Burma: resistance and resilience

In Burma, civil society is innovating in dire circumstances while preserving hope in the future. The country has long suffered under military dictatorships and civil war. But since the military initiated a coup in 2021, systematic human rights abuses and mass displacement have only gotten worse. For 30 years, Inter Pares has worked with local organizations toward a democratic future for Burma. In this Bulletin, we share a small sample of our more than 40 local counterparts’ tireless work.

What's inside...

Scaling mountains to report the news

Today, Burma is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Since the military first attempted their coup in 2021, four journalists have been killed and at least 176 arrested, forcing Editor in Chief Salai Sangte* and most of his colleagues to flea to India and run their online news outlet remotely.

Now, they must go to great lengths – and heights – to report the news.

Innovating sexual and reproductive health services in conflict areas

In remote areas of Burma, routine check-ins by local health workers have long been a way our counterparts provide sexual and reproductive health services to Indigenous communities. But the intensifying conflict makes travel in remote communities harder and urban health infrastructure is deteriorating, making these remote services more critical.

Building a federal democracy from the ground up

Since the military’s attempted coup in 2021, much work has been done at the national level toward a united democracy – in spite of the military’s ongoing brutal attacks. But critical to a successful future federal democracy are its foundational blocks: local Indigenous governance structures.

These are key – and they're getting things done.