Key facts
- Myanmar's military-backed government revoked the status of its UN permanent representative, Kyaw Moe Tun.
- The government accused Kyaw Moe Tun of "illegal activities."
- Kyaw Moe Tun was dismissed from civil service on February 27, 2021.
- Kyaw Moe Tun appealed to the UN against the 2021 military coup.
- The UN Credentials Committee has deferred a decision on Myanmar's representation.
- Myanmar authorities are seeking legal action against Kyaw Moe Tun.
Myanmar's military-backed government announced on Sunday that its permanent representative to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, was undertaking "illegal activities" and that his status had been revoked and withdrawn. The government stated that Kyaw Moe Tun was dismissed from the civil service on February 27, 2021, for failing to follow instructions. This action follows Kyaw Moe Tun's appeal to the UN on February 26, 2021, urging the international community not to legitimize the military coup that seized power earlier that month.
Kyaw Moe Tun was appointed by the previous government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which was deposed in the 2021 coup. His status as Myanmar's permanent representative has remained unchanged because the UN Credentials Committee has deferred a decision on Myanmar's representation. The committee is expected to meet later this month following the UN General Assembly in New York, where disputes over representation could be discussed.
Pro-democracy groups and the parallel civilian government, the National Unity Government (NUG), have supported Kyaw Moe Tun through international advocacy. The NUG stated that a national diplomatic post at the UN cannot be unilaterally revoked by military authorities without the consensus or formal acceptance of the UN Credentials Committee. Myanmar's military authorities have also accused Kyaw Moe Tun of unauthorized use of state property and mission funds while working with the NUG. The government said it is pursuing legal action against him through INTERPOL, the United States National Central Bureau, American agencies, and diplomatic channels.