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Chinese security companies exacerbate human rights violations in Myanmar
The rise of Chinese private security companies in Myanmar will reshape conflict dynamics. This report to the UN Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries highlights how such companies are proxies for the Chinese State, importing authoritarianism, intensifying militarisation, undermining human rights, and exploiting legal loopholes to operate with impunity. Read >
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America cuts $1.1 billion for Myanmar, abandoning democracy and rights
The United States has cancelled aid contracts, effectively ending all support for Myanmar for the foreseeable future. This includes a predicted $259 million for 2025, with $45 million earmarked for democracy, human rights, and independent media projects. Read >
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Draft Sagaing constitution missing key rights
The draft constitution is a step forward but should be strengthened to abolish the death penalty, ban cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, guarantee the right to vote and the right to privacy. The draft should also be amended to enhance fair trial safeguards, ensure judicial independence, establish judicial review, and restrict emergency powers. Read >
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Killing, torture, and persecution of persons with disabilities in Myanmar
Since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, at least 117 persons with disabilities (PWDs) have been killed by the military. Many PWDs have faced targeted violence and been disproportionately affected by indiscriminate human rights abuses. Those held in arbitrary detention have been subjected to extreme torture and widespread medical neglect. This report outlines some of the most serious violations of international law, including probable war crimes and crimes against humanity. Read >
We focus on civil and political rights
- Digital rights
- Media freedom
- Freedom of assembly and association
- Liberty and fair trials
- Right to life
- …and more
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Trump freezes $39 million for rights, democracy, and media in Myanmar
The U.S. Government’s decision to close USAID has frozen $39,547,146 in funds committed to defending freedom in Myanmar over the next three years. It remains unclear when—or if—these essential funds will be reinstated. Read >
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Myanmar’s cyber law a serious threat to privacy, speech, and security
Rather than ensuring cybersecurity, Myanmar’s newly adopted Cyber Security “Law” grants the military sweeping powers to control online spaces, enabling systematic violations of digital rights, including the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. This analysis highlights how the law deviates from international human rights standards and threatens privacy, digital security, VPN use, free expression, fair trial, digital rights NGOs, and social media. Read >
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Meta/Facebook changes threaten Myanmar’s digital space
Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement of significant changes to Meta’s content moderation policies raises serious concerns for Myanmar, where Facebook has both enabled anti-coup dissent and fuelled real-world consequences, including contributing to atrocities against the Rohingya. While fostering free expression is commendable, Meta also has heightened legal and moral responsibilities under international human rights law and its previous commitments to prevent its platforms from enabling harm in high-risk environments like Myanmar. Read >
Defending Human Rights in Myanmar
We are a civil society organisation researching, analysing, and advocating for change in Myanmar and internationally. More about us >
Defend Civil and Political Rights
Protecting freedom, equality, and democracy in Myanmar.
Advocate for justice
Championing legal reforms to ensure fairness and equal rights.
Monitor human rights
Tracking and reporting violations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Empower communities
Providing resources and support to strengthen human rights initiatives.
Expose abuses
Investigating and revealing injustices to the world through detailed reports.
Promote accountability
Pushing for consequences for those who violate human rights norms.
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