WHO WE ARE
People's Goal is a Myanmar-based civil society organization actively shaping the Spring Revolution. We champion transformative ideologies within security institutions and beyond, fostering dialogue and tackling critical issues like federalism and transitional justice.
OUR defection STRATEGY
Soldiers who have made the brave yet treacherous journey of defections have faced insurmountable obstacles from constant surveillance by their superior officers to threats against their family members. We thank all those who have stood with the people, and will get more soldiers to defect by
1. Inspiring national soldiers to defect
2. Honoring those who chose the side of justice.
3. Joining hands with the people, volunteers, and organizations who are working on defections
STORY of people’s soldiers
On February 28th, Captain Nyi Thuta made the fateful decision that would change his life. After seeing the atrocities being committed by the military, he decided it was time.
“It broke my heart to see military beating, torturing, and killing young people who were supposed to protect.” Captain Nyi Thuta left his base in Naypyidaw, and defected towards the people.
He then became the first military officer to publicly speak out against the military coup via an interview that was streamed on Facebook. Soon after this interview, the Captain came into contact with volunteers, and other defectors. Thus, People’s Soldiers was born. “I knew many others inside the military that are like. I want to help them get out.” Since then People’s Soldiers has grown into an incredible organization that has helped, and is helping hundreds of soldiers defect.
People’s Soldiers provided support to defected soldiers by providing them material assistance in transportation costs to safe zones, monthly living and food expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses (such as phone bills for internet connectivity).
Our advocacy work was perhaps the most prominent within the media landscape in Myanmar. Our weekly Sunday discussions with defected officers, members of the public, in-service military personnel, and prominent guests (such as the NUG Minister for Human Rights) generated over half a million views every week. Our attendees shared their views, experiences, ideas, and encourage in-service soldiers listening to defect.
One Sergeant who defected in September said: “I had to secretly listening to these discussions on my base. And when I did, it gave me the strength to make my decision. Hearing Captain Nyi Thuta and other speak made me realize I had comrades on the other side who would support me. With the help of People’s Soldiers, I defected.”
In addition to the Sunday discussion, we also had a more relaxed Q&A between defected soldiers and members of the public on Wednesday evenings. This offers a chance for members of the public to learn about the lives and lived-experiences of our national soldiers, and also offers an opportunity for our national soldiers to interact with the public.
It is the generals’ worst fear that the people and the soldiers will unite.
And that is why we are motivated by the desire to bridge any gaps, and correct any misunderstandings between Myanmar’s national soldiers and national citizens. We will unite.
TRANSFORMATION INTO PEOPLE’S GOAL
The People's Soldiers underwent a name change on 1st January 2022 to People's Goal to reflect its adoption of civilians within its leadership and to reinforce its nonviolent stance.