More than two years have passed since the Myanmar military staged a coup to remove the democratically elected National League for Democracy and detained Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader. This power grab, which occurred in February 2021, has further exacerbated the crisis in the country. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, Myanmar is now ranked as the top conflict area in 2023 and is home to the highest number of non-state armed groups.
Nevertheless, the National Unity Government (NUG), which consists of ex-ministers who were ousted in the coup and democracy supporters, continues to carry out government activities and seek international support primarily from beyond the nation’s borders. Notably, the NUG has made significant changes within its ranks by appointing an openly gay minister, Aung Myo Min, in the human rights cabinet, as well as a Rohingya, Aung Kyaw Moe, as the deputy.
For decades, the Rohingya, who are mostly Muslim, have faced exclusion from government positions in Myanmar. Discriminatory laws passed in 1962 and 1982 have barred Rohingya from holding office and even being recognized as citizens in the country they have called home for centuries.
The appointment of a Rohingya as the NUG’s Deputy Human Rights Minister signifies a major shift away from the dominance of the Bamar ethnic group in the previous National League for Democracy government. It demonstrates the NUG’s willingness to confront and rectify its oppressive treatment of the Rohingya in recent history.
The NUG is actively seeking to establish ties with the international community as the legitimate government of Myanmar. They have released a policy paper on the Rohingya, which reflects their commitment to tackling issues such as repatriation. The NUG aims to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya to their ancestral lands in Rakhine State. They also plan to integrate the Rohingya into society and abolish discriminatory laws, including the 1982 citizenship law.
The Spring Revolution in Myanmar, which was sparked by the coup, serves as a wake-up call for the broader population to unite against the brutal dictatorship. Efforts are being made to reverse the negative perceptions and disinformation spread about the Rohingya, as many people now recognize the need for inclusion and justice. However, there is still work to be done in educating the population and dismantling misinformation.
The NUG is not engaged in a civil war but rather a unified revolution against the oppressive military regime. They have forged alliances with most ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), all sharing the common goal of ending military rule. The NUG is documenting human rights violations committed by the military and advocating for international action to hold the perpetrators accountable.
To support the NUG and the people of Myanmar, the international community should engage openly with the National Unity Government, impose a global embargo on the military junta, strengthen sanctions to cut off funding, and deny legitimacy to the military regime.
The NUG is actively cooperating with the International Court of Justice regarding the Rohingya crisis and is dedicated to delivering justice to the Rohingya people. They are working with various stakeholders to address this issue promptly.
In Myanmar, diversity is a strength that must be harnessed to achieve collective progress. A shift towards inclusivity is necessary for the country to attain an inclusive federal democracy. It is crucial to ensure that all ethnic and religious groups have a seat at the table and that no one is left behind.
The NUG recognizes the importance of making tangible progress and addressing various issues, including the Rohingya crisis and other ethnic concerns. They are open to engagement with nations and international organizations to promote their agenda and make it an international priority.