ARTICLES

13 Feb 2023

Widodo Government Acknowledges Gross Human Rights Violations Happened: The Unstoppable Erosion of a Fundamental Taboo

Max Lane

President Joko Widodo’s recent acknowledgement of certain human rights violations in Indonesia took many by surprise. It may prove to kickstart a true national reckoning with one of the darkest periods of the country’s history.

junta’s Armed Forces Day parade in Naypyidaw

8 Dec 2022

Can Hanoi Afford the Reputational Costs of Friendship with Myanmar’s Military Regime?

Bich Tran

While Vietnam has not criticised Myanmar’s ruling regime about its violence against the Myanmar people and the Rohingya, Hanoi should recognise that its staunch support and use of non-interference as a fig leaf could undermine Vietnam’s own quest to become more significant regionally and internationally.

Human Rights Myanmar Vietnam

31 May 2022

The ‘People’s Court’ Supports and Celebrates Marriage Equality in Thailand

Alexandra Dalferro

Amidst greater popular awareness of the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, activists are challenging Thai laws restricting marriage to heterosexual couples as being unconstitutional. While significant progress on human rights is unlikely to occur under the current government, Thai citizens are using their voices to call for change.

Human Rights Thai Politics Thailand

22 Dec 2021

Human Suffering in Myanmar: The Need for International Attention

Su Mon Thazin Aung

The escalating number of clashes between Myanmar’s military junta, ethnic armed groups and resistance forces, together with the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, have inflicted much suffering on the local populace. Concerned stakeholders need to provide essential help in the form of civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.

Armed Conflict Human Rights Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

12 May 2021

Speaking Out on Politics in Indonesia: More Opportunity, More Fear

Max Lane

Despite a legacy of citizen passivity from the New Order era, elite fear of the freedom social media promises remains strong.

Human Rights Indonesia Indonesian Politics

20 Apr 2021

When “Tony” Goes Clubbing: The Power of Clubhouse in Thailand

Punchada Sirivunnabood

Clubhouse, a new audio-based social media app, has gained much popularity in Thailand, despite official warnings to users who denigrate the reputation of the government and the monarchy. A pertinent question is whether the Thai government will use the app to reach out to its opponents.

Human Rights Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

12 Apr 2021

Irregular and Inappropriate: Thailand’s Paramilitaries and Pro-Government Militias

Paul Chambers

The Thai state’s numerous off-budget militias and paramilitaries should be terminated.

Human Rights Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

7 Apr 2021

Facing the Ire of 1.4 Billion Chinese Consumers: Cottoning on to Supply Chain Risks

Xiaojun Li

Chinese consumers’ boycott of Western fashion brands for their position on cotton sourced from Xinjiang is a sequel to a long-running series of actions against foreign companies. Southeast Asian firms should take note, and act accordingly.

ASEAN-China Relations China Human Rights