Organizer: Canadian Southeast Asian Studies Initiative, York University
Type/Location: Hybrid / Toronto, ON
Description:
What happens when defending human rights and democracy puts our safety, our work, and our future at risk? In countries where people have greater freedom to express their views, organize, participate in public life, and access basic social support, human rights and democracy can be taken for granted. But this has not been the reality in Myanmar, where people have struggled for these rights for decades, often at great personal cost.
In this presentation, Nang Shining will share her personal journey as a human rights and environmental activist from Myanmar. She will reflect on this chosen path, her childhood experiences in conflict shaped her understanding of equality and opportunity, and how and why she continues this work despite the risks and difficulties. Human rights work is not only about speaking against injustice. It is also about building resilient communities, protecting the environment, empowering people and helping them recognize their own potential.
Nang Shining will also share the experiences of human rights defenders, activists, journalists, students, and others who have been affected by Myanmar’s political crisis. Many have faced insecurity, displacement, loss of livelihoods, separation from their families, difficulties crossing borders, uncertain legal status and challenges finding a safe place to rebuild their lives. Even after leaving Myanmar, many continue supporting their communities, documenting abuses, advocating for democracy, providing humanitarian assistance, and contributing to environmental and human rights work from outside the country.
Nang Shining’s own journey brought her to Canada in search of safety and a place where her family could rebuild their lives. She will reflect on Canada’s dedicated relocation pathway for human rights defenders, which recognizes the particular risks and needs of HRDs, as well as the limitations. Shining will conclude with reflections on how Canada and other countries could strengthen protection and relocation pathways for human rights defenders. This includes expanding access, recognizing HRDs’ professional experience and skills, strengthening connections with civil society and universities, and providing longer-term support for rebuilding meaningful lives and continuing human rights work safely.
About the Speaker:
Nang Shining is an international development professional with 15+ years of experience working alongside rural communities in Myanmar and the Mekong region. Her work with communities includes youth participatory action research, feminist participatory action research and collaborations with Indigenous and civil society organizations on issues of human rights, environmental justice, inclusion and sustainable development.
Registration:
To attend the event in person or virtually, please register here.