Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 15, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Meeting Between the Department of Prosecution and Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Justice (NUG) and Township Legal Officers
The Ministry of Justice under the National Unity Government (NUG) convened its third meeting of 2025 (Meeting No. 3/2025) between the Department of Prosecution and Legal Affairs and township legal officers. The event took place on May 11 at 1:00 PM Myanmar Standard Time.
Attendees included Director-General Daw May Ni, Deputy Director-General U Ko Min, Director Daw Yellow Rose, responsible department staff, field liaisons, and legal officers and clerks from 31 townships.
In her opening remarks, Director-General Daw May Ni encouraged township legal officers to openly raise their concerns and share their suggestions. She emphasized that all departmental personnel should foster a family-like spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect while fulfilling their responsibilities. She also urged collaborative problem-solving in the face of challenges.
Following her address, township legal officers reported on their collaboration with Pa-Ah-Pha, Pa-Ka-Pha, and Pa-La-Pha offices in their respective jurisdictions, presented the operational challenges they currently face in handling prosecutions and legal matters, and voiced specific needs. Senior officials responded with clarifications and answers. The meeting concluded with the formal adoption of resolutions and plans for future actions.
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๐๐ 2. Norwegian Trade Union Confederation (LO) Urges Government to Divest from Myanmar through Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund
In a statement released in May, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) called on the Norwegian government to withdraw investments in Myanmar made through Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (Statens Pensjonsfond Utland), particularly those connected with companies operating in Myanmar.
LO stated:
“LO believes political action is necessary in light of the violence perpetrated against the people of Myanmar following the military coup in 2021. The junta has waged war against its own citizens, committing daily violations of human rights. Thousands have been killed, and millions displaced.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Commission of Inquiry has reported on the denial of freedom of association for workers and the existence of forced labor practices in Myanmar. LO noted that the military council has failed to comply with the commission’s recommendations.
In alignment with the demands of Myanmar labor unions—specifically CTUM and IWFM—LO has expressed support for actions based on the ILO's 33 recommendations and reaffirmed the need for economic sanctions against the military junta.
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๐๐ 3. Japanese Companies Linked to Sanctioned Myanmar Military Enterprises Urged to Withdraw from Port Projects
On May 14, Justice For Myanmar issued a statement calling on Japanese companies, state-backed insurers, and investment corporations with ties to sanctioned Myanmar military conglomerates to fully withdraw from Myanmar’s port infrastructure projects.
The appeal was specifically aimed at entities involved in the Thilawa International Multi-purpose Port Project in Myanmar. Civil society organizations from both Japan and Myanmar stressed the need for transparency and compliance with international human rights standards from Japanese investors, state-guaranteed insurers, and infrastructure investment corporations.
The Thilawa port project is reportedly being implemented in cooperation with cronies linked to the military-affiliated Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), which is under international sanctions. One such partner is Ever Flow River Group (EFR), identified as having ties to MEC.
Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung stated:
“The Myanmar military continues to commit widespread atrocities. Even after the devastating earthquake in March, the junta escalated its airstrikes. Partial and opaque withdrawals only risk fueling further atrocities. Japanese companies and the government must publicly demonstrate how they are avoiding complicity in the junta’s international crimes in accordance with human rights standards.”
Companies including Kamigumi, Sumitomo Corporation, and Toyota Tsusho responded to inquiries from civil society groups, confirming their intention to withdraw from the project. They stated that de-registration processes have already begun and that, during the exit transition, they are ensuring staff safety and supporting employees in accordance with human rights standards.
However, Justice For Myanmar noted that these companies did not provide any specific details on how their withdrawal aligns with international human rights standards—such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises or the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
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๐๐ 4. WHO Completes Installation of 36 Water Purification Units Across Townships Including Mandalay Region and Nay Pyi Taw
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the completion of the installation of a total of 36 water purification units, comprising 30 units across nine townships in the Mandalay Region, and 2 units each in Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, and Nyaung Shwe townships.
This initiative targets 27 healthcare clinics and 3 midwifery service centers, supplying clean drinking water on a monthly basis for over 13,500 people. Priority has been given to earthquake-affected and high-need areas. The project aims to advance health goals for all, ensuring access to safe drinking water as a foundational component of public health services.
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๐๐ 5. SUU 80 Campaign to Launch Sales of Commemorative Electronic Birthday Cards for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th Birthday
The SUU 80 Campaign has announced that commemorative electronic birthday cards will be sold in honor of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s upcoming 80th birthday.
The campaign is set to launch on May 19, ahead of her birthday on June 19, 2025. As part of the commemoration, the first initiative involves selling electronic birthday cards. These cards can be officially purchased from international SUU 80 Campaign fundraisers, and buyers will be able to write their birthday wishes to "Amay Su" (Mother Suu) on the cards.
It has been reported that the birthday cards will be kept by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s youngest son, Kim, who will personally deliver them to her when granted a visitation.
All proceeds from the card sales will be donated to support on-the-ground humanitarian efforts in areas of need, as part of the birthday tribute. The card sales will run from May 19 to June 19.
The second initiative under the campaign seeks to collect a total of 80,000 short video messages conveying birthday wishes to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, with the goal of setting a world record. This video collection drive will take place over a 10-day period, from June 6 to June 16.
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๐๐ 6. All Funds Raised from Academy Paing Phyo Thu’s "Academy Statue" Campaign Successfully Distributed to 115 On-the-Ground Groups
The "Academy Statue" fundraising campaign, led by renowned actress and Academy Award winner Paing Phyo Thu and organized by Artists' Shelter, was conducted from February 1 to 20, 2025, to support displaced civilians and communities in urgent need across Myanmar.
A total of 55 fundraising teams worldwide contributed to this campaign. With overwhelming public support, the campaign exceeded its fundraising target and successfully raised an estimated total of USD 287,226, which is equivalent to MMK 1,265,030,110 (over 1.26 billion kyats).
All the funds raised through the campaign were fully distributed to 115 local grassroots organizations operating across various sectors and regions throughout Myanmar.
Additionally, detailed financial transparency reports regarding the allocation of the funds were submitted to the CRPH-OFP fundraising coordination teams that assisted in collecting the donations.
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๐๐ 7. "United Struggle Toward Victory – Ayeyarwady, We Are Coming Back!" Campaign to Feature NUG Ministers
The opening ceremony of the "United Struggle Toward Victory – Ayeyarwady, We Are Coming Back!" campaign will take place at 7:00 PM Myanmar Standard Time on May 16, with participation from National Unity Government (NUG) Union Ministers. According to reports, the ministers will explain to the public the purpose and objectives behind launching this campaign.
Key speakers will include:
- Ashin Thawara-Nawe
- U Mann Johnny, former Chief Minister of Ayeyarwady Region
- Ko Min Ko Naing
- U Lwin Ko Lat, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration
- Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, Union Minister of Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs
- Ye Baw Kaung Kyaw, Regional Commander of the Ayeyarwady Regional Military Command
The event will be broadcast live not only on the campaign's official page "Ayeyarwady, We Are Coming Back!" but also through Public Voice Television, Radio NUG, and other media platforms.
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๐๐ 8. Artist Khara Launches Bomb Shelter Campaign to Prevent Further Loss of the Nation’s Youth
In response to the increasing airstrikes carried out by the terrorist military regime and to prevent the further loss of the nation's youth—its future—artist Khara has initiated a bomb shelter campaign. The campaign is being funded with proceeds from sales of “Merchandise Hope” lanyards as well as contributions from Facebook Subscriptions, amounting to nearly 2 million kyats.
It is estimated that one bomb shelter costs approximately 10 million kyats, and all donations received will be directed exclusively toward the construction of such shelters.
Khara stated:
"The SAC is deliberately targeting our hospitals and school dormitories. That’s why we urgently need bomb shelters in those places. Without them, survival is nearly impossible."
He continued:
"Real pain demands real action. Surface-level sorrow is just lip service, like what the UN does. Unless we build strong bomb shelters, those fighting at the frontlines will remain vulnerable. We simply cannot afford to lose another generation of young people. Anyone wishing to donate can do so through the Kairos Collective Facebook page."
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๐๐ 9. Moderate Earthquake of Magnitude 4.0 Strikes 8 Kilometers Northwest of Pyin Oo Lwin
At approximately 3:37 PM (MST) on May 14, 2025, a moderate earthquake registering magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale struck 8 kilometers northwest of Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region. The quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to a confirmation from the NUG Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Authorities have warned that aftershocks may continue following the major earthquake in Sagaing. The public has been urged to remain alert, avoid risky areas, and follow safety protocols.
These updates were reported by Radio NUG correspondents Tharki, Min Sitt Thway, and Khur Shel.
#SpringRevolution
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