Since Myanmar’s military seized power in February 2021, a generation of young people has seen its future upended by conflict, displacement, and uncertainty. What began as a nationwide protest movement led by students and young workers evolved into a prolonged armed conflict that has forced many to flee their homes, seek refuge across borders, or join resistance groups.

Stolen Generation documents these experiences between 2021 and 2025. Photographed in protest sites, border communities, and resistance-held areas, the project follows young people as they navigate exile, armed struggle, and the loss of educational and economic opportunities. The images explore how Myanmar’s youth are adapting to lives shaped by conflict while holding on to their identity, relationships, and aspirations for the future.

Activists Ei Thizar Maung and Ester Ze Naw flash a three-finger salute during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, on February 6, 2021.
Protesters interact with polices during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, 9 February 2021.
A memorial for Mya Thwe Thwe Khine who was shot dead by police in Naypyitaw is seen in Yangon, Myanmar on February 19, 2021.
Protesters cover themselves with plastic sheets to shield themselves from tear gas during a confrontation with riot police in Yangon.
Tear gas and fire extinguisher gas float around protesters as they take shelter behind shields while clashing with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, March 1, 2021.
Myanmar Migrant women practice for a new year ceremony at Wat Pakbo in Mahachai Samut Sakhon, Thailand, January 14, 2024.
A dormitory room of the Myanmar migrant worker is seen in Mahachai Samut Sakhon, Thailand, January 15, 2024.
Myanmar migrant Pyar Tho looks out from her apartment in Chiang Mai after fleeing conflict in Myanmar. Now settled in northern Thailand, she is among thousands seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives, as many displaced people carry lasting psychological scars including grief, fear and the trauma of displacement.
Women's rights activist Aureena poses for a photograph with the three-finger salute at her home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on October 5, 2025.
Members of Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) are seen on a vehicle in a territory of The Karen National Union (KNU), Karen State, Myanmar, February 19, 2024. Founded in 2021 by urban activists following the military coup, the BPLA is one of the prominent armed groups representing the Bamar ethnic majority, fighting in alliance with ethnic minority groups to overthrow the military junta.
Dr. Amata, a Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) doctor who fled to Thailand after Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, poses for a portrait at his apartment in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Unable to practice medicine in Thai hospitals due to legal restrictions, he continues to support fellow Myanmar exiles with his medical knowledge.
Members of the Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) share a evening meal at a jungle camp in Karen State, Myanmar, on February 18, 2024.
New BPLA recruits exercise during a training session at a camp in Karen State, Myanmar, March 6, 2024.
Nwely recruit of Bamar People's Liberation Army (BPLA) take shower during their break in undislosed location in Myanmar on February 19, 2024.
New recruits of Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) are seen during a political training session at a camp in a territory of The Karen National Union (KNU), Karen State, Myanmar, March 2, 2024. Founded in 2021 by urban activists following the military coup, the BPLA is one of the prominent armed groups representing the Bamar ethnic majority, fighting in alliance with ethnic minority groups to overthrow the military junta.
A woman soldier of BPLA rests in a hammock at a camp in Karen State, Myanmar, March 13, 2024.
New recruits of Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) fold their clothes during a break time at a camp in Karen State, Myanmar, March 5, 2024.
Ma Chel, a 26-years-old public relation officer of Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) gets ready at her office in a territory of The Karen National Union (KNU), Karen State, Myanmar, March 13, 2024.
A couple from BPLA says farewell before going to a frontline in Karen State, Myanmar, on March 12, 2024.
BPLA member plays with a puppy in Karen State, Myanmar, February 18, 2024. Founded in 2021 by urban activists following the military coup, the BPLA is one of the prominent armed groups representing the Bamar ethnic majority, fighting in alliance with ethnic minority groups to overthrow the military junta.

Photographer – Mya

Mya is a Myanmar photojournalist and visual storyteller currently based in Thailand. Since beginning her career in 2017, she has documented conflict, displacement, human rights, and social issues in Myanmar. Her work has been published by Reuters, AFP, and The Guardian, and exhibited internationally in Thailand, China, Japan, France, and at the WARM Festival in Sarajevo.

She is an alumnus of the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, the National Geographic Photo Camp Master Class, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Fellowship. She recently earned a Diploma in Visual Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Her work focuses on the ongoing Myanmar revolution and the experiences of displaced and exiled communities.

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