19 May 2022

On 25 May 2022, 19 civil society organizations will hold an online press conference to launch a new report “Civil Disobedience Movement: A Foundation of Myanmar’s Spring Revolution and Force Behind Military’s Failed Coup”. The report outlines the evolution of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) since the coup attempt on 1 February 2021, and highlights some of the main threats and challenges that CDMers face – particularly related to security and livelihoods.

Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers from civil services, refused to work for the junta and defied orders from them in the early days of the Spring Revolution. This quickly morphed into an ongoing nationwide resistance movement in which people from other sectors, both public and private, refused to cooperate with the junta, and consumers boycotted military-linked products and services. Despite their staunch resistance to work under the junta, CDMers continued providing health, education, and other essential services for Myanmar people amid increasing attacks by the Myanmar military, while facing severe livelihood challenges.

During this online event, speakers will discuss how the CDM has evolved from a reaction or non-cooperation with the military, to a movement that is building a federal democracy through people power that is stronger, more diverse, and inclusive than any previous people’s movements in Myanmar. The speakers will challenge conventional notions of Human Rights Defenders and present recommendations and opportunities for international allies to stand in solidarity with Myanmar people as they strive to establish a new federal democratic Myanmar.

The webinar will be conducted in Burmese and English languages. Simultaneous translation for both languages will be provided.

Date: 25 May 2023 (Thursday)

Time: 12:30 – 13:30 (Myanmar Time)

Register: https://bit.ly/3WllSI8

Panelists:

• Khin Ohmar, Founder and Chairperson, Progressive Voice
• Su, A teacher taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement
• Benny Agus Prima, Human Rights Defenders Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA

Moderator: Alex Moodie, Progressive Voice

The speakers will be available for interviews prior to and after the webinar. Interviews can be conducted in Burmese and English.

For more information and an embargoed version of the report, please contact: [email protected]

This report is co-authored by 19 civil society organizations* including the following organizations:

1. Action Committee for Democracy Development
2. Athan – Freedom of Expression Activist Organization
3. Burmese Women’s Union
4. Future Thanlwin
5. Generation Wave
6. Human Rights Foundation of Monland
7. Kachin Women’s Association Thailand
8. Karen Human Rights Group
9. Karenni National Women Organization
10. Kayan Women’s Organization
11. Pa-O Women’s Union
12. Progressive Voice
13. Save and Care Organization of Ethnic Women at Border Areas
14. Shan MATA
15. Southern Youth Development Organization

*The other four organizations remain anonymous due to security reasons.

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