Ministry of Home Affairs (Myanmar)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) of Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a key government ministry responsible for internal security, law enforcement, and general administration within the country. It exerts considerable influence over various aspects of civilian life.

Its functions encompass a wide range of activities, including:

• Police Force: The Myanmar Police Force, a major component of the ministry, is responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and enforcing regulations.
• General Administration Department (GAD): The GAD plays a crucial role in local administration, overseeing townships, villages, and other administrative units. It is involved in managing elections, census activities, and land administration. The GAD is often viewed as the backbone of civilian administration at the grassroots level.
• Prisons Department: Responsible for the management and operation of prisons and correctional facilities throughout Myanmar.
• Fire Services Department: Manages fire prevention and firefighting activities.
• Immigration and National Registration Department: Responsible for issuing national identity cards, passports, and managing immigration matters.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is a powerful institution within the Myanmar government structure. It directly impacts the lives of citizens through its administrative and law enforcement functions. Due to the political history of Myanmar, particularly the long period of military rule, the MOHA has often been associated with the suppression of dissent and the enforcement of authoritarian policies. The ministry's role and activities have been subject to scrutiny by international human rights organizations and observers. The nature and degree of civilian control over the Ministry has varied depending on the prevailing political system.