Former Doctor of International Health (AIG) and gynaecologist Marcus Rijken published an opinion piece on 8 May in daily newspaper Wed on the recent news coverage surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Rich worked for many years as a doctor in refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border and is a former AIG and closely associated with our organisations.
In his opinion piece, he warns of the danger of “normalisation” of the Myanmar military regime. While there was a cautiously positive international reaction to reports that Aung San Suu Kyi would be allowed to continue serving her prison sentence under house arrest, Rich stresses that there is no real freedom. Her whereabouts remain unknown and, according to human rights organisations, she is being used as a diplomatic tool by the junta.
In addition, the article calls attention to the millions of people who have been displaced since the 2021 coup and often remain out of view of international media. From his own experience as a doctor in Thailand's Maela refugee camp, Rijken describes the consequences of declining international support and the vulnerable position of people without legal status or access to care.
The opinion piece underlines the importance of continued international attention, humanitarian support and diligence in the way Myanmar is talked about.
The full article appeared in Wed on 8 May 2026:
“Opinion Marcus Rijken in Trouw: “More freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi? Don't fall for it”
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