Episode #208: “Why Has Myanmar’s Democracy Movement Been Ignored?” (Panel Discussion)
On February 1st, 2021, the Myanmar military illegally overthrew the democratically elected government and attempted to extend its authoritarian rule throughout the country. Although few outside observers gave the Burmese people much chance, an organized resistance soon developed in the form of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), the National Unity Government (NUG), and the People’s Defense Force (PDF), fueled by the commitment of ordinary Burmese of all ethnicities and backgrounds who have been willing to risk their lives against a professional, Russia-backed military.
It has now been over two years since the military’s attempted coup. However, they are not any closer to controlling, much less governing, the country than they were on that ill-fated day in 2021. And yet, while the people’s movement has achieved what so many had dismissed as impossible, they have done it with almost no support from the outside. Considering the horrific situation in Myanmar—the overthrow of a democratically elected government, military’s terrible brutality and human rights abuses, and the continued valiant resistance of the Burmese people against all odds--this lack of attention is actually rather startling.
It’s not just international organizations and governments that have turned their backs on Myanmar’s plight, but to a large extent, the media as well. There was some initial coverage of the coup and the massive, peaceful protests that took shape immediately following. After that, however, only sporadic stories have appeared that usually just highlight the worst atrocities, such as when airstrikes are ordered on a school or when innocent civilians are burned alive (on Christmas Eve, no less!). Indeed, unless one goes out of one’s way to hunt down information about the situation in Myanmar on-line, one would have little idea about the latest developments in the country.
While evidence of this neglect can be found throughout the media and advocacy landscape, it was nowhere more apparent than in the Crisis Group’s recent essay, “10 Conflicts to Watch in 2023.” Want to guess what number Myanmar ranked?
It didn’t even make the list!
This very frustrating situation was the focus of Better Burma’s third panel, entitled “Why Has Myanmar's Struggle for Democracy Been Ignored?” Specifically, the panel addressed these questions: Why has the democratic movement in Myanmar been left to fend for itself? Why has this issue not risen to a global consciousness and concern, and not engaged any real sector to take on as an issue? Why have news media outlets, international organizations, neighboring countries, Western governments, and large aid organizations consistently declined to provide the support and attention necessary to an unfolding humanitarian disaster?
The panel was comprised of following five guests:
· Michael Haack, Campaign Manager for Campaign for a New Myanmar, and member of the U.S. Advocacy Coalition; Michael has been closely involved in a number of important, Myanmar-related issues, as both a researcher and lobbyist.
· Philipp Annawitt, a governance specialist, political analyst and experienced project management professional who has been advising development partners in their engagement with the NUG and CRPH; Philipp has researched the concept and definition of “legitimacy” from a historical perspective, and argues that the NUG meets its basic criteria.
· Nandar Min Swe, a Los Angeles-based doctor who became one of the main fundraisers for humanitarian aid; Nandar has also led various NUG fundraising projects.
· Igor Blaževič, a senior adviser at the Prague Civil Society Centre; between 2011 and 2016 he worked in Myanmar as the head lecturer of the Educational Initiatives Program, and following the coup, became a fulltime advisor for the Spring Revolution.
· Thiri, a researcher, fixer and documentary producer based in Myanmar; Thiri has worked as a freelance consultant for international human rights organizations and media outlets, and reports, documents and advocates about the on-going conflict in Myanmar as well as political, social and economic issues.