Responding to the Myanmar Crisis: Lessons in Human Rights Advocacy and Thailand’s Humanitarian Initiative

Three years since the February 2021 coup, the population of Myanmar continues to face acute risks and vulnerabilities linked to widespread violence, a collapsing economy, and atrocity crimes. What are some lessons from decades of advocacy and engagement on human rights protection and new humanitarian initiatives by key actors in the region?

Alison Tate Director of Economic and Social Policy of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), a body representing 207 million workers in 165 countries. Her policy work spans such areas as international trade and investment, social policy, and sustainable development. In her role at ITUC, she represents unions in organisations including the United Nations, the G20, and international financial institutions. She was formerly a Commissioner of the Financial Sector Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. She has been involved in advocacy on Burma since 1988. 

Dr Bhanubhatra "Kaan" Jittiang Dr Bhanubhatra 'Kaan' Jittiang is the Vice Dean for Academic and International Affairs and Assistant Professor of Political Science at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He is also the Director of the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy Program in International Development Studies and the Founding Director of the Nelson Mandela Center for Conflict Resolution, Atrocity Prevention, and Human Security. 

Debbie Stothard Coordinator & Founder ALTSEAN-Burma since 1986. During her 32-year career, she has worked as a journalist, community education consultant, governmental advisor, and trainer in Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. Her work has focused on innovative and empowering advocacy and capacity-building strategies for marginalized groups, in particular women and youth. In 2013, Debbie was elected Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). She is currently a Board Member Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)  and for the ESCR-Net - International Network for Economic, Social & Cultural Rights. 

Join us to listen to 3 leading experts who will answer questions about efforts to advance peace, human rights protection and atrocity prevention, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Myanmar.

Please join us at 5:15pm for a 5:30pm start  (AEST),  followed by a networking reception with light refreshments.