Published on March 20, 2023
Political Development
- The junta distributed propaganda pamphlets to students who were taking their university-entrance exams to boost its recruitment efforts.
- On March 16, 2023, the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) which includes some ethnic armed organizations in northern Burma, called for China’s aid to help settle the country’s crisis.
Situation on the Ground
- As of March 20, 2023, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that 3,146 individuals have been killed. AAPP also said that 20,703 individuals have been arrested and 16,837 individuals are still detained by the Burmese military since the coup.
- Junta forces killed more than 28 people including Buddhist monks in Pin Laung Township in southern Shan State on March 11.
- Two local resistance fighters were killed by junta forces in Sagaing Region on March 13. One fighter was beheaded and the other was shot dead.
- Junta troops raided the Kachin literature and culture office in Hparpyin Village in Kachin State and detained 40 people including a KIO officer.
International Response
- On March 17, 2023, the Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP) accused the UNHCR of participating in a junta initiative to return Rohingya refugees under military supervision. Leaked communications allegedly showed the UN helping transport junta officials to meet with refugees in Cox’s Bazar for the pilot project.
- On March 16, 2023, UN Special Envoy for Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer stated she saw “no prospect” for a political settlement with both sides “intent on prevailing by force.” She also highlighted recent reports of the junta’s atrocities on PDF fighters and civilians in southern Shan State.
- On March 10, 2023, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific announced a new package of funding for the Rohingya totaling £5.26 million ($6.4 million). The funding will be distributed through the WFP and the UNHCR.
- US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet said Japan and other Indo-Pacific partners should engage with the NUG on the Burma crisis.