Forward

The coup d’état on 1st February 2021 has severely halted Myanmar’s fragile democratisation. The world saw how military rule had threatened all democratic institutions in Myanmar. All walks of life in Myanmar joined the peaceful civil resistance movements to make their voice heard.

Although the people express their determination peacefully, the military uses violent means to hold onto power. Amidst those challenging political circumstances, civil society plays a more crucial role than ever in defending the democratic institution and restoring democracy in Myanmar.

In this context, Pandita Development Institute (Pandita) aims to understand how civil society organisations (CSOs) respond to dynamic political changes and drawbacks. This intent contributes to a more significant question on whether civic space in Myanmar is shrinking or closing. With the active responses from a selection of local CSO leaders collectively, this study uncovers direct impacts and challenges, trends that have emerged, and the coping mechanisms in the civil society arena in post-coup Myanmar.

Via the key recommendations, Pandita believes that this study will build up follow-up discussions, considerations, and deliberations for the future of Myanmar’s democracy and civic space.

Pandita wholeheartedly acknowledges the intense effort of independent local researchers who would instead remain anonymous for their security. Thanks are extended to dozens of active local CSO leaders, as research participants, for the contribution of sharing their lesson-learned insights and critical decisions via online consultations.

Enormous appreciation is also extended to the international experts who participated in the online discussion events, voicing their precious inputs, and raising unique empirical questions.

Insightful oversight and guidance were provided by KIVU International Director Will Paxton and Advisor Becky Hatch. Thanks to financial assistance from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada, this study is possible.