While global attention is focused on crises in Crimea and the Gaza Strip, the severe human rights violations in Myanmar have continued since the 2021 military coup. According to a recent report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Myanmar military regime has intensified its use of brutal campaigns. These include the burning of villages, executions, killings, and torture. The report also states that some of these acts amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The diminishing space for domestic civil society groups and citizen participation is particularly alarming, as the military tightens its grip over all aspects of life in Myanmar. According to CIVICUS, the state of civic space in Myanmar is rated as “closed,” signifying critical suppression of civil liberties within the country.
The repression underlines the increasingly significant role of the Myanmar diaspora in restoring international attention and support for Myanmar’s fight for democracy and human rights. Particularly, those residing in South Korea have established several organizations, collaborating with each other and their Korean supporters to advocate for change in Myanmar.
The National Unity Government (NUG)’s representative office in Seoul has notably raised over $12 million through various fundraising efforts to support the NUG. Additionally, the NUG’s Seoul office collaborates with several civil groups formed by the Myanmar diaspora in South Korea, actively engaging in advocacy and protest activities.
Furthermore, Korean civil society organizations play an essential role in this tripartite model of solidarity, organizing protests, providing logistical support, and co-organizing events to increase awareness of Myanmar’s circumstances both within South Korea and internationally. This joint effort strengthens the global network advocating for Myanmar’s democratic movement, thus enhancing its visibility and effectiveness.
Organizations in South Korea, such as the Korean Solidarity for Overseas Community Organization in Asia, People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, and Korean Metal Workers’ Union, have consistently shown their solidarity with those fighting for democracy in Myanmar and continue to exert pressure on Korean companies that maintain business relations with Myanmar’s military regime.
By synthesizing the efforts and resources of the Myanmar interim government’s representative office, the Myanmar diaspora, and Korean civil society organizations, a stronger platform for initiating change and engaging in global conversations has been created in South Korea. The solidarity between these three forces serves as a beacon of hope for communities back home in Myanmar and for Myanmar diaspora communities around the world.
In summary, the unity and strategic collaboration seen in South Korea highlight the essential role of diasporic communities in sounding the call for change and make the goal of achieving democracy and human rights in Myanmar more achievable.