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Myanmar’s human rights challenges for 2026
International Human Rights Day offers an opportunity to examine fundamental rights in Myanmar and reflect on what may happen next year, in 2026. But before looking to 2026, Human Rights Myanmar’s previous predictions for 2025 are reviewed against reality. Read >
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UN review of “terrorism” should recognise Myanmar’s experience of State terror
As the UN discusses the global definition of terrorism, Myanmar offers a crucial warning. Here, the State itself is the primary perpetrator of terror, yet it weaponises the law to label pro-democracy dissenters as “terrorists”. Our submission urges the UN to recognise this reality and prevent international laws from shielding State atrocities. Read >
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NUG must ensure transparent, independent,and rights-respecting corruption inquiry
The investigation into allegations of misconduct and corruption within the Prime Minister’s Office offers a defining opportunity for the National Unity Government (NUG) to distinguish itself from the military regime. Read >
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Myanmar freedom on the net 2025
This year’s Freedom on the Net report finds that internet freedom in Myanmar remained one of the worst in the world, alongside China, with a score of 9 points out of 100. The military’s installation of advanced deep packet inspection technology and the resulting VPN block significantly worsened the situation, shifting the country from basic to advanced digital repression. 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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Gender equality, the digital space and AI in Myanmar
The military is waging a high-tech war on women. Pro-military online groups dox women, publishing their private data and calling for their arrest. This “dox-to-arrest” pipeline is backed by an expanding network of AI-powered facial recognition cameras, which enables the military to track women. This systematic campaign violates women’s fundamental human rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly. Read >
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Civic aftershock: How restricting civil society obstructed Myanmar’s earthquake response
After six months of interviews and research, a new report explains how the military deliberately obstructed the 2025 earthquake response, exploiting the humanitarian crisis to suppress civic freedoms. ICNL’s comprehensive report, based on key informant interviews with earthquake respondents, details how the military weaponised laws, imposed a complex system of permissions, and blocked access to particular affected populations. The report finds this strategy was not a failure of capacity but… Read >
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U.S. Congress Starlink investigation threatens internet access in Myanmar
A U.S. Congressional investigation into the use of Starlink by scam centres in Myanmar risks a blunt and disproportionate response that would further undermine the rights of a vulnerable population already suffering from repression, conflict, and poverty. 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.
Previous work
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Myanmar freedom on the net 2024
Internet freedom in Myanmar deteriorated again from 2023 to 2024 and the country is now one of the worst in the world alongside China. The military’s VPN block in May 2024 significantly worsened the situation, shifting the country from basic to advanced digital repression. Read >
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UN Cybercrime Treaty threatens digital rights
Civil society in ASEAN express deep concerns that the UN Cybercrime Treaty’s broad provisions threaten human rights. The treaty could legitimise extensive state surveillance and transnational repression, compromising digital rights, freedom of expression, and the safety of activists and journalists across the region. Read >
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Strengthening the Press Council’s code of conduct
The Independent Press Council – Myanmar (IPCM)’s draft Code of Conduct aligns with many international media standards. It emphasises important principles like accuracy, protection of sources, and ethical reporting practices. However, there are some areas where it could be strengthened or clarified to better align with international norms. Read >
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Understanding the impact of the military’s VPN blockade
Our project investigates the far-reaching consequences of Myanmar’s military VPN blockage, revealing how it undermines both individual freedoms and the nation’s socio-economic development. By documenting these impacts, we aim to highlight the urgent need for global action to protect digital rights in repressive regimes. Read >
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Undermining universal standards from Israel/Gaza to Myanmar
The Myanmar military has exploited the inconsistent application of international human rights standards, including in regard to Israel/Gaza, to justify its own repressive measures. By drawing parallels between international conflicts and domestic issues, the military aims to legitimise its restrictions on freedom of expression and undermine the credibility of international human rights mechanisms. Read >
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Access to information on climate change in military-controlled Myanmar
Myanmar, a country rich in natural resources and at high risk from the climate emergency, faces profound challenges at the intersection of climate change and human rights, exacerbated under military rule since the 2021 coup. This report explores the critical information gaps, challenges in access, and potential pathways for improvement in ensuring transparency and safeguarding human rights. Read >
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Killing of LGBTIQ+ persons in military-controlled Myanmar
The military coup in Myanmar reversed the progress made in protecting LGBTIQ+ rights, plunging the community into a state of heightened vulnerability. This report details the ongoing dangers and killings of LGBTIQ+ persons. Read >
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Military order attempts to control online films
A directive from the military mandates registration and state screening for all online film broadcasts, severely restricting freedom of expression in Myanmar. Read >
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Human rights violations experienced by exiled journalists
The Myanmar military’s systematic human rights abuses have specifically targeted journalists, forcing many into exile while still facing severe risks. This report highlights the ongoing challenges they encounter, drawing on research and interviews, and framed by international human rights standards. Read >
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Gendered impact of the Myanmar coup on free expression
The military’s gross and systematic human rights violations have not been gender-neutral. The purpose of this report is to establish the gendered impact of the military coup on women and girls who are challenging the coup and asserting their rights. Read >
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