[STATEMENT] End the Junta Rule in Myanmar! Uphold Democracy!

The Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders (APNED) stands in unwavering solidarity with the Burmese people in their continuing struggle for democracy, freedom, and justice. We affirm the right of the people of Myanmar to determine a future, free from military violence and oppression. APNED also recognized that their resistance is rooted in courage, collective action, and hope, which continues to inspire movements across the Asia Pacific region.

In 2025, the military regime attempted to project an image of political transition by dismantling the State Administration Council (SAC), lifting the state of emergency, and holding so-called special elections in December. Yet these maneuvers have not dismantled military rule. Today, the dictatorship remains firmly in place. Military operations continue unabated, with no genuine indications that the armed forces intend to relinquish power. These developments merely repackage authoritarian control while continuously suppressing the people’s democratic aspirations.

Since the 2021 coup, the junta rule has resulted in widespread human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, aerial bombings, and attacks on civilians and ethnic communities. Social and economic conditions have also sharply deteriorated.  Poverty has deepened, displacement has increased, and public services have collapsed. 

  Since their return to power, the military rule not only worsened Myanmar’s economy but also devastated the environment and took advantage of the law. Mongabay’s 2025 report showed that since the coup’s takeover in 2021, the number of mining sites has doubled, and mined lands, which are grabbed by the military from communities, tripled. The environmental destruction paved the way by the coup also extends to soil erosion and landslides near mining sites. The junta, known for its close ties with China, has continuously exploited the environment through its involvement in the latter’s Belt and Road initiative. 

This closed and oppressive civic space has been especially devastating for environmental and human rights defenders (EHRDs). As the military exploits conflict and repression to plunder natural resources, expand destructive extractive projects, and silence resistance, without democracy and civic freedoms, EHRDs cannot protect the environment or defend their communities.

APNED stands with the people of Myanmar in defending democracy. We commit to supporting and amplifying the movements on the ground resisting military rule.

We also aim to support organizations that continue to struggle for democracy, environmental protection, and freedom, including our members working in Myanmar, like the Humanity Institute and the Myanmar Mining Watch Network, who continue to work on environmental and human rights despite the political situation there. To stand with Myanmar is to support these struggles, demand accountability, and assert that environmental justice and democracy are inseparable.

Stand with Myanmar! Junta out now!

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