Former Myanmar lawmaker Shwe Maung was presented with a stark choice: Use the term “Rohingya” or lose his political career in July 2015. His account brings back to light Myanmar’s longstanding Rohingya identity crisis, where identity, citizenship and political rights are all intertwined. Shwe Maung remembers his meeting with senior USDP official U Aung Thaung. He states that Aung Thaung …

A police raid, where LGBTQ+ patrons were beaten and detained in a Taipei gay bar, has sparked concerns over the protection of Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community. The October 3 operation led to 51 customers being taken to a police station for questioning and the bar’s owner being arrested.  It puts Taiwan’s LGBTQ friendly reputation to the test prior to Pride, when …

Tuesday on his arrival at Manila’s international airport.. His arrest came from an Interpol warrant issued by International Criminal Court (ICC). On the heels of his return from Hong Kong, Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody by the authorities, complying with the ICC’s wishes. The international court is gathering information as part of its investigation into his alleged crimes against …

The recent convening of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) session in Geneva has once again thrust Indonesia’s human rights record into the international spotlight.  The nation’s representatives found themselves in a defensive posture as they grappled with probing inquiries regarding Indonesia’s commitment to upholding human rights and political freedoms. This article seeks to unravel the intricate …

Japan is a East Asian country with a population of about 126 million and a GDP of about $5 trillion. The country is known for its advanced technology, rich culture, and pacifist constitution. The country is a close ally of the U.S. and a member of the G7, the UN, and other international organizations. China is a neighboring country of …

The recent experience of a Hong Kong student studying in Japan has generated intelligent debate and reflection throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This episode has sparked a reevaluation of the difficulties experienced by Hong Kong students studying overseas, as well as the need of creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for international students. The case of the Hong Kong student, as …

Indonesia – Indonesia may be facing another legal crisis as the  controversial draft criminal law is imminent (a complete review of the current criminal law). Deputy Minister of Justice and Human Rights Edward Omar Sharif Heariezi said the  law  should be passed by July this year at the latest, but the date has not been released. A draft of the …

Asean – The UN rights chief will go to China’s Xinjiang province next week for a visit that will be closely scrutinized by the world community amid demands that she speak out against crimes against the country’s Uyghur minority. Michelle Bachelet will begin a six-day trip to China on Monday, after years of asking for “meaningful and unrestricted” access to …

UAE – The UAE, a small nation of just 50 years old, has made great strides in almost all fields, including human rights, social justice and human development. A statement issued by Saeed Al Hebsi, Director of Human Rights at UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International has said before that every country has its own laws and legal institutions; …

UAE – NHRI Chairperson Maqsoud Kruse, has said that the UAE’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) will work very closely with its international counterparts, including the United Nations. This was said according to the release of the annual reports outlining the status of human rights in the country. Kruse added that the main objective is to make sure that everyone …