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HomeInternational...calls for UN and ICRC to gain access to Myanmar’s prisons

…calls for UN and ICRC to gain access to Myanmar’s prisons

From 4-17 June 2025, news, statements, and reports related to Myanmar highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, alongside issues such as visa restrictions for Myanmar citizens, military junta’s discussions on a Russia-Myanmar visa-free agreement, and calls for the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to gain access to Myanmar’s prisons.

The Myanmar military junta has doubled its attacks on civilians, exploiting turmoil following an earthquake in March, while further restricting access to humanitarian aid, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 1

The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) stated that the junta’s airstrikes on schools are a cruel act aimed at destroying an entire generation of Myanmar youth. In a statement issued on 12 June, marking one month since an airstrike on a school in Sagaing Region’s Tabayin Township, SAC-M noted similarities to the 2022 Let Yet Kone mass killing, a widely known horrific incident. 2

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop said at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly that, cooperation with ASEAN and inclusive dialogue are essential to alleviate the suffering of Myanmar’s people and promote peace. The European Union (EU) expressed strong support for Bishop’s efforts and UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022), which demands an end to violence, the release of political prisoners, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. 3

The International Labour Organization (ILO) approved action against the Myanmar junta under Article 33 for labor rights violations at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on 5 June. Despite opposition from China, Russia, Laos, and Belarus, the decision was passed by majority vote. 4

The White House announced on 4 June a complete suspension of entry for citizens of 12 countries, including Myanmar, due to security concerns for U.S. citizens. The statement noted that 27.07 percent of Myanmar nationals entering the U.S. on B1/B2 visas and 42.17 percent on F, M, or J visas have overstayed their visa terms. 5

At the 5th Moscow International Travel Forum and Exhibition, held in Moscow, Russia, from 10-15 June, representatives from Myanmar’s junta-controlled Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar’s Ambassador to Russia U Thit Linn Ohn, and the Myanmar Tourism Federation attended. Discussions focused on promoting Russia-Myanmar tourism, pursuing a mutual visa-free agreement, co-hosting travel exhibitions, and inviting Russian investors to Myanmar. 6

South Korea’s Gyeongbuk Yeongyang region canceled a plan to resettle Myanmar refugees to address its severe population decline, authorities announced on 11 June. The initiative, which aimed to bring about 40 Myanmar refugees from the Thailand-Myanmar border through UNHCR, was scrapped due to local sentiment and challenges in discussions with South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, according to South Korean media. 7

On 13 June, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, urged unrestricted access for the UN and ICRC to Myanmar’s prisons during an open dialogue at UN Headquarters in New York, addressing challenges in global prison systems. 8

1 59th Session of the Human Rights Council: Global Update Report, OHCHR, 16 Jun 2025
2 SAC-M says Myanmar junta targets children to destroy generation, Mizzima, 16 Jun 2025
3 Report by UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, EU, 10 Jun 2025
4 ILO conference affirms action against Myanmar junta under Article 33; vows to push before election, Mizzima, 5 Jun 2025
5 U.S. completely suspends entry for Myanmar citizens, Mizzima, 5 Jun 2025
6 Myanmar and Russia discuss mutual visa-free agreement, DVB, 12 Jun 2025
7 South Korea cancels plan to resettle Myanmar refugees, DVB, 12 Jun 2025
8 U Kyaw Moe Tun urges unrestricted access for UN, ICRC to prisons, Mizzima, 15 Jun 2025