The earthquake in Myanmar is a stark reminder why freedom of expression must be protected
Almost a week on from Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, the death toll continues to rise. As people struggle to cope with the catastrophe – searching the rubble for loved ones, seeking shelter, food and medical care – access to accurate, timely information is essential to saving lives.
And yet, the military junta keeps the people of Myanmar in the dark, exacerbating the crisis. It has kept severe internet restrictions in place, and its crackdown on independent journalists continues, along with a block on international media, preventing people from accessing reliable news and updates that could help them access emergency aid and communicate with their loved ones. The blanket censorship not only silences survivors but also conceals the State Administration Council’s mismanagement of the disaster, muzzling efforts to hold the junta accountable for its failure to provide life-saving assistance.
The international community must pressure Myanmar authorities to end the information blackout and lift all censorship measures, including bans on media, VPNs, and social media platforms. It must support the deployment of emergency digital infrastructure and open access tools to bypass firewalls and re-establish communications in blackout zones.
Equally, it must support local journalists and human rights defenders to safely document the ongoing crises, including the impacts of climate-related disasters. Independent reporting can support accountability efforts to hold the military junta responsible for censorship, repression, and failure to provide life-saving assistance.
Freedom of expression, access to information, and unhindered connectivity are not luxuries — when disaster strikes, they are lifesaving necessities.
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