International Trade Union Movement supports Indonesia Working People to extinguish Omnibus Bill

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly condemns the declaration of emergency martial law in South Korea by President Yoon Suk-yeol. This anti-democratic action is a blatant attack on the constitutional order and a dangerous step towards dictatorship.

On 26 November 2024, millions of farmers and workers held coordinated protests in over 500 districts across India, marking the fourth anniversary of the farmers’ historic struggle that began alongside a nationwide workers’ strike. The protests were jointly organised by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) to demand urgent action on a wide-ranging charter of demands (see photos below), focusing on addressing the deepening agrarian crisis, economic inequalities, loss of social security, and government policies that favour corporations at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly condemns the unjust sentencing of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, including trade union leaders, Carol Ng, former Chairperson of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), and Winnie Yu, former President of the Hospital Authority Employees' Association (HAEA).

On 31 October 2024, Indonesian workers achieved a significant victory as the Constitutional Court partially upheld a judicial review petition regarding Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation, commonly known as the Omnibus Law.

The International Trade Union Confederation - Asia Pacific extends its heartfelt congratulations to HIDANKYO, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This prestigious recognition honours HIDANKYO's tireless work in advocating for a world free from nuclear weapons and the horrors they cause.

Trade unions from Asian and Arab states convened in Jordan on 24-25 September 2024 to reinforce international cooperation and address the exploitation faced by migrant workers.

Young trade unionists from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Singapore from 15-19 September 2024 for the 17th Youth Leadership Course titled ‘A New Social Contract – For Democracy: Empowering Youth in the Asia Pacific’. Organised by ITUC-Asia Pacific, Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF) and Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi), this five-day intensive programme brought together 29 participants from 18 countries, providing a platform for youth to explore pressing issues within the labour movement and promote democratic principles.

ITUC-Asia Pacific is urging all affiliates to step up their efforts to combat GBV and to unite in demanding systemic changes that will protect the dignity of all workers.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific expresses deep concern over the ongoing social unrest in Bangladesh, following the violent crackdown on student protests against the government's job quota system. The death toll has tragically risen to over 200, with over 2,500 individuals arrested as police and military forces were granted "shoot-on-sight" orders to curb the unrest.

Asia-Pacific remains the second worst region in the world for the working people as the past year was marked with systematic violations of the workers’ basic, democratic rights to organise a trade union, and to strike violated, according to the 2024 ITUC Global Rights Index.

The ITUC and ITUC-Asia Pacific jointly organised a solidarity meeting on Myanmar to urge more trade unions to support the struggles of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) and discuss the next steps forward in the ongoing campaign for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.

In a landmark event aimed at strengthening and highlighting trade unions’ role in development, trade unions affiliated to the ITUC-Asia Pacific and the International Trade Union Confederation – Nepal Affiliates Council (ITUC-NAC) convened in Kathmandu, Nepal on 19-20 May 2024 for a valuable workshop titled "Time for 8, Time to Build Trade Unions' Capacity to Accelerate the SDGs." The event aimed to enhance the role of trade unions in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward, with special focus on the SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.

The workshop marked a significant step towards a collaborative approach in addressing climate change through the lens of labour rights and social justice.

ITUC-Asia Pacific embarked on a three-day mission to Timor-Leste from 6 to 8 May 2024, marking the inaugural meeting on the crucial topic of #RatifyC190. This collaborative effort aimed to empower the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL) in crafting a robust campaign strategy for ratifying Convention 190 (C190) on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

As the world commemorates International Workers' Memorial Day on April 28th, the ITUC-Asia Pacific stands in solidarity with workers worldwide in remembrance of those who have lost their lives, been injured, or fallen ill due to their work. This year's commemoration shines a spotlight on the perilous impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety (OHS), emphasising the critical necessity of a just transition to safeguard the right to health and safe workplaces for all.

Centred on guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of initiatives, ITUC-Asia Pacific organised a pioneering Mentoring Champions Conference from 21-22 February 2024 in Manila, Philippines. This conference had the twin purpose of revisiting project milestones and reflecting on achievements while also empowering leaders to adopt the role of "Mentorship Champions."

The ITUC-Asia Pacific/DGB BW project organised a two-day training on the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique on 19-20 February 2024 in Manila to leverage the power of storytelling in amplifying the impact of the ITUC-Asia Pacific mentoring program.

Trade union representatives converged at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) held in Bangkok, Thailand from 20 to 23 February 2024 to raise workers’ key development justice demands on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals under review this year – Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and ITUC - Asia Pacific jointly facilitated a legal clinic in Nadi, Fiji from 20 to 21 February 2024 as a part of their effort to provide direct strategic support and guidance to Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) to help them better understand the labour law review process and enhance the capacity of FTUC leaders to advocate for workers’ rights in the country by utilising and maximising international labour and human rights standards.

The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Joint Farmers Front) and Central Trade Unions, Federations, and Associations have issued a nationwide call for massive mobilisation alongside the Industrial/Sectoral Strike and Grameen Bandh (Rural Shutdown) on 16th February 2024.

In a concerted effort to tackle the pervasive issue of child labour in Bangladesh, a one-day national workshop titled "Elimination of Child Labour in Bangladesh" was convened in Dhaka on 10 February 2024.

A one-day youth leadership national workshop aimed at enhancing the engagement of youth in trade unions across Bangladesh was successfully held on 9 February 2024 in Dhaka.

Three years since the military junta seized political power in Myanmar, the international trade union movement continues to stand in solidarity with the people in Myanmar and campaign for the restoration of their democracy.

In a landmark decision, the Parliament of the Maldives has passed the Industrial Relations (IR) Bill and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill on 18 December 2023. This historic achievement is the culmination of an 11-year journey of strategic planning and unwavering struggle by workers and unions in the Maldives.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific is calling on all states that have not ratified the TNPW to ratify the treaty and commit to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

Trade unions from South Asia and Bahrain met on 19-20 October 2023 in Manama to strategise on advancing fair recruitment agenda for migrant workers in the Gulf Countries and to end forced labour and ensure decent work for all workers, including migrant workers.

The ITUC and ITUC-Asia Pacific jointly organised the National Organising Academy (NOA) in Nadi, Fiji from 20 to 21 October 2023, as part of their efforts to reinforce that building workers’ power is essential in delivering a New Social Contract.

“We want a future of work where workers’ contribution to the society and the economy is fully recognised and rightfully compensated and where minimum living wages enable workers to meet their needs and live a life of dignity.”

ITUC-Asia Pacific stands in solidarity with the Indian farmers and workers as they remember the heart-wrenching events in Lakhimpur Kheri two years ago by observing the Black Day today, 3 October.

A total of 120 trade union leaders from various national centres and affiliates of the Global Unions Federations (GUFs) gathered in a National Symposium to formulate and affirm the position paper of Indonesian trade unions regarding the Job Creation Law and a roadmap for labour law reforms in Indonesia.

The Pacific Island Council of Trade Unions (PICTU) organised a regional coordination meeting on Labour Mobility in the Pacific on 3-5 July 2023 in Nadi, Fiji. A significant outcome of the meeting was PICTU’s position paper representing the aspirations and expectations of temporary migrant workers from the Pacific countries.

ITUC-Asia Pacific and its affiliate the Konfederasaun Sindakatu Timor Leste (KSTL) met with the honourable President Jose Ramos Horta at Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on 2 August 2023.

In an effort to address the pressing issue of climate change through Just Transition and equip trade unions with the necessary tools and capacity, the International Trade Union Confederation - Asia Pacific organised an online workshop for trade union leaders on 27 June 2023, entitled “Building the Capacity of Trade Unions in Asia and the Pacific on Just Transition”.

In the tenth-year edition of the Global Rights Index by the International Trade Union Confederation, Asia-Pacific's overall rating showed a marginal improvement this year after a steadily worsening environment for workers’ rights in the past nine years. However, the region still holds the unenviable distinction of being the second worst in the world for the working people.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly condemns the recent police brutality and arrest of union officials during a high-altitude sit-in protest by the POSCO subcontractor union. It urges the government of Korea to immediately release the detained union officials.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly denounces the recent prison sentences imposed on Chhim Sithar, President of the Labor Rights Supported Union (LRSU) of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld, and eight other leaders of the union.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific extends its deepest solidarity and sympathy to the people of Myanmar, particularly the members of the Confederation of Trade Unions, Myanmar (CTUM) and their families, following the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha

Singapore - The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)-Asia Pacific has adopted a resolution in response to Pakistan's economic and social crisis during its 19th Regional Executive Bureau meeting held on May 11-12, 2023. The resolution calls for urgent and immediate relief measures to help Pakistan, which is on the brink of sovereign default.

During the meeting with the ADB President, Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)-Asia Pacific, emphasized the need for a new social contract based on decent jobs, rights, wages, social protection, inequality, and inclusion to facilitate a just transition from global challenges and revive Asia and the Pacific region.

The mentorship program organised by ITUC-Asia Pacific, DGB BW and ATUC has unleashed the leadership potentials of participating women and youth trade unionists, as well as rekindled the fire of seasoned mentors in improving their practices in trade union work.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - Asia Pacific organised its second Mentorship Feedback Session in 2023. Held on 14 April 2023, the session aimed to give the participants a space to touch base on how their participation in the mentorship programme has helped them achieve their goals.

Trade unions joined the broad civil society in Asia-Pacific in their demand to “change the system, shift the power” at the 10th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from March 27-30, 2023.

ITUC-Asia Pacific's Youth Leadership Course (YLC), a flagship program aimed at training youth leaders in organizing and union building, has successfully taken place in Singapore on 23-27 January 2023. The program was supported by the Japan International Foundation (JILAF) and the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi).

On the second year anniversary of the coup, we join the demand of the international trade union movement to immediately restore the democratically elected government in Myanmar.

The four-day 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) concluded with the adoption of the Singapore Statement, which reaffirms the “tripartite commitments to, and the relevance of, the priorities agreed in the Bali Declaration to address the decent work deficits in Asia and the Pacific and the Arab regions.”

The six labour federations under the banner of the International Trade Union Confederation – Bangladesh Council (ITUC-BC) signed a declaration that seeks to unite the divided trade union movement in Bangladesh by forming a unified confederation by 2025.

Young workers participated in two-day workshops in Bangladesh and India to identify their priorities in the five demands of the new social contract – jobs, rights, social protection, equality and inclusion.

During its 22nd meeting on 13-14 October 2022, the ITUC-Asia Pacific’s Regional General Council adopted seven resolutions that seek to tackle the key challenges faced by workers in the region.

Trade unions in UK and India call on the the UK government to suspend trade negotiations with India until the Indian government shows respect for International Labour Organisation conventions and civil liberties.

Lead organisers from national centres affiliated with ITUC and ITUC-Asia Pacific participated in three National Organising Academies (NOAs) held in Fiji, the Philippines and Indonesia.

At the IP 4, the labour constituency ramped up workers' advocacy and lobbying based on the new development of the inclusion of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work as well as the decision of the UN General Assembly to recognise a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a universal human right.

It is urgently imperative that the international community needs to strengthen its disarmament efforts with the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons working in unison.

The abolition of nuclear weapons must be mankind’s top priority, as it is a key element in building a world grounded on peace and security.‍

To mark the exact 11th anniversary of this landmark win, affiliates and partners of the ITUC-Asia Pacific and the International Domestic Workers’ Federation (IDWF) came together online to celebrate the vigour of domestic workers’ leadership, share stories of their gains and struggles, and discuss ways forward in building caring economies and making the trade union movement more inclusive.

Asia-Pacific remains the second worst region in the world for workers. The labour rights situation in the region worsened from last year.

Following its 23rd Virtual Women’s Committee Meeting last 26 April 2022, the ITUC-Asia Pacific envisions targeted initiatives to further align gender equality programming with the organisation’s broader priorities and activities in 2022.

ITUC-Asia Pacific calls on the South Korean authorities to uphold ILO Conventions 87 and 98 and drop the charges against KCTU first vice-president Yuon Taeg-gun.

Trade unions participated in the 9th Asia Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development (APFSD) on 28-31 March 2022 and added the workers’ voices to the collective call for development justice by civil society organisations across the region.

After the longstanding demand from the trade unions in Bangladesh, including the International Trade Union Confederation-Bangladesh Council (ITUC-BC), the Government of Bangladesh has ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 138 (C138) or the Minimum Age Convention that seeks to progressively eliminate child labour by setting the minimum working age for any person at 14 years old.

“Save the people and save the nation!” This is the rallying cry of the trade unions in the two-day strike that was held across India on 28-29 March 2022. Organised under the banner of the joint platform of central trade unions (CTUs) and supported by many independent and sectoral federations and associations, the strike mobilised 200 million workers in India to collectively raise their demands.

This training and dissemination workshop was part of a joint project with the DGB Bildungswerk Bund (DGB BW) to advance the engagement of women and young trade unionists in leadership representations and social dialogues.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly condemns Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and urges the international community to take immediate action to stop this humanitarian crime.

Representatives from across Asia-Pacific exchanged views about union engagement in the SDGs with representatives of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific (UNESCAP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Building on the successes of the project’s previous phase, the WaY2GO 2.0 aims to help women and youth unionists in Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to reach their full potential as leaders in the trade union movement.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly condemns Russia’s military invasion and urges its troops immediate suspension and withdrawal from Ukraine.

“We are one with the workers and people of Myanmar who, in the past one year, did not budge in the face of the military regime’s atrocious attacks."

The song, Equality for You and Me, was launched on Human Rights Day.

Lyrics of the song, Equality for You and Me

The united and strong voices of ITUC-Asia Pacific’s affiliates are critical in realising the trade unions’ longstanding demand for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to introduce a binding and comprehensive labour safeguards that respect the core labour standards.

The two-week climate talks at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) concluded on 12 November with a deal that is insufficient to keep the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, falling short on ambition, finance, responsibility and inclusion.

Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), was freed from prison on Friday, 12 November 2021, after the Phnom Penh Appeals Court reduced his sentence.

“We support a model of trade based on social justice and the respect of fundamental rights at work."

In time for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 30-31 October 2021, the L20 released a statement that puts forward the workers’ demands to the G20 leaders on delivering prosperity for the people and the planet.

The impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic have been unprecedented, wrecking the world of work almost instantly when the first wave of outbreak happened in 2020. Nearly two years have passed since the first case of COVID-19 was detected and yet, the working people are still reeling from the multiple and intersecting crises that the pandemic has exacerbated.

In the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) set out its demands and climate priorities in its Frontlines Briefing titled ‘Social justice enables climate ambition: unions set course for COP 26’.

The International Trade Union Confederation has published a new report about governments’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia-Pacific and whether these are in line with the SDGs.

“Nuclear weapons have no place in a world that we aim to build back better.” This is the key message of Shoya Yoshida, Genera Secretary of the ITUC-Asia Pacific, in his statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on 26 September 2021.

The trade union movement in Hong Kong has been a constant target of attacks, threats, and intimidation by the government since the adoption of the National Security Law in 2020. Along with other pro-democratic activists, Lee Cheuk-Yan, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) was arrested and imprisoned for organising and participating in peaceful demonstrations, a right that has been guaranteed by international laws as well as Hong Kong’s Basic Law.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific strongly condemns the objection by the Myanmar military junta to the participation of the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) and the nomination of Maung Maung, CTUM President, as the representative to the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML), 6-8 September 2021 hosted by Brunei Darussalam. Jointly with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the ITUC-Asia Pacific expressed serious concern about these incidents in a letter addressed to ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi on 15 September 2021.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific demands the immediate release of Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) President Yang Kyeung-soo who was arrested this morning, 2 September 2021. The arrest took place in a raid of the KCTU headquarters 20 days after a warrant was issued to President Yang by the Seoul Central District Court for organising a rally on 3 July, which allegedly violates the Act on Demonstration and Assembly and the Act on Infectious Disease Prevention and Control.

The International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Pacific (ITUC-Asia Pacific), together with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), International Transport Workers Federation, UNI Global Union, Public Services International, International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tourism, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations, Building and Wood Workers International, Education International, IndustriALL Global Union, and ITUC/Global Unions Washington Office, issued a position paper on the review and update of the 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to promote and respect international labour standards in ADB.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific is deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of the people of Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban forces. Tragic and appalling stories of chaos, killings, and violence since the Taliban's seizure of Afghanistan's political seat must be enough to urge the international community to act swiftly to protect the lives and human rights of innocent civilians.

The struggle for democracy in Myanmar continues with the call for the recognition of the legitimacy of the National Unity Government (NUG) of the Republic Union of Myanmar at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 14-30 September 2021, and beyond. Strategies for concerted actions in support of this call were discussed in the meeting organised by ITUC-Asia Pacific, together with the Confederation Trade Union Myanmar (CTUM) and Global Union Federations (GUFs) in the Asia-Pacific region on 17 August 2021.

The 2021 Public Collective Bargaining Agreement Framework Protocol negotiations have concluded in Turkey on 12 August 2021. The negotiations concern more than 700 thousand public workers, including those who have been transferred from subcontractors and carried out jointly by the affiliates of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) and Confederation of Turkish Real Trade Unions (HAK-İŞ).=

On 9 August 2021, central trade unions in India organised a nationwide protest against the anti-worker, anti-people, and anti-nation policies of the Modi government. The protest march, dubbed as ‘Save India Day’, also marked the anniversary of ‘Quit India Movement’ led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942.

Respondents from Asia-Pacific are more likely to believe that workers’ rights are now more important than before, compared to respondents from other regions. This is one of the key findings of the ITUC Frontline Poll June 2021 that assesses the changes in the public’s attitudes on workers’ rights as a result of the pandemic.

The ITUC-Asia Pacific is gravely concerned by the raging fire that burned down the factory of Hashem Food and Beverage in Rupganj area in Naranyanganj in Bangladesh, claiming the lives of at least 52 workers and causing injuries to more than 30 others. While the final death toll is yet to be confirmed, the ITUC-Asia Pacific extends its condolences and solidarity to all those who are affected.

The Asia-Pacific region remains the second worst region in the world for workers’ rights according to the 2021 edition of ITUC’s annual Global Rights Index. While Asia-Pacific retains its ranking since 2014, its rating increased from 4.09 to 4.17, falling between systematic violations of rights and no guarantee of rights. The increased rating indicates that the workers’ rights situation in the region worsened compared to last year.

On 19 June 2021, the 109th Session of International Labour Conference (ILC) adopted an emergency resolution on Myanmar, calling for the restoration of democracy, the reestablishment of civilian rule, the end to arbitrary detentions and violations of human rights, and the restoration of fundamental principles and rights at work, especially the exercise of freedom of association without the threat of violence, arrest, and detention.

On 16 June 2011, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework” (UNGPs), developed by Professor John Ruggie of Harvard University – the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.

After years of campaigning by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC)-RENGO, the Bill on the Strengthening of Related Laws for the Conclusion of the Convention on the Abolition of Forced Labor (C105) (hereafter, "the Bill") was approved and enacted at the Plenary Session of the Upper House of the Japanese Diet on June 9th. With this development, Japan is one step closer to the ratification of C105.

Today, 28 May 2021, Lee Cheuk Yan has been handed a new sentence of additional 18 months of jail time for taking part in a peaceful pro-democracy protest on China’s National Day in October 2019. This is on top of the 18-month imprisonment sentence for his participation in the pro-democracy protest in August 2019.

In line with the commemoration of the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour this 2021, the ITUC-Asia Pacific launches the #EndChildLabour Poster Competition on 12 May to raise awareness on the urgent need to take action to eliminate child labour in Asia and the Pacific.

Today, we celebrate the historic values and achievements of the international trade union movement and reaffirm our commitment to organise workers everywhere and support their fights for democratic rights.

On the occasion of May Day, the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) calls on the international trade union movement to support the civil disobedience movement (CDM) in Myanmar.

ITUC AP condemns the police killing of 5 workers in Banshkhali power plant in Bangladesh on 18 April 2021. The incident took place in an under-construction coal-fired power plant which is a joint venture of S Alam Group, a Bangladeshi industrial conglomerate and Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation III, a well-known Chinese company.

On 18 August 2019, about 1.7 million Hong Kong citizens gathered in parks and street to protest against police brutality and to demand for democratic reforms. The protestors were not deterred by the rains on that fateful day; rather, the Hong Kong streets were filled with colourful umbrellas as they marched to express their demands peacefully. With no major clashes between the protestors and the police, the media and the people around the world watched the march declared it as a peaceful assembly.

COVID-19 is a true test for the global community. It is a test for trade unions on whether they could spare the values that they have been promoting in the past centuries, such as coexistence, equality, tolerance, unity, and social justice.

Lee Cheuk Yan, General Secretary of Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), was found guilty for participating in unauthorised assembly against the abuses of police power in August 2019. The conviction of Lee Cheuk Yan and six other prominent opposition activists came on Thursday, 1 April 2021.

The violent and brutal attacks against anti-coup protesters in Myanmar continue to escalate. At least 510 people have been killed and more than 2,574, including trade unionists, have been detained since the military seized power in a coup d’état on 1 February 2021.