Myanmar Domestic News Updates – May 08, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. Key Foreign Affairs Achievements by the NUG's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Released
May 8
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the National Unity Government (NUG) has released a summary of key achievements based on its foreign affairs strategy, drawn from the four-year performance report on May 8.
To ensure the effective execution of foreign policy responsibilities, the NUG has appointed official representatives in countries including ASEAN members, Australia, the Czech Republic, India, Japan, South Korea, Norway, France, and the United Kingdom. In June 2024, the NUG officially opened the Union of Myanmar Representative Office in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, and successfully appointed a Deputy Chief of Mission there.
Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office of the National Unity Government was also opened in Washington, D.C., United States.
On the United Nations front, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun has continued to serve as Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, maintaining the official representation of the Myanmar people’s genuine voice. The ministry stated that it is consistently engaging with relevant organizations and international governments to achieve its foreign policy goals.
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๐๐ 2. Union Minister Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe Visits Karen Organization of Minnesota
May 8
At the invitation of local officials, Union Minister for Women, Youth, and Children Affairs, Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, visited the office of the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) in the state of Minnesota, United States. During her visit, she engaged in discussions and expressed words of encouragement regarding KOM’s ongoing work.
Board members and leading directors of KOM, including Saw Nay Htoo and Saw Eh Tah Khu, provided detailed explanations of the organization’s key programs, which include health services, employment assistance, translation services, and educational initiatives.
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๐๐ 3. USD 192.76 Million in Earthquake Relief Aid for Myanmar Has Gone Missing Under Military Junta Control, Blood Money Campaign Reveals
May 8
The Blood Money Campaign has revealed that a total of USD 192.76 million in international earthquake relief aid has disappeared under the control of the military junta in Myanmar.
Following the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which caused widespread casualties and destruction, the junta made rare official appeals for humanitarian assistance. In response, governments and corporations around the world contributed substantial donations aimed at supporting relief and recovery efforts.
Sources reported that international governments alone provided approximately USD 136.88 million, while companies and Myanmar cronies donated around USD 55.88 million, according to documentation released by Justice For Myanmar and referenced by the Blood Money Campaign.
As such, the military junta received a total of USD 192.76 million in aid. The sheer scale of the financial support has raised serious questions regarding the actual distribution and effectiveness of the aid.
Evidence indicates that the junta is exploiting the donated funds to reinforce its grip on power, restrict aid distribution in resistance-controlled areas, and manipulate humanitarian assistance for political advantage.
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๐๐ 4. MERCU Disburses Over MMK 45 Million in Earthquake Relief Efforts in Myanmar
May 8
The Myanmar Emergency Response Coordination Unit (MERCU) has disbursed over MMK 45 million in emergency relief to earthquake-affected areas in Myanmar as part of its ongoing coordinated response efforts, according to a statement released on May 8.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, MERCU has been actively engaged in real-time humanitarian assistance across affected regions. As of May 2—over a month since the earthquake occurred—MERCU reported that more than MMK 45.3 million had been distributed in support of impacted communities.
MERCU has been working in direct coordination with local residents from earthquake-hit areas, including Mandalay, Sagaing, Shan State, and Nay Pyi Taw. The assistance has been delivered in real-time and on a daily basis wherever possible. The funds disbursed as of May 2 reflect both the total amount received and redistributed by the organization.
Items and assistance provided by MERCU include:
- Emergency health support
- Temporary shelters and latrine facilities
- Non-food relief items
- Food and nutritional supplies
- Emergency response operations
- Clean drinking water and hygiene items for personal sanitation
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๐๐ 5. Over 108,000 Karen and Karenni Refugees Along Thai-Myanmar Border Facing Acute Food Shortages
May 8
More than 108,000 Karen and Karenni refugees residing in camps along the Thai-Myanmar border are facing acute food insecurity, according to a joint statement released by Karen organizations worldwide. The announcement warns that drastic reductions in food rations have pushed many refugees to the brink of hunger.
Currently, food aid has been cut to as low as the equivalent of USD 10 per person per month. For children under five, the monthly food assistance is valued at only THB 53 (approximately USD 1.50), amounting to a daily provision of roughly USD 0.05. For individuals aged five and above, only THB 87 (around USD 2.40) per month is being allocated, which equates to about USD 0.08 per person per day.
The statement further notes that even before these severe cuts, food assistance levels were already below the minimum threshold required for survival. The situation is now critical, with widespread hunger and malnutrition reported among refugee and internally displaced populations.
Humanitarian organizations have called for urgent intervention to prevent mass starvation. They are appealing to the United States and other donors to reverse long-term aid cuts and renew their support for refugees in Thailand.
It is also emphasized that current donors must increase funding for both refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Thailand. Furthermore, the Thai government is urged to formally grant work rights to refugees to help alleviate the crisis.
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๐๐ 6. Urgent Call for AB Blood Donations at Mother of Mercy Clinic
May 8
According to an emergency announcement issued on May 8, the Mother of Mercy Clinic is in urgent need of AB-type blood to support ongoing medical treatment for several patients currently under care.
Individual blood donors are invited to contribute by visiting the clinic’s VCT/Blood Bank unit between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The clinic also stated that it organizes group blood donation programs once a week, amounting to four times per month, to address ongoing medical needs.
These reports were compiled and submitted by Radio NUG correspondents Tharki and Ko Khan.
#SpringRevolution
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