Latest Myanmar News
Supporters of Myanmar's jailed leader Suu Kyi mark her 79th birthday with a flower-themed protest
BANGKOK (AP) — Supporters of Myanmar’s imprisoned ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi carried out peaceful flower-themed protests marking her 79th birthday on Wednesday, some taking to the streets in defiance of the military government’s repression. Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace prize...
Myanmar's embattled military government cracks down on free flow of news by blocking VPNs
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government has launched a major effort to block free communication on the Internet, shutting off access to virtual private networks, or VPNs, which can be used to circumvent blockages of banned websites and services. The attempt to restrict...
As the number of displaced people surges, an 'Inflatable Refugee' in Barcelona sparks questions
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Hugging his knees and clad in a bright orange life vest, the giant “Inflatable Refugee” looks vulnerable as he sits alone in a sea of empty red velvet chairs. Belgian visual artists Schellekens & Peleman, who created the figure in 2015 following the refugee crisis...
Sudan tops UN envoy's concerns about children caught in conflicts, with Congo and Haiti next
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations envoy charged with reporting on violations against children in conflicts around the world said Thursday that first and foremost she is worried about what’s happening to youngsters in war-torn Sudan, followed by Congo and Haiti. Virginia...
Aspects of US restrictions on asylum-seekers may violate international protections, UNHCR chief says
GENEVA (AP) — The head of the U.N. refugee agency said Thursday he understands that the Biden administration enacted new restrictions on asylum-seekers entering the United States, but cautioned that some aspects of the executive order may violate refugee protection required under international...
Myanmar's economy in crisis as civil strife disrupts trade and livelihoods
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar, once a thriving emerging economy, is struggling to regain momentum as the country’s civil war increasingly disrupts trade and livelihoods. World Bank economists estimate the country's economy grew at a 1% annual pace in the year that ended in March, more...
UN says violence against children in conflict reached extreme levels in 2023, including in Gaza
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Violence against children caught in multiplying and escalating conflicts reached “extreme levels” in 2023, with an unprecedented number of killings and injuries in crises, from Israel and the Palestinian territories to Sudan, Myanmar and Ukraine, according to a new U.N....
Myanmar's army is reportedly emptying villages in a western state to boost defenses against rebels
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military has been emptying villages on the outskirts of the capital of the western state of Rakhine as part of an evident effort to defend against expected attacks by a powerful rebel group that has captured most of the surrounding area, according to residents, a local...
UN will declare that both Israel and Hamas are violating children's rights in armed conflict
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. secretary-general will tell the Security Council next week that both Israel and Hamas are violating children's rights and leaving them exposed to danger in their war to eliminate each other. The secretary-general annually makes a global list of states...
Myanmar's military government denies allegations by ethnic army foe that it killed 76 villagers
BANGKOK (AP) — A spokesperson for Myanmar’s military government denied accusations that army troops and their local allies killed 76 people when they entered a village last week in the western state of Rakhine, state-controlled media reported Wednesday. Rakhine has become a...
