Domestic News Updates – March 08, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Deputy Minister Khun Baham Htan of the Ministry of Human Rights under the National Unity Government Granted Resignation
March 7
The Prime Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), Mann Win Khaing Than, has officially granted the resignation of Khun Baham Htan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Human Rights, according to Order No. 11/2025 issued on March 7.
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๐๐ 2. NUG Officials Continue Discussions with South Korean Lawmaker to Cooperate on Myanmar Refugees and Migrant Workers in Thailand
March 7 | Radio NUG
To facilitate continued cooperation on matters concerning Myanmar refugees and migrant workers in Thailand, officials from the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) held an online discussion with South Korean lawmaker Kang Il Lee on March 5, as announced by CRPH.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the "Global Forum on Enhancing Rights and Economic Opportunities for Myanmar Refugees in Mae Sot," which was jointly organized on January 30, 2025. Attendees exchanged ideas on how to further implement the initiatives discussed at the forum.
Additionally, CRPH's Chair of the Labor Affairs Committee, U Ukkar Min, along with NUG Deputy Minister of Labor U Kyaw Ni and other officials, discussed the challenges and needs of Myanmar refugees and migrant workers in Thailand. The discussions covered key issues such as access to legal documentation, difficulties in securing stable residency, the Thai authorities’ practice of handing over detained migrants to the military junta, and the junta’s forced conscription of detainees into its military operations. Another pressing issue was the struggle of Myanmar youth in Thailand to continue their education.
The NUG and CRPH representatives urged the international community, including South Korea and Thailand, to enhance humanitarian aid and support for Myanmar refugees and migrant workers.
The meeting was attended by members of CRPH, officials from the Labor Affairs Committee, the NUG Deputy Minister of Labor, representatives from NUG's South Korea office, and officials from organizations supporting migrant communities along the border. Representatives from South Korean civil society groups also participated in the discussions.
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๐๐ 3. Justice For Myanmar Urges Switzerland to Impose Sanctions on Myanmar’s Oil and Gas Industry
March 7
Justice For Myanmar has criticized Switzerland for failing to impose sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), a highly profitable state-owned enterprise controlled by the military junta. This comes more than three years after the European Union (EU) sanctioned MOGE.
According to Justice For Myanmar, Switzerland has enabled MOGE and its partners to access the Swiss financial system, thereby creating a loophole that undermines EU sanctions. The organization claims that Swiss companies are still allowed to operate within Myanmar’s oil and gas sector, weakening the impact of international measures against the junta.
Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung stated, "Switzerland must stand with the people of Myanmar and urgently impose sanctions on MOGE. More than four years after the military’s unlawful coup attempt, their violent military campaigns have only escalated. These operations are funded by revenues from the oil and gas sector."
The oil and gas sector is the military junta’s largest source of foreign income. The junta uses revenues from this sector to purchase military weapons, aviation fuel, and other supplies necessary for its ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to the junta’s own reports, Myanmar’s natural gas exports amounted to USD 841.7 million in the first half of 2023 (from January to June).
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๐๐ 4. Human Rights Violations Against Women in Myanmar Highlighted at International Women’s Day Event in the UK Parliament
March 7
On March 4, the Stars of Myanmar Friendship participated in an International Women’s Day event held at the UK Parliament, representing Myanmar.
During the event, representatives from Stars of Myanmar Friendship presented an overview of the organization’s activities, including its role as a grassroots movement, its support for individuals involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), and its efforts to raise international awareness about Myanmar’s political situation. Additionally, they discussed their humanitarian aid efforts, which include supporting political prisoners, CDM workers, and internally displaced persons affected by the ongoing conflict.
A representative from the organization stated, "Since the military coup, over 5,000 women in Myanmar have been imprisoned as political detainees. These women have been subjected to physical abuse, inhumane treatment, prolonged solitary confinement, and have been denied access to necessary healthcare. We were able to bring attention to these issues at the event."
As a symbolic gesture, the organization gifted copies of the book "Vuu Wa", written by political prisoners, to Members of Parliament who showed an interest in Myanmar’s situation.
Furthermore, Stars of Myanmar Friendship urged the UK government to advocate for the release of political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
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๐๐ 5. Meeting Held Between Local and Township-Level Pa Ah Pha and Pa Ka Pha Authorities in Khin-U Township
March 7 | Radio NUG
On March 7, a gathering was held in a village within Khin-U Township, bringing together local and township-level members of the Pa Ah Pha (People’s Defense Organization), Pa Ka Pha (People’s Defense Force), regional administrative officials, and district representatives.
During the meeting, discussions covered administrative and defense-related matters, the strengths and weaknesses of the village, and the local ground situation. Participants also exchanged views on various concerns and inquiries, which were addressed in accordance with policies, guidelines, and operational procedures set forth by the National Unity Government (NUG), the Interim Regional Administrative Committee, and relevant ministries.
The meeting was attended by the township’s Pa Ah Pha leader, a representative from the People’s Assembly, the deputy head of the township’s Pa Ka Pha, members of the judiciary, human rights officers, public health officials, tax officers, treasury officials, natural resources representatives, township education coordinators, and commanders from both local and township-level Pa Ah Pha and Pa Ka Pha units.
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๐๐ 6. Awareness Campaign on Aerial Threats and Bomb Shelter Preparedness
The Monywa People’s Protest Leadership Committee, in collaboration with the Burma Liberation Democratic Front (BLDF) and People’s Defense Force (Pa Ka Pha) from District 5 in Monywa Township, has been conducting educational awareness campaigns in local villages.
These campaigns focus on raising awareness about the risks of aerial attacks and the importance of bomb shelters. Pamphlets were distributed, and talks were held to educate villagers on safety measures.
The Monywa People’s Protest Leadership Committee emphasized that due to the military junta’s ongoing aerial assaults on civilian homes and artillery shelling of villages, it is crucial for residents to construct bomb shelters for their protection.
These reports were sent by Khur Shel and Min Thihan, correspondents from Radio NUG.
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