Leading human rights activist Debbie Stothard will address issues facing the South-East Asian nation of Myanmar during a public seminar at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» of Queensland on Monday.
Hosted by Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s (APR2P), Ms Stothard will discuss issues facing the country, particularly that of self-determination by minority ethnic groups.
APR2P Director Professor Alex Bellamy said, as an expert in the region and respected human rights advocate, Ms Stothard’s seminar would provide greater understanding of the dynamics at play and ways to negotiate progress in human rights protection in Myanmar.
“Despite some progress at the Panglong Conference earlier this year, there is still much that can be done to address human rights violations of ethnic minorities in Myanmar,” Professor Bellamy said.
“Ms Stothard has been involved in every step of democracy building in Myanmar; there are few as well positioned to shed light on these issues so we welcome the opportunity to share in her knowledge.
“As the Founder and Coordinator of the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma and the Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights, Ms Stothard understands the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming human rights violations.”
Ms Stothard said achieving and sustaining human rights does not occur in isolation but rather in concert with guidance and support from leaders in the Asia Pacific region.
“The opportunity to collaborate with APR2P is another step towards realising genuine national reconciliation, regional cooperation, and mutual respect for the peoples of Burma,” she said.
to attend Myanmar Human Rights and Democracy: Progress and Deadlocks, Monday 3 July 4.30pm.
APR2P’s mission is to support implementation of the Responsibility to Protect Principle in the Asia Pacific region, by working to strengthen the prevention of atrocity crimes and protection of vulnerable communities. The Centre is a partnership between the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» of Queensland.
Media: Arna Chancellor, 07 3346 6435, a.chancellor@uq.edu.au
