Myanmar government revokes UN envoy's status, seeks legal action

Myanmar's military-backed government announced on Sunday that it had revoked the status of its permanent representative to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, accusing him of "illegal activities."

According to a statement from state media, the government said Kyaw Moe Tun was dismissed from the civil service on February 27, 2021, for failing to follow instructions. This action follows his emotional appeal to the UN on February 26, 2021, urging the international community to reject the legitimacy of the military junta that seized power in a coup.

Kyaw Moe Tun was appointed by the previous government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which was overthrown in the 2021 coup that plunged the country into civil war. His standing at the UN has remained unchanged as the UN Credentials Committee has deferred decisions on Myanmar's representation.

The committee is expected to convene following the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, where disputes over representation may be addressed. Pro-democracy groups and the National Unity Government (NUG) have supported Kyaw Moe Tun through advocacy and lobbying.

Myanmar's military authorities have also accused him of misusing state property and mission funds while collaborating with the NUG. The government stated it is pursuing legal action against him via INTERPOL, the United States National Central Bureau, American agencies, and diplomatic channels.