KYAW MOE TUN
Kyaw Moe Tun is a prominent figure in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, best known for his courageous stance against the military coup that ousted the democratically elected government in February 2021. As Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations, he became an international symbol of resistance and moral clarity during a time of profound national crisis.
🇲🇲 Early Career and Diplomatic Service
Kyaw Moe Tun joined Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993. He held various diplomatic postings, including assignments in Jakarta, Singapore, and at Myanmar’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. By 2016, he had risen to the position of Director-General for International Organizations and Economic Affairs .
🗣️ Defying the Junta at the UN
On February 26, 2021, just weeks after the military coup, Kyaw Moe Tun delivered a powerful speech at the UN General Assembly. He declared that he represented the ousted civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and called for the international community to take “the strongest possible action” to restore democracy in Myanmar. His voice trembling, he ended his address by raising the three-finger salute—a symbol of resistance—and speaking directly to the people of Myanmar in Burmese .
In response, Myanmar’s military junta accused him of high treason and dismissed him from his post. However, the UN did not recognize the junta’s action, and Kyaw Moe Tun remained accredited as Myanmar’s ambassador, continuing to represent the country’s civilian government at the UN .
⚠️ Threats and Assassination Plot
Kyaw Moe Tun’s outspoken opposition to the junta came at great personal risk. In August 2021, he was informed of a plot to assassinate him, allegedly orchestrated by the junta. Two Myanmar nationals were arrested in New York in connection with the scheme . Despite the threat, he remained resolute in his commitment to the democratic cause.
🌍 International Recognition and Advocacy
Kyaw Moe Tun’s actions garnered widespread international support. His speech at the UN was met with applause and praise from diplomats worldwide, including U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who described it as “courageous” and “brave” .
He continued to advocate for stronger international measures against the junta, including sanctions and an arms embargo, and for support for Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), a coalition of ousted lawmakers and ethnic leaders .
Kyaw Moe Tun’s unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights has made him a symbol of moral courage. In 2021, he was awarded the John McCain Freedom Award, recognizing his dedication to promoting freedom and democracy in Myanmar .
Kyaw Moe Tun’s defiance in the face of tyranny and his steadfast advocacy for the people of Myanmar have solidified his place as a key figure in the country’s ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights.
