By Moe Nya / MPA The Karen National Union (KNU), Myanmar’s oldest ethnic revolutionary organization, has announced it is drafting a new "Kawthoolei Charter" designed to guarantee the rights of all ethnic groups living within its vast territories. Padoh Saw Hla Tun, the KNU’s Joint General Secretary (2), stated that the charter aims to establish a robust legal framework that reflects the current ground...

By Naing Yarzar Min / MPA Charity and public hospitals in Yangon are facing critical shortages of essential medicines, forcing doctors to turn away patients and slash operation schedules, residents and staff have told MPA. Strict import restrictions and a severe shortage of foreign currency under the military regime are being blamed for the supply crunch, which has left vital drugs unavailable in state-run...

By Sayar Ngaat / MPA Myanmar’s delegation has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss all allegations of genocide brought by The Gambia, arguing that the charges lack legal and factual merit. Speaking on the final day of hearings in The Hague, the junta-appointed Union Minister and Agent for Myanmar, U Ko Ko Hlaing, appealed to the court to reject the...

The Japanese government has announced it will continue to provide assistance that "directly benefits" the people of Myanmar, reinforcing a policy to support civilians facing hardship under the current regime. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo confirmed its commitment to a "firm policy" of delivering humanitarian aid and livelihood support to the population, bypassing military channels where possible. The...

By Kan Htun / MPA Thousands of families displaced by conflict in Northern Rakhine State are facing a desperate struggle for survival this winter, amid severe shortages of food, warm clothing, and shelter. Cut off from international aid and facing soaring prices due to military blockades, refugees say they are unable to afford basic necessities to protect themselves from the cold. "I have no...