On February 12 and 13, 2026, a Myanmar parliamentary delegation—including Union Parliament representatives Daw Myat Thida Tun, Daw Mya Myo Aye, and Daw Phyu Phyu Lwin—attended the Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations in New York. The event was jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations (UN) under the theme: “Parliaments and the UN: Better together, delivering for the people.” 2026 IPU Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations | Inter-Parliamentary Union
The hearing was opened with remarks by the President of the IPU, Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, and the President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, with parliamentarians from IPU member nations in attendance.
On the first day, delegation member Daw Mya Myo Aye participated in the session titled “Translating global commitments into national realities.” During her discussion, she highlighted: The widening gap between international commitments and actual outcomes is a major challenge today. When international law is violated with impunity, it erodes trust in multilateralism among both member states and the people the UN aims to protect. Myanmar is deeply experiencing this reality. Five years after the democratic transition was halted, over 16 million people require humanitarian aid, and nearly 4 million are internally displaced. The “Pact for the Future” must be more than just words on paper; it is a test of whether the multilateral system can become more responsive, inclusive, and accountable. Peace, development, and human rights are indivisible, and sustainable peace is impossible without protecting civilians and respecting the rule of law.
On the second day, delegation member Daw Myat Thida Tun spoke during the session “Protecting democracy from within: Parliamentary safeguards, responsibilities and renewal in times of democratic erosion.” Key points included: Global democratic backsliding is not just theoretical; it is visible, rapid, and interconnected. While some countries see a gradual erosion of democracy, Myanmar faced a direct, violent assault. Despite the military’s attempt to destroy democracy through the 2021 coup, Myanmar’s parliament did not perish but adapted to the situation. “Legitimacy is not based on buildings, but on the will of the people.” Protecting democracy from within begins by maintaining core parliamentary functions—oversight, budget scrutiny, and legislation—even under pressure. Even if physical buildings are seized, institutional resilience must be shown through alternative mechanisms, secure communications, and international solidarity. The military is currently attempting a “sham election” to gain legitimacy while continuing nationwide oppression. Democratic institutions cannot function under electoral processes that exclude genuine representation.
If those who seize power by force are treated as equals to those elected by the people, democratic standards everywhere will be weakened.
The Myanmar delegation was accompanied by the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the UN, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, and other embassy officials.
Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH)
