Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 17, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. NUG Representatives and Myanmar Revolution Fighters Attend the 45th Anniversary Commemoration of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising
The National Unity Government (NUG) has announced today that its representatives, along with Myanmar revolutionary fighters, participated in the 45th anniversary commemoration of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising.
Commemorative ceremonies marking this historically significant event in South Korea—which began on May 18, 1980, in the city of Gwangju—are being held across the country.
The events were attended by revolutionary fighters from Myanmar’s Spring Revolution, led by the Myanmar Representative Office to the Republic of Korea under the National Unity Government.
According to the Myanmar Representative Office in South Korea, attendees spoke out against the brutal actions committed by Myanmar’s violent military junta and presented the current state of Myanmar’s democracy movement.
The ceremony held this morning, May 17, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Hall, was led by Daw May Moe Thuzar, Labor Affairs Officer of the NUG Representative Office, who addressed the Myanmar crisis and presented photographic documentation.
Another ceremony held in the city of Chuncheon was attended by revolutionary fighters led by Ko Tin Htay Aung, who serves as both a member of the NUG Representative Office’s Support Committee and a co-chair of the Anti-Coup Committee. The group presented video evidence of the junta’s inhumane acts and delivered a briefing on the ongoing democratic struggle in Myanmar, according to the NUG’s South Korea office.
Furthermore, the Myanmar Representative Office to South Korea has announced that on May 18—tomorrow—a delegation led by U Yan Naing Tun will attend a commemoration event in Seoul.
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๐๐ 2. British Embassy Head in Yangon Expresses Solidarity with Myanmar’s LGBT+ Community
The head of the British Embassy in Yangon has expressed solidarity with the LGBT+ community in Myanmar.
This message was delivered in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed on May 17.
Along with other allied diplomats, the British Embassy official stated that they proudly support the rights of LGBT+ individuals in Myanmar.
“Everyone, everywhere, should have the freedom to love whom they love, without fear, violence, or discrimination, and should be free to express their identity,” the British Embassy head emphasized.
The embassy building in Yangon has also flown the rainbow flag as a symbol of solidarity with the LGBT+ community in Myanmar.
The embassy added that LGBT+ rights are human rights, and the UK government is committed to promoting these rights globally. The UK continues to support and stand with those defending these rights.
In addition, the UK government is partnering with local LGBT+ organizations in Myanmar to support livelihood and economic recovery programs. Efforts are also underway to share knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly for youth, including those who identify as LGBT+, according to the embassy.
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๐๐ 3. Civil Society Urges Public to Boycott Entertainment Ventures Under Military Influence
Civil society organizations are urging the public to consciously reject entertainment enterprises affiliated with the military regime, which continues to oppress the people.
The military, led by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, is reportedly responsible for ongoing crimes including the arrest and execution of civilians, the torching of villages, and widespread aerial bombings of civilian homes. These acts are widely recognized as crimes committed against the people.
To divert public attention from such atrocities, the military leadership is allegedly using entertainment businesses operated by Min Aung Hlaing’s daughter, Khin Thiri Thet Mon, and her associates.
These entertainment businesses—heavily funded and featuring nationally renowned actors and actresses—have produced and distributed numerous films over the past four years.
This propaganda effort is reportedly aimed at crafting a false image of national progress and normalcy, concealing the country’s dire and violent reality.
It has also been highlighted that behind the growing popularity of the entertainment industry lies a vast economic empire belonging to the military leader's family and their network.
The entertainment companies and media platforms owned by Khin Thiri Thet Mon, her family, and their business allies represent potential revenue sources that serve the interests of the oppressive military regime. Consequently, civil society organizations are urging the public to boycott and disengage from any entertainment enterprises affiliated with the military.
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๐๐ 4. Access to Health Fund Expresses Solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Communities in Myanmar and Worldwide
The Access to Health Fund has expressed solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities both in Myanmar and around the world, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring inclusive and accessible healthcare services for all.
This message was released on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, which recognizes the rights and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and other gender-diverse people—and opposes the hate and discrimination they continue to face.
The group noted that this year’s theme, “The Power of Communities,” underscores the vital role of collective community engagement from various sectors during times of crisis.
In Myanmar, amid ongoing humanitarian relief efforts for earthquake-affected populations, the importance of listening to all voices—including those from the LGBTQIA+ community—has become increasingly apparent. The message emphasized the need for inclusive participation in such responses.
The Access to Health Fund stated that, in partnership with local organizations, it remains committed to providing essential services such as gender-based violence risk assessments, awareness campaigns, and accessible healthcare for all vulnerable populations—including LGBTQIA+ individuals—in earthquake-impacted areas.
It also highlighted that May 17 marks the anniversary of the day when homosexuality was declassified as a mental disorder. Since then, the day has been globally recognized as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
This year, under the theme "The Power of Communities," the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Human Rights released a statement affirming its hope for an end to irrational fear and hatred toward same-sex love and for full dignity and equality for all.
These reports were submitted to Radio NUG by correspondent Ko Khant.
#SpringRevolution
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