Humanists International, together with Burmese Atheists, has delivered a statement at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, warning that Myanmar’s planned elections in December represent an attempt by the military junta to manufacture legitimacy.
It was delivered by a representative of Humanists International rather than of Burmese Atheists due to concerns around safety and security, including the risk of reprisals for those currently in, or with family in, Myanmar.
On the regime’s plans to stage elections this December, Hein Htet Kyaw (Abu Bakr), representing Burmese Atheists, gave a stark assessment to Humanists International:
“I, Hein Htet Kyaw (Abu Bakr), representing Burmese Atheists, believe that we stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar – not just as atheists or Burmese citizens, but first and foremost as fellow human beings. Under the rule of the military junta, the hope for a secular and democratic federal state remains out of reach. The upcoming election cannot be considered legitimate. With 25% of parliamentary seats reserved for unelected military representatives and military-backed parties dominating the field, the process is fundamentally flawed. Popular opposition parties are banned, their leaders – including union organizers – are being arrested, and their voices silenced. An election held under such conditions cannot produce a truly democratic government.”
The statement underlined that any credible electoral process must be inclusive, transparent, and conducted free from coercion. This requires the release of political prisoners, including State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi and detained trade unionists; the restoration of independent media; and full guarantees of freedom of expression, association, and political participation.
Concluding, Humanists International and Burmese Atheists called on the Council to reject Myanmar’s sham election process and to mobilize coordinated international efforts to restore genuine civilian rule. This statement followed several made in the last number of years by Burmese Atheists at the UN with the support of Humanists International.
Below is the statement made by Humanists International and Burmese Atheists at UN Human Rights Council, 60th session (8 September – 8 October 2025):
Thank you Mr. President.
I make this statement on behalf of Humanists International and Burmese Atheists. Burmese Atheists is a grassroots humanist organization, and I make this statement in their words, as they face grave security risks for expressing dissent.
We thank the IIMM for its work, and the High Commissioner for his report.[1] The IIMM’s evidence must support the process of holding those who have violated international law accountable. These crimes include indiscriminate bombing, extrajudicial killings, forced conscription, unlawful detention, and systematic acts of repression against civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities.[2] Continued cooperation between the IIMM, this Council, and the ICC towards justice is a necessity and we urge Member States to support these processes.[3]
We express great concern at the military regime’s plans to hold elections this coming December.[4] While we, of course, hope and strive for a return to a democratic Myanmar, these elections represent nothing but the junta’s attempt to manufacture democratic legitimacy. Despite the purported end to the state of emergency, military occupation remains. No electoral outcome can be deemed legitimate when conducted under such conditions of coercion and exclusion.
Any credible electoral process must be inclusive, transparent, and conducted free from coercion. There must be a credible opposition, and the junta must release trade unionists and political opposition leaders, including State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi. Independent media must be restored, and human rights, including freedom of expression and of association, must be guaranteed.
We urge this Council to unequivocally reject the sham election process and mobilize coordinated efforts to recognize and vindicate meaningful civilian rule in Myanmar.
Thank you.
[1] https://undocs.org/en/A/HRC/60/18; https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-20-aev.pdf
[2] https://undocs.org/en/A/HRC/60/18