by Hafizur Rahman
Myanmar | August 1, 2026
U Aung Kyaw Moe has officially resigned from his position as Deputy Minister for Human Rights in Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), effective July 31, raising fresh questions among Rohingya communities about political representation, inclusion and accountability within Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement.
In a public statement, Aung Kyaw Moe said his decision was not the result of any disagreement or conflict with the NUG. He said he was stepping down to focus more fully on advancing the rights, political representation, dignity and long-term interests of the Rohingya people.
Aung Kyaw Moe was the first Rohingya to hold a ministerial-level position in Myanmar since 1962. His appointment had been seen by many as a historic moment for Rohingya visibility inside Myanmar’s democratic opposition, after decades of exclusion, denial of citizenship and systematic persecution.
He thanked the NUG leadership, his colleagues, civil society groups, ethnic communities and international partners for their support during his time in office. He also said he remained committed to democracy, human rights, accountability and the creation of an inclusive federal democratic Myanmar.
Despite leaving his government post, Aung Kyaw Moe said his resignation should not be understood as a withdrawal from the wider struggle for democracy. He said he would continue working to strengthen Rohingya political leadership, promote unity within the Rohingya community and cooperate with democratic forces, ethnic organisations and international partners.
His resignation, however, has prompted difficult questions among many Rohingya. Some are asking what concrete progress was made for the Rohingya during his time as Deputy Minister, whether he received sufficient political support to carry out his responsibilities, and whether his appointment created meaningful representation or remained largely symbolic.
Others are questioning what steps the NUG will now take to rebuild and strengthen trust with Rohingya communities, particularly on issues of citizenship, accountability, justice, political participation and future decision-making.
For many Rohingya, representation inside Myanmar’s democratic movement cannot be limited to individual appointments. They argue that meaningful inclusion requires direct Rohingya participation in policy decisions, recognition of Rohingya identity, a clear commitment to citizenship rights, and accountability for past and continuing persecution.
Aung Kyaw Moe said he would continue working for justice, equal rights, accountability and a federal democratic Myanmar where all communities, including the Rohingya, can live with equality, dignity and security.
His resignation leaves the NUG facing renewed scrutiny over how it will ensure that Rohingya voices are not only acknowledged symbolically, but included meaningfully in the political future of Myanmar.
