[{"bbox": [96, 153, 1135, 392], "category": "Text", "text": "The CRPH backed the creation of the National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel government structure opposed to the military coup, which appointed a slate of ethnically diverse ministers and deputy ministers to form an anti-coup government. Widespread popular discontent against the coup has resulted in the emergence of major social movements and the emergence of PDFs, armed cells that have opposed the military's rule through attacks on security forces and military-affiliated officials. There are more than sixteen major EAOs (excluding a significant number of smaller splinter groups and ethnic-based militias), ten of which had signed the National Ceasefire Agreement, which has been severely undermined, but not yet completely ended by the coup. Some EAOS are now aligned with the NUG, while others are increasingly collaborating with the NUG and actively fighting against SAC forces on multiple fronts."}, {"bbox": [96, 396, 1135, 557], "category": "Text", "text": "Targeted killings and repeated threats against those working for or in support of the coup have led to some resignations of administrators throughout Myanmar, contributing to the collapse of many of the local administrative mechanisms. This growing 'governance gap', especially in rural areas, has created space for EAOs to take the place of the administrative system in cooperation with the parallel (exile) NUG. However, there is not yet an established line of command between the national-level NUG and local bodies such as PACs and PDFs, making coordination a challenge."}, {"bbox": [96, 562, 1135, 775], "category": "Text", "text": "With conflict growing, humanitarian needs have escalated and displacement numbers are both staggering and increasing. The initial political crisis is leading to a significant socio-economic deterioration, fast growing humanitarian needs across the country and substantial abuses and violations of human rights. Moreover, the economy is in shambles, which has further limited individual coping capacity. At least one million people have lost their jobs, while 66% of households with income recently reported that their income has decreased⁷. Nearly half the population is expected to be in poverty in 2022, with devastating individual impact. Moreover, as armed violence spreads throughout Myanmar, it is increasingly difficult for aid agencies to safely access those affected by armed violence."}, {"bbox": [96, 780, 1135, 1047], "category": "Text", "text": "Taking a broader perspective, Myanmar's geographic location and its endowment of natural resources puts it at the centre of geopolitical competition. China is the dominant player and is seen as complacent with the military, viewing Myanmar as a key pillar of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Similarly, Russia does not hide its sympathy and ties with the regime, trading defence cooperation with political support. India continues to engage the regime due to regional stability concerns and business interests. Some ASEAN countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) have adopted a pragmatic 'no-preconditions' approach to dialogue with the regime, whereas others (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei) have strongly voiced their opposition to the regime. Japan and South Korea have business interests in Myanmar, and strive for influence with substantial assistance. The EU's like-minded partners, incl. the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, have condemned the coup and reverted to economic sanctions against the regime whilst continuing to support the people."}, {"bbox": [96, 1052, 1135, 1212], "category": "Text", "text": "Women activists and women organisations have been at the forefront of the pro-democratic movement from the beginning either as protest organisers, online mobilisers or active participants. The highly feminised sectors of health and education are among the first and most active in their engagement with the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and women civil servants - according to UNWOMEN updates - account for at least 64% of all public employees sanctioned or dismissed. 3 of the 17 ministers appointed by the NUG are women and 27% of the appointees while gender equality is listed among the Union values."}, {"bbox": [96, 1217, 1135, 1430], "category": "Text", "text": "Local actors and more broadly civil society are instrumental in assisting the increasing number of people in need and advocating for a return to democracy and rights. Civil society, however, is facing a number of challenges related to a continuous shrinking of the space in which they operate. The main difficulties they are facing concern security and safety of their staff, registration requirements to operate, control of their accounts and access to cash and overall control of their movements and activities. Nevertheless there remain opportunities for civil society to play a key role in advocacy and in dialogue with local actors, especially in non-government controlled areas (NGCA). EU, Member States and other donors will continue to rely mainly on civil society to support the Myanmar population, therefore a coordinated approach will be key."}, {"bbox": [96, 1435, 1135, 1569], "category": "Text", "text": "The EU has been a witness to the 2015 National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and has been an important donor to the Joint Peace Fund. In this critical juncture, with the formal peace process stalled, the country must find new ways to transform the conflict, potentially through peacebuilding efforts at the local level. The EU can play a role, in line with the EU Global Strategy priority of taking an integrated approach to conflicts and crises as a means to support peace and prosperity. This engagement allows the EU to maintain its commitment for a peaceful resolution"}, {"bbox": [85, 1620, 564, 1646], "category": "Footnote", "text": "⁷ OCHA. Myanmar Humanitarian Needs Overview 2022."}, {"bbox": [1038, 1681, 1144, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 5 of 20"}]