Myanmar Domestic News Updates – April 24, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. Military Junta Accused of Systematically Misappropriating Public Funds
April 24
The military junta is reportedly systematically misappropriating public funds through various schemes, according to Deputy Minister U Maw Htun Aung of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy under the National Unity Government (NUG).
He stated,
“The SAC’s embezzlement tactics include manipulating the official exchange rate of the Central Bank to values lower than the market rate and pocketing the difference. They print excessive amounts of currency from Wazi to induce inflation, causing the currency’s value to plummet—another means of indirect theft.
They arbitrarily demand exorbitant electricity tariffs under the guise of service fees, directly burdening consumers. They also force migrant workers to remit their earnings through crony-controlled banks, allowing them to skim off those funds.”
He further noted that, even now, international relief supplies intended for earthquake victims have not reached the people in full. Photo documentation has surfaced indicating that the junta has stockpiled many of these donated items for themselves.
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๐๐ 2. NUG Representative in Japan Attends Traditional New Year Prayer and Fundraising Event for Myanmar
April 24
Saw Bla Thane, the representative of the National Unity Government (NUG) in Japan, attended a Myanmar traditional New Year prayer event and a fundraising ceremony to support Myanmar.
These events were held over two days, from April 12 to 13, in Japan, with the purpose of fostering solidarity and support for the homeland.
During the occasion, the NUG representative expressed heartfelt New Year wishes and conveyed sorrow over the recent powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Participants also joined in prayers for the earthquake victims in multiple languages.
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๐๐ 3. UN Urges Public to Report Sexual Exploitation Linked to Earthquake Relief Efforts
April 24
The United Nations in Myanmar issued a statement today urging the public to report any instances of sexual exploitation or abuse carried out under the pretext of earthquake relief.
The statement underscores that assistance for those affected by the recent earthquakes is being provided free of charge and must never be misused for personal gain.
The UN emphasized that any attempt to exploit or abuse individuals—especially by demanding sexual favors in exchange for aid or offering money, jobs, or other opportunities—constitutes a serious violation.
They further warned that:
“If anyone commits such acts, they will be held accountable by the relevant authorities.”
All humanitarian organizations operating in partnership with the UN, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are required to comply with the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) standards.
The statement assured civilians receiving aid that they have the right to access assistance safely and respectfully. Aid workers are strictly prohibited from requesting or implying sexual favors, money, or any form of exchange in return for services.
The UN Myanmar office also called on recipients of aid to immediately report any inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by aid providers.
Importantly, the UN confirmed that making such reports will not jeopardize ongoing assistance.
Although the earthquake that struck on March 28 caused significant loss and destruction, affected communities are actively working to rebuild their lives. Nevertheless, urgent international assistance remains essential to their recovery efforts.
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๐๐ 4. Two More Bodies Found Beneath Collapsed Sky Villa Building Following Earthquake
April 24
Two additional bodies were recovered today from beneath the collapsed Sky Villa building, bringing the total number of bodies discovered so far to more than a dozen, according to sources.
Following the powerful earthquake that recently struck Mandalay, operations to clear debris and recover bodies were conducted at Buildings C and D of the Sky Villa complex, where machinery and bodies were still buried under the rubble. These operations were ongoing on April 24.
At approximately 10:40 AM on April 24, the bodies of two males were found, according to reports.
The earthquake that struck on March 28—centered in Sagaing—has so far claimed over 3,000 lives.
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๐๐ 5. U.S. Calls on Myanmar Military to Immediately Cease Violent Attacks Against Civilians
April 24
During the 37th U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue, the United States called on the Myanmar military to immediately halt its violent assaults against civilians.
Sean O’Neill, a senior official from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, urged the Myanmar military to cease its brutal oppression of the people, to release all unjustly detained individuals, and to allow the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
The 37th U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue was held in Cambodia.
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๐๐ 6. Revolutionary Thingyan and Earthquake Relief Fundraising Food Fair to Be Held in New York, U.S.
April 24
A Revolutionary Thingyan and Earthquake Relief Fundraising Food Fair is set to take place in New York City, USA.
The event will be held on April 26 at Broadway St. James Church in Elmhurst and will feature the sale of traditional Burmese cuisine, according to organizers.
The event is organized by NYCBC, and the Burmese community in New York has been invited to attend and support the cause.
These news updates were reported by Radio NUG correspondents Tharki and Ko Khan.
#SpringRevolution
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