The National Unity Government (NUG) has revealed that 60% of its Ministry of Human Rights workforce is comprised of civil servants who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) following the 2021 military coup.
In a financial accountability report released on 23 February, the ministry detailed its administrative structure and its ongoing efforts to provide stipends and support to personnel operating under the shadow administration.
According to the report, these CDM staff members work alongside subject-matter experts to document human rights violations and implement advocacy programs. The disclosure has prompted calls for other NUG ministries to follow suit in being transparent about their staffing and support systems.
“Knowing the exact percentage of CDM staff is a positive step in transparency,” a CDM teacher from Yangon told the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA). “While we understand that financial support may be limited, a clear policy for employing CDM workers across all NUG departments is essential.”
The Ministry of Human Rights clarified that while it does not receive direct aid from international organizations, it has secured funding through partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). These funds are used for human rights awareness and revolutionary support activities, with the ministry undergoing regular financial audits and providing acquittals to its partners.
Financial records from the fiscal years 2021-22 through 2024-25 have reportedly been submitted to the NUG’s Office of the Auditor General and the Ministry of Planning, Finance, and Investment for oversight.
The report also highlighted significant internal financial contributions. Between October 2022 and July 2024, the Ministry of Human Rights allocated a total of 100 million kyats (approximately 1,000 lakhs) from its budget to support CDM staff working under the Office of the Union Prime Minister.
Furthermore, the ministry addressed the recent controversy involving the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Daw Kyi Pyar. It stated that it is actively monitoring the investigation and providing recommendations to ensure the process aligns with human rights standards and accountability.
The move toward public financial reporting is seen as an effort by the NUG to bolster its legitimacy and demonstrate a stark contrast to the military regime’s lack of transparency.
