The Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma Releases ‘Defying a Dictatorship’: An Overview of the Human Rights Situation in Burma (July-December 2025)

17 March 2026

Today, the Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma (ND-Burma) publishes its latest bi-annual report, ‘Defying a Dictatorship,’ which outlines the human rights situation in various States and Regions of ND-Burma members from July to December 2025.

During this period, ND-Burma’s member organizations documented 462 human rights violations across 279 incidents in seven regions and six states in Burma. Of these, 271 violations were committed by the military junta, 5 by Ethnic Revolution Organizations (EROs), and 3 cases could not be attributed to a perpetrator. In total, 881 individuals, including 357 males, 187 females, 182 children, and 155 individuals of unknown gender or age, had their rights violated. Significantly, 352 individuals, including 173 males, 80 females, 82 children, and 17 of unknown genders or ages, were killed.

The situation on the ground for civilians remains increasingly volatile as the armed actors continue to evade accountability for their widespread and systematic crimes. The most vulnerable, especially women and children, are forced to endure the worst suffering as their calls to the international community for action go largely unanswered. With over 3.5 million people displaced nationwide, the urgency for action is clear. It is vital that global stakeholders are not deceived by the regime’s insistence that the situation is normal. Quite the contrary. Humanitarian aid and elections are routinely weaponized as tools to control and surveil the population.

Furthermore, as shown in the latest report by ND-Burma, there are numerous cases in areas where members are actively documenting human rights violations, providing evidence of how the junta is terrorizing innocent people. A rule of law or a federal democracy cannot exist with the junta in any leadership role. Therefore, the international community must respond to the longstanding calls of civil society by pursuing coordinated and meaningful actions that hold the regime accountable at the highest levels, including referring the human rights situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court. The survival and future of a new Burma depend on it.

For more information:

Nai Aue Mon
Signal: +66 86 1679 741

Name: San Htoi
Signal: +66 649369070

Download press release (English I Myanmar)