Yangon

Phyo Zeya Thaw arrives at the Myanmar parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Aug. 19, 2015.

Mynamar junta executes 4 pro-democracy activists to 'instill fear,' Radio Free Asia editor says

Myanmar's government confirmed Monday it had carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years, hanging a former lawmaker, a democracy activist and two other political prisoners.

Mynamar junta executes 4 pro-democracy activists to 'instill fear,' Radio Free Asia editor says
Several members of a youth group hold a flash mob rally to protest against the military government of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Pabedan township in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 30, 2021.

From bookworm to bomb maker: The evolution of a Myanmar revolutionary

From bookworm to bomb maker: The evolution of a Myanmar revolutionary
People wait outside a shop where face masks and vitamins are being given away in Mandalay, Myanmar

6.2 million Burmese could go hungry by October. It’s the worst situation in ‘living memory,’ UN official says.

6.2 million Burmese could go hungry by October. It’s the worst situation in ‘living memory,’ UN official says.
A person is shown in the near ground with their fist in the air and wearing a white construction helmet with a large crowd of people sitting and holding candles.

Myanmar declares martial law on deadly day

Myanmar declares martial law on deadly day
Myanmar nationals living in Thailand hold pictures of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar military Commander in Chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing during a protest in front of the United Nations building in Bangkok, Feb. 3, 2021. 

Relent or resist the coup? Myanmar’s citizens plot their next move. 

Relent or resist the coup? Myanmar’s citizens plot their next move. 
A man looks at a screen showing the face of another man projected on a wall

In Myanmar, underground poetry nights build bridges between Rohingya and Burmese writers

The event’s participants and organizers were fully aware that they were doing something sensitive. In a country where even the word “Rohingya” is taboo, there was a risk that the audience would respond badly.

In Myanmar, underground poetry nights build bridges between Rohingya and Burmese writers
Portrait of a Myanmar poet wearing a blue shirt.

A spoken word poet in Myanmar speaks out against hate and injustice

Than Toe Aung faced years of discrimination and harassment as a Muslim in Myanmar. When he discovered the power of slam poetry, he decided to use it as a tool to speak out, unite and fight for justice.

A spoken word poet in Myanmar speaks out against hate and injustice
protest

Youth activists and journalists in Myanmar call for release of two jailed Reuters reporters

Demonstrators including high-school students gathered peacefully in the heart of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, held signs and chanted slogans denouncing the guilty verdict against the two journalists.

Youth activists and journalists in Myanmar call for release of two jailed Reuters reporters
Thet Thet Wai

This woman bodybuilder in Myanmar is using Facebook to advocate for harsher penalties for rape

A recent Myanmar government report says the number of rape cases in Myanmar increased by nearly 30 percent from 2016-2017.

This woman bodybuilder in Myanmar is using Facebook to advocate for harsher penalties for rape
Rows of garment workers work on a factory floor in Myanmar

The true cost of Myanmar's growing garment industry

Discrimination and sexual harassment in Myanmar’s garment factories can take a massive financial toll on both the workers and the industry. To improve women’s economic wellbeing, employees and authorities need to address their physical safety, say rights advocates.

The true cost of Myanmar's growing garment industry
Pope Francis is welcomed as he arrives at Yangon International Airport, Myanmar November 27, 2017.

The pope may not use the term ‘Rohingya’ during his trip to Myanmar. Here's why.

Pope Francis arrived in Yangon, Myanmar on Monday. The UN and the US have accused the country of ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims, and the question on many peoples' minds is whether the pope will use the term "Rohingya" to describe the group.

The pope may not use the term ‘Rohingya’ during his trip to Myanmar. Here's why.
People in a Yangon try out the "soundsuit," an art installation that's designed to draw attention to noise. "Maybe once people hear what they sound like," says one of the creators, "they'll reduce the noise."

In Myanmar, an artist wades into the sensitive business of noise

The case of a Dutch tourist who was imprisoned in Myanmar for unplugging a loudspeaker has people talking about the ear-splitting level of noise.

In Myanmar, an artist wades into the sensitive business of noise
A man wears a mask to protect himself in Yangon, Myanmar, while he walks down the street.

Myanmar says it's seeking WHO help with a deadly swine flu outbreak

Myanmar health authorities have asked the UN's health agency for help to combat a deadly outbreak of swine flu that has sparked alarm in the country's commercial capital of Yangon.

Myanmar says it's seeking WHO help with a deadly swine flu outbreak
In Buddhist Myanmar, there's a view that abortion is wrong because "human life happens only in a blue moon, so we shouldn't waste a life like this."

Providing safe illegal abortions in Myanmar is a ‘karmic balance,’ says one doctor

Abortion is illegal in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, but many women still seek access. Illegal abortions are a leading cause of maternal death there.

Providing safe illegal abortions in Myanmar is a ‘karmic balance,’ says one doctor
Bart (l) -- aka Kyaw Moe Khine -- with his street art crew ROAR. Bart says battling with teachers over his art work helped develop his rebellious streak.

A Burmese atheist who takes inspiration from George Carlin and Bart Simpson

In Buddhist-majority Myanmar, sometimes it's better to be an atheist than a Muslim.

A Burmese atheist who takes inspiration from George Carlin and Bart Simpson