May Soe Min in 2005, 2 years old, New Delhi, India
Before I could take my first steps, my parents carried me through the crowded streets of New Delhi, India, as they protested for democracy and liberation from the Burmese military junta. By the time I could walk, my cousins and I were holding signs demanding human rights in Myanmar. Occasionally, I would shout, “Doh Ayay! Doh Ayay!”—Burmese for “our fight”— the rallying cry for freedom.
This experience is neither unique nor rare. For many Burmese children, these chants are as familiar as the sound of a rattle. As a Burmese American born in a refugee camp in India, my memories of Myanmar have been shaped by volatility and chaos—a nation perpetually entrenched in power struggles. The brief glimpse I had of Myanmar’s fragile democracy quickly unraveled before my eyes. On February 1, 2021, I watched alongside my parents as live footage showed the Burmese military junta, or Tatmadaw, deploying tanks and troops to seize control of Naypyidaw, extinguishing what little hope remained for a free and prosperous Burma. I witnessed my father, an ’88 Generation student, fight back tears, consumed by the distress of seeing the democracy he had valiantly fought for with his comrades crumble. The darkness he knew all too well had returned.
Democracy and human rights have long been foreign concepts in Myanmar, given its tumultuous history with political coups following independence from British and Japanese occupation, as well as its role in the Southeast Asian theater of World War II. The lack of substantial international intervention not only further emboldens the junta’s abuses, but also promotes democratic backsliding and fuels the spread of authoritarianism in the region.
Much has changed in the past four years, but one constant remains: the Tatmadaw’s complete disregard for the rule of law and human rights. The junta’s scorched earth tactics are evident across the country, with frequent aerial bombing campaigns targeting civilian zones, including hospitals and schools— violating the Six Grave Violations against children outlined by the UN Security Council. Since February 2021, the Tatmadaw has attacked nearly 200 schools, primarily in the Sagaing region. In November 2023, the village of Vuilu in Chin State suffered 11 civilian casualties—eight of whom were children—when two military jets bombed the township, targeting schools and homes. Sanctuaries meant to safeguard and develop the nation’s future are instead reduced to massacre sites and war zones.
As fears grow over the loss of more children in schools, the junta has escalated efforts to replenish its dwindling forces by drafting the youth. On February 10, 2024, it enacted conscription laws mandating two years of military service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27. Additionally, extrajudicial kidnappings have intensified as the military struggles to counter the growing territorial gains of the People’s Defense Forces and the Three Brotherhood Alliance. While the junta continues its ruthless pursuit of complete authoritarian control—disregarding both the will of the people and the fundamental tenets of democracy—opposition forces, united by the cause of liberation and the restoration of rule of law, are gaining ground.
The civil conflict has given rise to obstructive forces that seek to undermine regional democracy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. This simultaneously fuels the exploitation of Myanmar’s rare earth minerals and hydropower. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow was one of Myanmar’s primary defense suppliers, providing MiG-29 Fulcrum multi-role jet fighters, Mi-17 transport helicopters, Su-30MK Flanker fighter jets, Yak-130 fighter jets and surveillance drones. However, as Russian support has waned, China’s influence in the region has expanded.
Through predatory loans and environmentally destructive practices, China has gained unrestricted access to Myanmar’s resources in exchange for political, financial, and military support for the junta. As the junta prepares to hold elections in late 2025 while tightening its grip under the false pretense of national stability, China has already begun laying the groundwork to secure the Tatmadaw’s political dominance. By legitimizing the Tatmadaw, China extends its influence over other dependent nations, pressuring them to recognize the junta and, in turn, excusing a series of grave human rights violations.
Despite the lack of international intervention and resources, the resilience of the Burmese people shines through, not only in their courageous resistance, but also in their ability to organize collective action, build support networks, and establish mutual aid globally. Their efforts underscore the necessity of solidarity in the fight against authoritarian forces. It is crucial for democratic nations founded on the principles of liberty and freedom to take action, as authoritarian forces will continue to spread ideologies that erode democracy and human rights. Ultimately, my “Doh Ayay”—my fight—is for a Burma where democracy is not just a concept but a reality, and where my parents can look upon their homeland with love rather than sorrow and grief.
