Thailand: Government signs MoU to support landmark labour law
The government has signed a memorandum of understanding with a network of labour groups involving two key International Labour Organisation conventions, which could lead to landmark changes in Thailand’s labour law guaranteeing workers – including migrants – certain legal rights and conditions. It’s something authorities have long tried to...
Myanmar takes helm of ASEAN while sectarian violence persists
Myanmar last week took the baton from the Sultan of Brunei, assuming the rotating chair in 2014 of Asia’s most important regional organization, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In December the country otherwise known as Burma will also host the Southeast Asia Games, a coming-out party for...
ASEAN Reaffirms Commitment To Work Together In Women Advancement Issues
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Asean remains committed both at national and regional level to continue making significant strides towards improving the situation of women across the region, said Malaysia's Charge d'Affairs Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah at the 68th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly...
The Philippines: For women and kids
It was a clarion call for human rights in Southeast Asia—and its sounding was most timely. At the 23rd summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last week in Brunei, the leaders of the 10-member bloc adopted declarations calling for the elimination of violence against women and children...
Malaysia: Muslim NGO to observe Malaysia’s session in UN
KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Muslim non-governmental organisations are heading to the United Nations to observe the review of the Malaysian Government’s human rights record.
The Human Rights Council’s (HRC) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Malaysia is set for Oct 24, four years after the first in 2009.
Muslim Lawyers’ Association...
Thailand: Rohingya boat people detained in southern Thailand
BANGKOK (AP) — More than 200 members of the Rohingya minority fleeing Myanmar have been detained in southern Thailand after their boat ran aground, a Thai official said Thursday.
Thai district chief Watcharasak Chulayanon said the 219 men aboard swam ashore after their boat became stuck Wednesday off the coast...
Myanmar: UN rep calls for end to release conditions
United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar Tomás Quintana has commended last week’s amnesty but called on the government to remove restrictions on former prisoners and ease their way back into society.
The government released 56 political prisoners on October 8, the latest in a series of amnesties...
Myanmar, religious minorities and geopolitics: US, China, India and Japan vying for influence
The nation of Myanmar (Burma) appears to be at a major crossroads because past intransigence is now being followed by a possible thaw, whereby this nation comes in from the “international cold.” Of course, for nations like China then issues related to human rights was never on the agenda....
Malaysia: Backsliding on Rights in UN Spotlight
(Geneva) – United Nations member countries should urge Malaysia to reverse its serious backsliding on human rights at the UN Human Rights Council. Malaysia’s second Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will take place on October 24, 2013.
Fresh repressive actions by the Malaysian government have eclipsed earlier reforms pushed by Prime...
Myanmar: Do ‘rapidly breeding’ Rohingya Muslims really threaten Myanmar’s Buddhist identity?
BANGKOK, Thailand — Along Myanmar’s crescent-shaped western coast, Buddhist communities fear their dominance is under siege.
As in parts of Europe — such as The Netherlands and France — Myanmar’s riled-up patriots warn of a population time bomb: A demographic explosion of Muslims 'breeding' them into oblivion.
The Muslims in question...
