Myanmar’s 2021 Revolt

"The United Nations is advocating for the world to support Myanmar's people, highlighting the urgent need for the international community to take decisive action, including imposing targeted sanctions and engaging with emerging democratic governance structures."

In 2021, a military coup in Myanmar sparked nonviolent protests across the country calling for return of democracy. However, the junta's brutal crackdown forced a significant shift in tactics with many protestors abandoning peaceful methods for armed struggle. An unforeseen outcome of the military coup was the surge in unity and cooperation between Myanmar's various ethnic groups, many of whom mobilized to participate in the Asian Spring Revolution.

Since its 1948 independence, Myanmar has been plagued by ethnic conflict and military dominance, which was solidified by a 1962 coup. Although there were brief democratic victories in 1990 and 2015, the military retained significant power under a constitution it designed. In 2017, The military's brutal crackdown on the Rohingya minority highlighted the nation's deep ethnic divisions and the military's impunity. Its forces have killed thousands, detained over 20,000 people, and displaced millions through systematic attacks. In doing so, the military junta has elicited a concerted effort from the international community to enact justice. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is pursuing arrest warrants for senior leaders, pressure for a global arms embargo continues to build, and dozens of organizations such as Amnesty International remain focused on making the military junta accountable.

Following another decisive election loss for its proxy party in 2020, the military seized power in a 2021 coup, triggering widespread protests and a violent crackdown. This led to the formation of an armed resistance that, combined with powerful ethnic armies, has launched successful offensives, challenging the junta's shrinking its military force. According to a 2024 BBC investigation, Myanmar's military junta controls a mere 21% of the national territory four years after its 2021 coup. In contrast, rebel groups and ethnic armies collectively command 42% of the land. The opposition, led by the People's Defense Force (PDF) and its allies, is making significant advances. This opposition alliance now governs large liberated areas and enjoys overwhelming popular support. Their success represents the most significant challenge to military rule in decades. The human cost is immense however, with the United Nations reporting over 3 million displaced civilians and more than 75,000 fatalities since the conflict began.

ASEAN's "Five-Point Consensus" peace plan, agreed upon with Myanmar's junta after the 2021 coup, has largely failed. The junta has ignored it and refused to engage with opponents it labels as terrorists. Following this, the United States, along with Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, has imposed new sanctions targeting the junta's revenue sources, such as the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).  Simultaneously, the junta's planned election was widely condemned by the U.S. and opposition groups. However, human rights advocates argue these sanctions are still insufficient, as they fail to fully cut off the junta's access to funds.

The United Nations is advocating for the world to support Myanmar's people, highlighting the urgent need for the international community to take decisive action, including imposing targeted sanctions and engaging with emerging democratic governance structures. It calls for a sustained effort to ensure accountability for atrocities, reform the judiciary, and dismantle the military's economic dominance. The UN also reminds global leaders of the severe humanitarian crisis, urging increased cross-border aid and legal protections for all displaced people.

This article was written by the MUN-UPD applicants under the Asia Continent Family.