Strong Condemnation of the Junta’s Ban on International Media Access to Earthquake-Affected Areas

Strong Condemnation of the Junta’s Ban on International Media Access to Earthquake-Affected Areas

Following the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, countless civilians have lost their lives, homes, and property.

In such situations, it is crucial for the international community to be informed about the plight of the people, in order to mobilize global humanitarian aid and assistance.

However, the junta has denied access to international journalists wishing to cover the aftermath of the earthquake. This act amounts to a deliberate suppression of the right to information, humanitarian transparency, and international human rights.

Since the coup, the junta has been systematically persecuting local journalists—through killings, arbitrary arrests, lengthy prison sentences, threats, and forced displacement from their homes.

Now, by restricting international media access to the earthquake-hit zones—alongside its ongoing war and human rights violations—the junta has once again shown its fear of the truth being exposed.

The Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) believes this is a blatant attempt to prevent the world from seeing the true extent of the crisis.

Natural disasters transcend politics and require a unified, humanitarian response. Blocking press freedom during such times only deepens public suffering and obstructs effective disaster response.

Therefore, IMJA strongly condemns the junta’s ban on international journalists and its continued violations of press freedom, which aim to cover up the real suffering of the people of Myanmar.