On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the National Unity Government stands firmly in solidarity with all journalists in Myanmar and around the world who are risking their lives, unwaveringly striving for the truth. We want to emphasize the importance of ending impunity for crimes committed against journalists. We especially honor the courage and sacrifice of journalists in Myanmar, who face grave dangers and severe repression under the terrorist military council yet continue their tireless work to expose the reality on the ground and defend the public’s right to information and freedom of the press.

In Myanmar, journalists have long been among those targeted, oppressed, and brutalized by successive military dictatorships. Since 2021, when the violent military council led by Min Aung Hlaing attempted to seize power from the people, seven journalists have been executed, including three in 2024, at least 150 have been arrested and detained and subject to torture. As of 30 October 2024, at least 64 journalists remained imprisoned under conditions that endanger their lives. Myanmar ranked 171st out of 180 on 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The military’s systematic campaign of violence, harassment, and intimidation has turned journalism into an occupation fraught with peril. Today, we call attention not only to these crimes but also to the wider impact of the military’s assault on freedom of expression. By silencing journalists, the terrorist military council seeks to suppress the truth, restrict the people’s awareness, and stifle calls for accountability.

The National Unity Government is committed to fostering a society where freedom of the press is respected, and journalists can work without fear. We recognize that a free press is essential to the future federal democratic Myanmar and a key pillar in our struggle for justice, accountability, and human rights. We will be actively working with our local and international partners to document and expose the terrorist military council’s human rights violations, including crimes against journalists, so that these crimes do not go unpunished.

On this day, we reiterate our call to the international community: join us in pressing for accountability and justice for crimes against journalists. We urge governments, media organizations, and citizens worldwide to support the work of journalists in Myanmar by amplifying their stories and demanding an end to the culture of impunity that allows the military to act without consequence.

In a future federal democratic Myanmar, we envision a country where journalists work freely and without fear, contributing to a just society built on transparency and truth. The National Unity Government reaffirms its unwavering support for all those who risk their lives to bring us the news, and we pledge to continue our fight for a Myanmar where justice, truth, and freedom prevail.

National Unity Government

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