I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the history of the Human Rights Education Institute of Burma. Just nine years ago we started with two staff, committed to raising awareness about human rights in refugee camps along the Thai – Burma border. We now have over 50 staff working inside Burma and along Burma’s borders in Thailand, India, and China. We have developed resources for human rights educators in over seven languages and have trained thousands of activists to stand up to abuse.
2009 was a momentous year for HREIB. We instituted significant structural reforms and policy changes, including a reconstitution of our approach to field-team supervision and an overhaul of our financial management system. These changes are described in detail in this report. Our trainers continue to take on great risks to promote human rights inside Burma. In 2009 they faced increasing harassment by the military regime—a constant reminder of the need to protect human rights defenders. Many of our trainers have sacrificed their liberty for the sake of human rights education; their courage is remarkable.
In 2009 we learned from our challenges and achievements, alike. During this period, our programs on human rights, women rights, child rights, and LGBT rights have moved forward from education to action at the community level. This report highlights such action, including an example of how children have taken on a campaign to raise awareness about child trafficking with creative theater performance. This report also conveys the importance of looking at Burma’s socioeconomic challenges through the lens of human rights; it illustrates how the issue of sexual health for LGBT people must be tackled with a rights-based approach.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all HREIB staff. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to HREIB’s partners and network organizations for their rich ideas and solidarity in action. Finally, special thanks are due to our funders who provide steadfast support and encouragement. Our commitment to human rights in Burma remains as strong as ever!
In Solidarity,
Aung Myo Min
Specifications
- Publisher: HREIB
- Language: English
- Paperback: 20 pages
