Myanmar’s neglected crisis demands a different response
1/2/2023: The UN system’s response to the crisis in Myanmar has been toothless, contributing to ineffective aid. A principled way to meet the overwhelming humanitarian needs in Myanmar is to provide support directly to local community-based organisations.
Source: The New Humanitarian
International poll shows one in three would emigrate
3/2/2023: Pollsters at Gallup International have discovered that 36% of people around the world would prefer to live in another country. Poor urban populations in many parts of the world are desperate to leave for a better place.
Source: DW
Zimbabwe proposes law that threatens rights and civic space
2/2/2023: A bill that threatens civic society organizations working on human rights in Zimbabwe has been presented to President Mnangagwa for signature. The proposed bill will restrict civic space and access to humanitarian support services.
Source: Amnesty International
Myanmar junta extends state of emergency
1/2/2023: Myanmar's state of emergency has been extended by a further six months, coinciding with the announcement of new sanctions by the US and its allies. The UN special investigator on Myanmar has warned that the military junta plans to seek legitimacy by orchestrating a "sham" election this year.
Source: DW
Senior UN leaders show support for Afghan women
31/1/2023: A UN delegation has visited Afghanistan in response to a series of Taliban decrees that have stripped women of the means to actively participate in society. The country is reliant on international aid which in turn is reliant on respect for human rights.
Source: Inter Press Service
Amnesty calls for global action on Myanmar coup
30/1/2023: Amnesty International is calling for increased global action and solidarity ahead of the anniversary of the 2021 coup in Myanmar. The military’s onslaught against anyone perceived to be opposed to its rule has caused widespread human rights violations.
Source: Amnesty International
ICC authorizes resumed Philippines investigation
27/1/2023: Judges at the International Criminal Court have authorized the resumption of its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines. The ICC’s action is an important step toward accountability for the “drug war” killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Asia’s response to US trashing of rules-based international trade
23/1/2023: The end of 2022 left no doubt that the Biden administration has sustained US policy to undermine the rules-based international trading system. What should the rest of the world do, especially the heavily trade dependent economies in Asia?
Source: East Asia Forum
Africa objects to US chairing UN climate fund
26/1/2023: African board members have raised an objection to the nomination of a US official to jointly lead the UN flagship Green Climate Fund. The US has contributed just $1 billion to the fund in its 12-year history, compared to $9bn from EU countries and $3bn from Japan.
Source: Climate Home News
Is the EU losing the fight for human rights in Asia?
24/1/2023: The European Union is a key investor and trading partner of most states in the Southeast Asia region. But many of these countries have poor reputations for human rights and the EU's habit of criticizing governments over human rights doesn't go down too well.
Source: DW