The 2021 coup staged by the military (Tatmadaw) has disrupted Myanmar’s path to democracy and development. The coup has destabilised the country, damaged its economy, and unleashed the widespread and brutal suppression of the human rights of the Myanmar people.

In this panel discussion our distinguished participants, drawn from leading organisations committed to defending human rights in Myanmar, will describe the current dimensions of this human rights crisis; explain why citizens and workers have fought so strongly for the restoration of rights and freedoms; and assess the prospects for the perpetrators of human rights abuses being held to account.

In the context of a disappointing and weak response from the international ‘community’ of states, including Australia, they will also outline what practical steps civil society organisations both within and beyond Myanmar can play to defend human rights and restore democracy.

Panel:
- Manny Maung, Human Rights Watch
- Tun Aung Shwe, National Unity Government of Myanmar
- Chris Sidoti, Special Advisory Council for Myanmar
- Chair: Htwe Htwe Thein, Curtin University