The ANU Myanmar Research Centre’s submission to the Australian Senate inquiry into democracy and human rights in Myanmar

Canberra, 29 January 2026

Summary

Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, Australia has reconfigured its engagement and its aid program to minimise contact with the junta while maintaining essential development and humanitarian assistance under challenging circumstances. Australia’s post-coup policy settings should not be reconsidered subsequent to the 2025-26 phased elections, which have been designed and conducted to inaugurate a new phase of military rule and prevent establishment of civilian government. It is in Australia’s national interest and in accord with our values to (1) refrain from acknowledging the election results; (2) support governance initiatives independent of the junta; (3) sustain and enlarge humanitarian assistance; (4) enhance educational opportunities for Myanmar nationals; (5) pursue a regional engagement strategy centred on democracy and human rights; (6) call out the Myanmar military as a transnational organised crime actor; and, (7) expand targeted sanctions and accountability mechanisms.

To view the full text, please visit the Parliament of Australia website's list of submissions (No.9, Myanmar Research Centre). 

Submission prepared by Associate Professor Jonathan Liljeblad, Dr Nicola Williams and Associate Professor Nick Cheesman in consultation with the MRC Board and staff. 

On 13 February 2026, MRC Director Associate Professor Nick Cheesman, Policy Director Dr Morten Pedersen, and Affiliate Ms Sophia Htwe, attended the Senate public hearing on Democracy and Human Rights in Myanmar.  The oral statement can be downloaded here. For the Hansard of the public hearing, please visit the Parliament of Australia website. 

On 25 February 2026, MRC made a submission to members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee in response to a question on notice from the inquiry on Democracy and Human Rights in Myanmar.