On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Exile Hub extends support to media professionals in Myanmar who continue to demonstrate resilience and bravery despite the risks they face to continue reporting.
According to Reporters Without Borders, the situation for journalists in Myanmar has reached a critical point. Since the February 1st, 2021 military coup, at least seven journalists have been executed, and 150 have been arrested; of those, 64 remain imprisoned. This repression has forced a mass exodus of media outlets, with over 60 now operating from abroad, predominantly from Thailand.
The sacrifices made by these journalists highlight the urgent need for global action against the impunity that allows such crimes to persist. Globally, UNESCO reports that 9 out of 10 journalist killings go unresolved. This persistent impunity in Myanmar and around the world not only fuels further violence against journalists, but also has become a symptom of worsening conflict.
Exile Hub's Commitment
Since 2021, Exile Hub has supported over 2,100 media professionals through our comprehensive services, which include safety, mental health, and professional development. We have conducted more than 800 workshops and training sessions focused on safety, digital security, mental health, and professional skills. Additionally, we have provided shelter and safe housing to 243 at-risk individuals.
Exile Hub’s shelters provide journalists in need with a safe place to continue their invaluable work, or have a space to heal after experiencing trauma. Additionally, their physical and digital safety training equip media professionals with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of reporting safely and effectively, physically and against online threats. Ensuring emotional support for those facing trauma and stress is also key, and Exile Hub has made mental health a priority for Myanmar media professionals. Individual and group counselling, workshops, art therapy and yoga are just a few of the tools aimed to help them build resilience and navigate the challenges they face.
Ma Zee, Managing Director of Exile Hub, stated: “Exile Hub continues to support and stand in solidarity with the journalists who risk their lives in truth reporting amidst the threats they encounter. We believe that ending impunity for crimes against journalists is crucial for ensuring freedom of expression and providing the public with access to honest information. Together, we can amplify our voices in support of those who risk their lives for the sake of truth and justice and demand accountability for all crimes against them.”
Honouring the Fallen and the Resilient
Today we honour the journalists who have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to truth. We must not forget those who are no longer among us, and support those who continue to struggle in the face of oppression.
Exile Hub fellow and former journalist and documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year. Another documentary filmmaker and political activist Pe Maung Same passed away in August at the age of 50 due to complications from tuberculosis, just three days after being granted medical parole from a junta prison. Journalists Myo Myint Oo and Aung San Oo, associated with the independent online media outlet Dawei Watch, were sentenced to life and 20 years imprisonment respectively by a military court in August this year. In the same month, two journalists from the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), Ko Htet Myat Thu and Ko Win Htut Oo, were killed as a result of a home raid by the military junta in the southern Mon state.
We must continue to prevent crimes against journalists and ensure those who perpetrate them are held accountable.Freedom of expression and access to information are cornerstones of any democratic society, yet in Myanmar, these principles face severe threats. The international community must unite to push back against this repression, advocating for justice and amplifying the voices of journalists who risk everything for the truth. As Ko Thar Gyi, one of Exile Hub’s fellows puts it:The brutal actions of the military dictatorship in Myanmar increasingly go unnoticed. If the international community truly cares about injustice taking place, I urge them to provide timely and effective assistance. The slower the response, the more Myanmar journalists will face torture and even death.”
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