 5,000 participants from across Myanmar and around the world concluded a 12-day Blue Shirt Campaign on 21 April, honouring the legacy of veteran journalist Hanthawaddy U Win Tin on the 12th anniversary of his passing.

The 12-day campaign was held from 10 to 21 April, calling for the release of all political prisoners, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the success of the revolution. The final day, 21 April, marked the 12th anniversary of Hanthawaddy U Win Tin's death and was also the final day of the Blue Shirt Campaign movement.

Ko Thaik Tun Oo, an official from the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM), said that on the final day, which coincided with the 12th anniversary of U Win Tin's passing, public participation surged. He said respected figures like Sean Turnell and other artists joined in, with around 5,000 people participating and thousands of photos posted. He added that since his release from prison in 2008, Hanthawaddy U Win Tin consistently worked for the release of political prisoners still behind bars.

He further explained that the current Blue Shirt Campaign aims to grab the attention of international governments through public mobilisation to apply effective pressure on the military junta for the immediate release of political prisoners. Ko Thaik Tun Oo said that through these blue shirts, they are highlighting the fact that many political prisoners remain in jail. He said he believes this conviction will be held beyond the campaign period until all political prisoners are freed, and until the entire country and its people are liberated.

Strike leaders, officials from various revolutionary groups, revolutionary comrades, protest columns, artists and citizens residing in various countries participated in the 12-day campaign. Campaign organisers urged the public to participate by sharing photos or videos of themselves wearing blue clothing on social media platforms to join the movement.

Activities of the National Unity Government and Ethnic Revolutionary Organisations

SCEF congratulates President U Win Myint on his reunion with family

The Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) issued a message of congratulations on 22 April 2026 on President U Win Myint's return to his family.

The SCEF stated that U Win Myint, the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, who was unlawfully arrested and detained by the terrorist military on 1 February 2021 while serving in his capacity as President, reunited with his family on 17 April 2026 after more than five years. On this occasion, the SCEF expressed its great joy and congratulations together with his family and with all the people of Myanmar.

The council sincerely wished that President U Win Myint will have good health and that he will be able to continue to safely carry out responsibilities for the benefit of the country and its people.

The SCEF affirmed that it will continue to make every possible effort, together with all the people of Myanmar, to ensure the swift and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains unjustly detained.

NUG welcomes reunion of President U Win Myint with family, reaffirms objectives of Spring Revolution

The National Unity Government (NUG) issued a position statement on 18 April 2026, expressing its sincere satisfaction at the reunion of certain political prisoners, including President U Win Myint, who were unjustly arrested and detained by the military dictatorship, with their families, and reaffirming its position on the objectives of the Spring Revolution.

The NUG stated that the reunion of the President, who was freely and fairly elected by the people, with his family as a result of sustained domestic and international pressure is firmly regarded as an integral part of the people's revolutionary victory. The NUG, together with ethnic revolutionary organisations, revolutionary forces and the people, continues to uphold and recognise the results of the 2020 general election. In this regard, President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continue to be recognised as the duly elected President and State Counsellor, respectively, in accordance with those election results.

The statement affirmed that the ultimate objective of the Spring Revolution is not only the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but also the complete liberation from the entrenched cycle of oppression whereby successive military dictatorships have prioritised their own interests while systematically repressing and exploiting the country and its people.

The NUG stated that the objectives of the Spring Revolution shall continue to be firmly upheld, guided and implemented in accordance with the common positions jointly issued on 31 January 2024 with allied ethnic groups (Kachin, Karenni, Karen and Chin), as well as the statement issued on 30 March 2026 by the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union. These common positions comprise six principles: to overturn the usurpation of state power by the military and to terminate the involvement of the armed forces in politics, to ensure that all armed forces operate solely under the command of a civilian government elected through democratic processes, to abrogate the constitution of 2008 in its entirety and to quash all attempts to reinstate its provisions, to draft and promulgate a new constitution that embodies federalism and democratic values with the consensus of all relevant parties, to establish a new federal democratic union in accordance with the proposed federal democratic constitution, and to institute a system of transitional justice to achieve justice and accountability for victims of injustices, including gender-based violence, during the conflict period.

In particular, the NUG affirmed that the successful establishment of a Federal Democratic Union must be grounded in conditions that can deliver transitional justice, including accountability for the war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law that have been continuously and brutally perpetrated by the terrorist military group against the entire population. The statement declared that only under such conditions shall efforts toward building a Federal Democratic Union be deemed successful, and that the struggle shall continue to be advanced with unwavering determination.

NUG Acting President demands immediate release of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners on fifth anniversary of NUG's formation

Acting President Duwa Lashi La of the National Unity Government (NUG) issued a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and all political prisoners on 16 April.

Delivering a keynote address on the fifth anniversary of the NUG's formation, the Acting President characterised the release of those unjustly detained as a primary responsibility and the driving force of the ongoing revolution. He stated that alongside their leaders, they unequivocally demand the immediate and unconditional release of everyone unjustly detained during the Spring Revolution. He said securing their early release is a primary responsibility of the revolution, and their sacrifices serve as the strength that drives them forward. He further emphasised that the NUG remains acutely aware of the plight of the State Counsellor, the President and all political prisoners, stating their situation will not be forgotten for a single minute or second.

Reflecting on the current state of the struggle, the Acting President noted that while the NUG is steadily marching toward the end of the military dictatorship, the journey has seen both significant triumphs and heavy losses. He candidly admitted that formidable challenges remain to be overcome. Highlighting unity as the cornerstone of the revolution's success, he urged stakeholders to move past internal blame and prioritise practical cooperation. He also warned the public to remain vigilant against those inciting division to undermine the revolution's momentum, advising supporters to focus only on constructive criticism that strengthens the movement.

In his speech, the Acting President expressed deep gratitude to the Myanmar diaspora for their tireless efforts, noting the profound impact of global revolutionary movements. He also officially recognised and recorded the vital support provided by Ethnic Revolutionary Organisations (EROs) throughout the conflict.

Myanmar ambassador highlights Security Council's continued failure on Myanmar at UN General Assembly meeting on use of the veto

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the use of the veto, underscoring the Security Council's continued failure to fulfil its mandate, including on the situation in Myanmar.

In support of the urgency of ceasing all hostilities, the ambassador stated that Myanmar co-sponsored Security Council resolution 2817, submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf states and adopted by the Council on 11 March 2026.

He stressed that the disruption of security and stability in a critical maritime corridor has a ripple effect on food and energy supply chains, and that such a prolonged crisis can pose a disproportionate risk to the most vulnerable, particularly those in the least developed countries and conflict-affected situations.

The ambassador expressed dismay in reporting that the rising price of commodities, products and fuel is compounding the already-dire humanitarian situation, food and energy insecurity in Myanmar since the illegal military coup. He stated that as the people of Myanmar face fuel scarcity and queue for rations, the terrorist military junta continues to exhaust jet fuel to conduct indiscriminate airstrikes against civilians across the country, sparing neither military nor civilian targets.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said the latest use of the veto and divergent views among Council members are yet another reminder of the growing trend of paralysis on many of the files under the Council's agenda, including the situation in Myanmar. As a case in point, he stated that the Council continues to fail the people of Myanmar by its inability to transparently discuss, effectively address and urgently take decisive action to resolve the situation for more than five years.

Myanmar ambassador highlights junta's destruction of development progress at 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up in New York on 23 April 2026, highlighting how the illegal military coup has reversed Myanmar's development progress and urging the international community to support the people of Myanmar.

The ambassador stated that the illegal military coup in 2021, followed by the military's atrocities, rampant corruption and the breakdown of the rule of law, has reversed the country's previous development progress and financing potential. He noted that illicit economies and transnational organised crimes, including online scams, are thriving, and that illicit financial flows and criminal safe havens, under the protection of the military junta and its affiliates, have proliferated.

The ambassador noted that the World Bank reported that a decline in formal sector opportunities, migration of skilled workers, reduced human capital, and disruptions to education and health services will threaten Myanmar's long-term development prospects. He warned that Myanmar is at serious risk of losing an entire generation.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun stressed that it is crystal clear that the military junta, their indiscriminate violence against civilians and disregard for the rule of law are the biggest drivers of development setbacks and instability in Myanmar. In this regard, he stated that any regional and international effort to remedy the situation should include steps to effectively address the root cause to avoid fuelling more violence and prolonging the suffering of the people.

The ambassador stated that the recently established Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union by the major democratic forces has demonstrated a step closer to realising the goal of ending the military dictatorship and building a federal democratic union as well as bringing a bright future back to the people of Myanmar. He therefore urged the international community to support the people of Myanmar in their efforts for sustainable peace and stability and a better Myanmar.

Myanmar ambassador warns junta cannot be trusted with nuclear energy cooperation at NPT Review Conference

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York on 28 April 2026, warning that the military junta cannot be trusted with any nuclear cooperation and appealing to all Member States to cut the flow of arms and jet fuel to the junta.

The ambassador reaffirmed Myanmar's inalienable rights to the peaceful use of nuclear energy under Article IV of the treaty. In this context, he emphasised the strict compliance with the IAEA guidelines at every stage of nuclear energy development to prevent any misuse of nuclear energy or technology by malicious actors.

Against this backdrop, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun stated that Myanmar is seriously concerned with the enhanced collaboration between the military junta and a major nuclear weapon state on their so-called nuclear power plan, stressing that this concern has its merits.

The ambassador stated that the military junta that weaponises dual-use items and commits war crimes and crimes against humanity cannot be trusted to apply nuclear energy for exclusively peaceful purposes. He said the military junta that conceals its past chemical weapons programmes cannot be trusted to demonstrate transparency and accountability in nuclear programmes. He added that the military junta that violates the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and relevant UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022), cannot be trusted to comply with IAEA safeguards, and that the military junta that undermines regional reputation, peace and stability cannot be trusted as a credible partner in any nuclear cooperation. Simply put, he stated, the military junta, their words, commitments or actions can never be trusted.

The ambassador therefore stated that any cooperation from the international community, including a nuclear energy programme, should be extended to Myanmar only when the military dictatorship is ended, democracy is restored and the military is under civilian oversight.

Taking the opportunity, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun appealed to all Member States to cut the flow of arms, weapons, jet fuel, other dual-use items and related technologies to the military junta to save the lives of the people of Myanmar and their future.

Response of the International Community

European Union extends sanctions on Myanmar for further twelve months

The Council of the European Union (EU) decided on 27 April to extend its restrictive measures on Myanmar following its annual review of the situation in the country.

The Council prolonged the EU restrictive measures for a further twelve months, until 30 April 2027. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review of the restrictive measures and in view of the continuing grave situation in Myanmar, including actions undermining democracy, as well as serious human rights violations. As a result of the annual review, the Council also decided to remove a deceased individual from the list. EU restrictive measures currently apply to a total of 105 individuals and 22 entities.

Those listed under the sanctions framework are subject to an asset freeze, and it is prohibited to provide them with funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to all natural persons listed. Other EU restrictive measures remain in place. These include the embargo on arms and equipment and export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications which might be used for internal repression, the export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, and the prohibition of military training and cooperation with the junta's armed forces.

In addition to restrictive measures, the EU is withholding direct financial assistance and freezing all aid that could be perceived as legitimising the junta.

The EU reiterated its strongest condemnation of the actions taken by the military junta since the 1 February 2021 coup. It condemned the continuing grave human rights violations, which persist alongside widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms and a climate of fear, and called for the end of all forms of violence and the release of all prisoners arbitrarily detained. The EU stated that it stands ready to impose additional restrictive measures targeting those responsible for the serious human rights violations in the country, and will continue to ensure the targeted nature of these measures and that they do not do any harm to the population of Myanmar. The EU affirmed that it stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their aspiration to democracy and peace.

European civil society groups urge EU to broaden sanctions to cover entire Myanmar oil and gas supply chain

Ten European civil society groups urged the European Union (EU) to broaden sanctions on Myanmar's oil and gas sector to include all supply chain elements. They expressed concerns that despite the February 2022 sanction on the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), European companies may continue to support revenue generation by the military junta.

The groups stated that the EU must extend its sanctions framework to cover the entire oil and gas extraction supply chain, including service companies, financial intermediaries, insurers, accreditation providers and engineering contractors. They noted that in February 2022, the Council sanctioned MOGE, noting that MOGE is controlled by and generates revenue for the military, therefore contributing to its capabilities to carry out activities undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar. The statement stressed that oil and gas revenues not only bolster a ruthless dictatorship but directly fund war crimes and human rights abuses against civilians. However, the groups warned that the current sanctions framework leaves significant loopholes, as European companies may still provide technical, engineering, certification, insurance and financial services, allowing gas projects to continue operating and generating revenue for the junta.

As an example, the groups cited the Cyprus-registered company Energy Holdings Limited, which is currently working on the Zawtika gas field under a contract with the Thai company PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP). They said this clearly shows that even where companies are not directly managing fields or directly working with MOGE, their services support infrastructure and operations that MOGE and the junta benefit from.

To ensure that EU sanctions achieve their intended effect, the groups called on the EU to expand sanctions to cover the entire oil and gas extraction supply chain including service providers and intermediaries, introduce restrictions on insurance, reinsurance, certification, engineering and financial services linked to the sector, improve transparency and due diligence requirements, and investigate EU-registered entities that may be directly or indirectly involved in supporting Myanmar's oil and gas industry. The statement concluded that the people of Myanmar face unrelenting human rights abuses and violations of international law committed by the military junta, and that the EU can and must do more to cut the flow of arms and revenue to the junta.

Justice For Myanmar urges Thai authorities to block investment tied to junta arms broker's Sky Aviator network

Justice For Myanmar (JFM) called on Thai authorities on 29 April to investigate a 300-million-baht (US$9.3 million) investment tied to arms broker Kyaw Min Oo's Sky Aviator network in Advanced Connection Corporation (ACC), approved by shareholders on 27 April with 87.16 per cent support. According to JFM's statement, the private placement resolutions passed despite money laundering concerns, unresolved questions over the investors' beneficial ownership, a recommendation against approval from the company's financial advisor, and scrutiny from Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Two Singapore companies, Sky Avia Trading Pte. Ltd. and Heli Asia Trading Pte. Ltd., will form the biggest shareholder bloc in ACC through recently established Thai subsidiary shell companies. If Thai authorities do not intervene, the two companies would hold a combined 23.25 per cent stake. Both are part of the Sky Aviator network owned by Kyaw Min Oo, whose business supplying parts for Russian combat and attack aircraft to the junta air force enables the junta's ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The military junta relies on its fleet of Russian aircraft to wage an aerial campaign of terror that targets civilians through indiscriminate airstrikes on schools, monasteries and hospitals.

JFM wrote to ACC on 10 February 2026 and again on 18 February, and reported concerns to the SEC, the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Anti-Money Laundering Office. The organisation stated that it is now the responsibility of Thai authorities to act and prevent the Sky Aviator network from completing the transaction. JFM noted that current sanctions on the network are uneven and urged the USA, UK, EU, Canada and Australia to impose coordinated and targeted sanctions on the whole Sky Aviator network of companies and individuals.

JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung said Kyaw Min Oo's sole business is in death and destruction, profiting from the illegal junta's campaign of indiscriminate airstrikes against civilians. She added that Kyaw Min Oo and his associates must be held accountable for aiding and abetting the junta's international crimes and must not be allowed to wash the proceeds of their bloody business through Thailand. She stated that as ACC shareholders have failed to stop the dirty deal, it is now up to Thai authorities to take a stand and ensure the private placement is not completed.

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Date: 30 April 2026

Permanent Mission of Myanmar, New York