Zin Mar Aung
Zin Mar Aung is a prominent Burmese politician, human rights advocate, and the Union Minister of Foreign Affairs for Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), a government-in-exile formed after the military coup in February 2021. She is also a founding member of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the body that represents the deposed civilian parliament.
🧭 Early Life and Activism
Born on June 14, 1976, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Zin Mar Aung was active in student movements during the 1990s. In 1998, she was arrested for participating in a peaceful protest calling for the military junta to respect the results of the 1990 elections. She was sentenced to 28 years in prison and spent 11 years as a political prisoner, nearly 9 years of which were in solitary confinement. She was released in 2009 and resumed her activism, focusing on democratic development, women’s empowerment, and ethnic tolerance.
🏛️ Political Career
In the 2015 general election, Zin Mar Aung was elected as a Member of Parliament for Yankin Township. She was re-elected in 2020 but was unable to assume her seat due to the military coup. Following the coup, she became the Foreign Minister of the NUG on April 16, 2021, and has since been a vocal advocate for Myanmar’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations.
🌍 Advocacy and Diplomacy
As Foreign Minister, Zin Mar Aung has actively engaged with the international community to garner support for Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement. She has met with lawmakers and officials from countries including the United States, Sweden, and Japan, urging them to recognize the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar and to impose sanctions on the military junta. She has also criticized neighboring countries, such as China, for their support of the junta, particularly regarding arms deals and interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs.
South China Morning Post
🏅 Recognition
In 2012, Zin Mar Aung was honored with the International Women of Courage Award by the U.S. Secretary of State. In 2014, she was nominated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and participated in the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship program.
📌 Summary
Zin Mar Aung stands as a symbol of resilience and dedication to Myanmar’s democratic future. Her leadership within the NUG and her international advocacy efforts continue to inspire those committed to the country’s return to democracy.
