Myanmar’s civic space is rated ‘closed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Since the 2021 coup, thousands of activists and protesters have been detained on fabricated charges including terrorism, incitement and sedition. Many have been convicted by secret military tribunals in unfair trials and given harsh sentences, including the death penalty. Some have been tortured or killed. There has also been an unrelenting crackdown on the media.

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and chairman of the State Administration Council declared himself acting president on 22nd July 2024 following reports that the incumbent Myint Swe is undergoing medical treatment for health problems. Responsibility for national defence and security matters was transferred to Min Aung Hlaing.

On 31st July 2024, the junta extended the state of emergency for another six months - the sixth time the junta has approved an extension since removing the civilian government from power in 2021.

Human Rights Watch reported in August 2024, that in recent months the junta and the opposition Arakan Army have committed extrajudicial killings and widespread arson against Rohingya, Rakhine, and other civilians in the western Rakhine State.