Burmese activist Kyaw Minn Htut must be released

Publish What You Pay (PWYP) is highly concerned by reports of the arrest of Kyaw Minn Htut, a Burmese human rights and environment activist engaged in the promotion of transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in Myanmar, and a member of the Myanmar EITI MSG.

It is reported that on September 6 2021, at around 3 PM, Kyaw Minn Htut, his younger brother Kyaw Minn Aung, and a man they were living with were arrested in their home by soldiers in Nandawon Ward, Monya township, Sagaing Region. There are fears for Kyaw Minn Htu’s safety. 

PWYP understands that Kyaw Minn Htut has been arrested in reprisal for his non-violent, pro-democracy activities. PWYP calls on the Myanmar authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him and ensure he does not suffer from ill-treatment. 

PWYP also encourages the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), as well as  companies, investors and other stakeholders with activities in Myanmar, to use their leverage to secure Kyaw Minn Htut’s release.

Background information

Kyaw Minn Htut is a member of Myanmar’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) multi-stakeholders group and of the Myanmar Alliance for Accountability and Transparency (MATA) steering committee. He has also been working with the Civil Disobedience Movement and supporting pro-democracy activists to non-violently resist the illegal military coup.