On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military took over the government, ousting Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. Since then, life for people in the country has worsened. Over the past year, the junta has tried to solidify its rule through staged elections that ran from 28 December 2025 to 25 January 2026. Meanwhile, airstrikes, drones, and paramotor attacks have hit schools, hospitals, religious sites, and camps for displaced people, killing thousands.

The people affected are mostly civilians living in opposition held areas, including children and displaced families. Activists and political prisoners are also targeted - over 30,000 people have been detained since the coup. One well-known case is 26 year old activist Ma Wutt Yee Aung, who died in Insein Prison after not getting medical care for injuries from torture. The military, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has banned dozens of political parties and prosecuted hundreds under a law that criminalizes criticizing the elections. Most attacks happen in Sagaing, Rakhine, and central Myanmar, especially in areas where ethnic minorities or opposition supporters live. 

Internationally, governments and organizations are trying to push back, but have been met with hurdles. The UN Security Council has been stuck, blocked by China and Russia, while the ICC and ICJ are still focused on crimes before the coup. The UN Security Council remains divided, largely due to China and Russia. “Five years after the coup, Myanmar’s human rights and humanitarian catastrophe faces dwindling foreign assistance and attention,” said Shayna Bauchner of Human Rights Watch. Human rights groups want stronger actions like sanctions and arms embargoes. China and Russia sent election observers, but ASEAN refused to certify the polls. Aid groups continue to help displaced people, but the need is massive, and advocacy for accountability is ongoing.

by Lucy McGrath