Myanmar Domestic News Updates – Aug 13, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Expansion of Cross-Border Criminal Activities in Myanmar Following the Unlawful Military Coup Attempt
August 12
Radio NUG
On August 11, at an open meeting of the United Nations Security Council themed “Preventive, Innovative, and International Cooperation in Addressing Emerging Maritime Security Challenges,” Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun delivered a statement.
He said:
“Following the unlawful military coup attempt in 2021, the collapse of the rule of law, the breakdown of political institutions, the surge in misconduct and corruption, and the deterioration of security in Myanmar have created conditions conducive to the expansion of cross-border criminal activities via land and maritime routes.
According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), after the coup, the illicit drug trade from Myanmar has significantly increased, not only in East and Southeast Asia but also in South Asia.
Since the unlawful coup, over 7,000 innocent civilians have been killed by the brutal military junta, and more than 20 million people are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.”
The Ambassador further stated that nearly half of Myanmar’s population has fallen below the poverty line, while more than 3.5 million people—including Rohingya—have become internally displaced. He warned that vulnerable people in displacement camps are increasingly at risk of becoming victims of human traffickers.
========================
๐๐ 2. Follow-up Survey on Assistance Provided to Fire Victims and IDPs in 15 Villages of Wetlet Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Region
August 12
Radio NUG
According to the Ministry of Human Rights, a follow-up survey was conducted in early August to assess the situation and needs of residents from 15 villages in Wetlet Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Region, who had suffered from arson attacks by the military junta and were forced to flee their homes.
The survey, carried out in collaboration with Kachin civil society organizations engaged in humanitarian support, evaluated whether the assistance—both funds and supplies—provided in June matched the needs of the victims, and identified further necessities.
The Ministry of Human Rights stated that its representatives remain on the ground alongside the people, working in close cooperation to provide timely and appropriate support.
========================
๐๐ 3. Introductory Training and Discussions on Transitional Justice Processes
August 12
Radio NUG
From June 27 to 30, 2025, the Ministry of Justice of the National Unity Government, under the guidance of the Union Minister, organized a three-day Introductory Training on Transitional Justice Processes—three hours per day—via Zoom.
The training, conducted by the Department of Rule of Law and Transitional Justice Processes, was held in collaboration with the Karenni State Government’s Ministry of Justice (KMOJ), the Karenni State Interim Judiciary (KSIJ), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). It was attended by around 50 participants, including Karenni State judges, legal officers, police officers, relevant ministry staff, and representatives from civil society organizations.
As a follow-up to this training, two additional online discussion sessions were held on August 6 and 9, 2025, each lasting three hours.
These discussions covered:
- Comparative study of transitional justice processes in other countries.
- Application of lessons learned to Myanmar’s current context and the future transitional and reconstruction periods.
- Ensuring accountability for crimes committed under the current political situation.
- Providing reparations to the public for their losses.
The sessions successfully facilitated in-depth and interactive discussions on four major theoretical pillars of transitional justice.
========================
๐๐ 4. Discussions on Future Work Plans under the Sagaing Federal Unit Interim Constitution
August 12
Radio NUG
On August 12, 2025, at 09:00 hrs, officials from the Sagaing Federal Unit Parliament and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National League for Democracy (NLD) held an online meeting via Zoom to discuss matters related to the next steps under the Sagaing Federal Unit Interim Constitution.
Attendees included the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and representatives of the Sagaing Federal Unit Parliament, along with CEC members of the NLD.
The Chairperson of the Sagaing Federal Unit Parliament delivered opening remarks and explained the agenda regarding upcoming procedures.
CEC members of the NLD then shared their views on future processes and collaboration under the Interim Constitution. Discussions were conducted in a frank and constructive manner.
The meeting concluded successfully at 11:15 hrs.
========================
๐๐ 5. Sexual Violence, Including Beatings, Electric Shocks, and Gang Rape, Committed in Detention Facilities in Myanmar
August 12
Radio NUG
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) has reported that sexual violence—including beatings, electric shocks, and gang rape—is being committed in detention facilities in Myanmar.
Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the IIMM, stated:
“We have uncovered evidence, including statements from eyewitnesses, that clearly demonstrates the systematic torture taking place in Myanmar’s detention facilities.”
The report presents activities conducted during the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, documenting in detail the commission of crimes such as beatings, electric shocks, strangulation, gang rape, burning of genital organs, and other forms of sexual violence inside detention facilities in Myanmar.
Mr. Koumjian further said:
“Progress has been made in identifying perpetrators, including commanders responsible for supervising detention facilities. We are prepared to share this information with judicial authorities that are willing and able to investigate and prosecute these crimes.”
========================
๐๐ 6. International IDEA Urges the International Community to Refuse Technical, Material, or Political Support for the Military Junta’s Election Plan
August 12
Radio NUG
International IDEA has called on the international community to reject any form of technical, material, or political support for the military junta’s election plan.
It has also urged the provision of technical and financial assistance to Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, which includes elected Members of Parliament, ethnic revolutionary organizations, ethnic political parties, and civil society groups.
In addition, International IDEA has called for:
- Safeguarding human rights and democratic standards.
- Supporting an inclusive dialogue and interim constitution-drafting process that reflects the will of the people.
- Normalizing diplomatic relations while avoiding any legitimization of the military junta.
- Preventing the junta from obtaining official recognition at national, international, and regional forums.
International IDEA stated that it will continue working with relevant stakeholders supporting Myanmar’s democratic future and will keep advocating for inclusive governance and the rule of law.
========================
๐๐ 7. 75th Karen National Martyrs’ Day Commemorated at a Thailand–Myanmar Border Location
August 12
Radio NUG
On August 12, 2025, the 75th Karen National Martyrs’ Day was commemorated by Karen people from both sides of the Thailand–Myanmar border.
The ceremony was attended by leaders from the Karen National Union (KNU), including:
- Padoh Saw Taw Nee (KNU Spokesperson and Head of Foreign Affairs)
- Padoh Saw Kale Say (KNU Spokesperson and Head of Roads and Communications Department)
They delivered motivational speeches and guidance to those present.
Also attending were:
- Deputy Commander Saw Nay Doh Moo of the Karen National Defence Organization (KNDO)
- Deputy Commander Saw Moe Set of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) 24th Battalion
The ceremony drew over 300 participants, including top KNU leaders, religious leaders, students, and members of the public, who paid tribute to the martyrs.
========================
๐๐ 8. Free Vaccinations for Children Under Three in Kwanlon, Sein Ni, and Laukkai
August 12
Radio NUG
According to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), free vaccinations were provided to children under the age of three in the towns of Kwanlon, Sein Ni, and Laukkai, located in MNDAA-controlled areas of northern Shan State.
On August 8 in Kwanlon, and on August 11 in Sein Ni and Laukkai, a total of 1,683 children received age-appropriate vaccinations.
The Special Region 1 Health Department announced that future vaccination dates will be posted in advance on its Facebook page. They emphasized that vaccination is an essential health measure for every child and strongly encouraged parents to ensure their children receive the shots.
The department stated it is prioritizing full vaccination coverage for all children in the region. In 2024, it successfully vaccinated 10,967 children.
For 2025, it is planning to vaccinate three to five times more children than last year.
This set of news reports was provided by Radio NUG correspondents Thaki, Khar Shell, and Pade Pho.
#SpringRevolution
No comments:
Post a Comment