In the nearly three years that have passed since Myanmar’s coup d’état, the global media has shifted its attention to other crises, from the sudden withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. But despite a lull in headlines, the turmoil that resulted from the coup remains life-altering for the generation of young activists who have been displaced by the shattering of democratic ideals.

Myanmar’s military — the Tatmadaw — staged a coup d’état on February 1, 2021, detaining top government officials, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. The military claimed that the election results were fraudulent, but independent observers have dismissed these claims. The coup has sparked widespread protests and civil disobedience, with many people calling for the release of the detained leaders and the restoration of democracy. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a human rights organization dedicated to justice in Myanmar, more than 4,000 people have so far been killed by Myanmar’s military junta since the coup, and upwards of 24,000 have been arrested, charged or sentenced.

For JURIST, coverage of the Myanmar coup is personal. Despite the risks, Myanmar law student correspondents – most of them women – covered the coup for JURIST from its beginning and have kept reporting in its aftermath. In a bid to keep the crisis in the public dialogue, we have conducted a series of interviews with some of the law students and young lawyers whose lives have been affected by Myanmar’s tumult, ranging from law students who fled abroad to save their futures and continue their studies to those who put down their textbooks and went into the jungle to take up arms against the junta as part of the pro-democracy resistance. Their accounts reflect the full range of emotional responses, from despair to anger to hope.

The interviews, which will be published in a series of articles, explore the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Myanmar as they navigate a country in political turmoil. This is the sixth interview in a seven-part series, with links to all that have been published so far below. Please note that our interviewees’ names have been kept private to protect their security unless otherwise noted.

Interview 1: ‘Surviving is sometimes the only way to live in Myanmar’ 

Interview 2: ‘I truly believe our lives will be brighter after the revolution’ 

Interview 3: ‘The coup has made me both tougher and more compassionate’

Interview 4: ‘The fact is, I cannot bear to live under oppression’

Interview 5: ‘We will win. We will restore democracy’

Interview 6: ‘We must not overlook the ripple effect of coups happening globally’

Would you briefly introduce yourself? What was your life like before the coup?

I was a fourth-year law student in 2020, and for over three years now, I’ve been unable to attend university. I don’t plan to return to a Myanmar university until there’s a significant overhaul of the post-coup educational system. Before the coup, I was an enthusiastic student, eagerly participating in every moot court competition and looking forward to representing clients professionally. These competitions were always so thrilling. Ironically, our post-coup reality is filled with horrifying excitements; I miss the kind of excitement that didn’t carry existential stakes.

While I respect the choice of students who have opted or will opt to return to university under the Tatmadaw, I understand it’s their right. However, returning to school under the current regime ultimately hinders the revolution. It’s challenging for me not to hold negative thoughts about this choice, given the broader implications.

What are you doing now?

For the last few years, I’ve been balancing my roles as a paralegal at an international legal aid firm and as an IELTS and GED tutor. It’s been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to stay connected with the legal field, albeit not as a lawyer. I appreciate the organization for welcoming me despite the fact that I have not completed law school. My internship has opened my eyes to a lot of grim truths about how our legal system works in practice. While this sometimes discourages me due to its evident injustice and corruption, there are moments when it motivates me to initiate change. I aspire to uproot existing problems and participate in rebuilding the entire system. While I enjoy both of my current positions, I recognize the importance of finishing school elsewhere to fully pursue my ultimate career goal.

As a law student, do you think the international community is showing enough support for Myanmar people? What more can they do to help?

Initially, I was quite frustrated by the lack of support we were receiving. In fact, I still believe that more international assistance is crucial to expedite the success of our revolution. I’ve come to understand that the international community has numerous pressing issues to address, making it challenging to focus on the struggles of any one particular nation. But we must not overlook the ripple effect of coups happening globally. It’s imperative for democratic forces to join forces, leveraging their influence to counteract the rise of authoritarianism worldwide, whether through direct action or substantial financial and technical support.

Effectively blacklisting all Myanmar military officials and their family members could prove instrumental. Additionally, offering support to Myanmar’s students and the staff of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM; ed: post-coup Myanmar’s main resistance movement), enabling them to continue their education, would be invaluable. This investment in human capital would help foster a skilled workforce for future nation-building projects.

What are your thoughts on joining the Civil Disobedience Movement as a law student when the military junta is pressuring all university students to go back to classes?

We have the right to education, but the decision to uphold or forsake this right rests with us alone. Neither the military nor our parents should dictate this choice. It would be utterly meaningless to study law under a regime that flagrantly disregards the rule of law. Unless the military resorts to coercion, we will stand firm and resist with all our might.

What do you think about the leadership of the National Unity Government as a parallel government of Myanmar?

While I have high expectations, I currently feel they may not be giving their best effort, possibly due to strategic reasons. While the NUG assures our victory in the revolution, we want to see the alliances and strong bonds they’ve forged. The enactment of the Burma Act by the US is commendable, but the NUG needs to establish alliances with other nations, presenting its officials as true leaders rather than mere diplomats.

Do you intend to keep pursuing legal education after the revolution?

Likely yes. Legal education is my passion, but I won’t continue if taught by faculty who are not aligned with the resistance. I intend to pursue my education elsewhere.

Despite the countless difficulties and sacrifices you have to make right now, what makes you keep going?

I’m hesitant to describe what I’m doing as a sacrifice, considering others are risking their lives for federal democracy. I’ve chosen to take some risks, and to me, it’s a choice, not a sacrifice. Though this choice has put me in a challenging situation, I believe in our eventual victory and the triumph of justice.

Any message you’d like to give fellow law students around the world, or the international community?

Please help us so that we all can live in a better world.