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Dear Secretary Pompeo, we write to you as 35 organizations deeply concerned about the plight of the Rohingya people.

By John Quinley and Kyaw Win in The Diplomat

15 anti-war protesters arrested, some sentenced to five years in prison, many in hiding

(YANGON, October 15, 2020)—Nine years after war reignited between the Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army in 2011, more than 106,000 civilians remain forcibly displaced and fighting continues to affect local communities.

Three Rohingya refugee Media Fellows at Fortify Rights have been documenting life inside the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Fortify Rights hosted a two-day workshop in Bangkok for refugee rights defenders in Thailand under the Coalition for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless Persons (CRSP).

One year on, Royal Commission of Inquiry report remains unpublished

Court sentences three human rights defenders to 15 days in prison for peaceful assembly

Two Myanmar Army soldiers now in ICC custody in The Hague

Court fines Maung Saungkha for holding peaceful protest

14 Rohingya-led refugee organizations call on the Union Election Commission for the right to vote

By Nickey Diamond and Jacob Bogart in Frontier Myanmar

Lift Internet Ban; Quash Cases Against Students Protesting Shutdown

Trial of human rights defenders scheduled to begin today

Final list of candidates excludes Rohingya

Ismail Wolff brings decades of experience

Election Commission rejects six Rohingya candidates

By John Quinley III in the Financial Times

Court combines two defamation complaints brought by Thammakaset

By Matthew Smith in Time

Two ethnic-Karen activists charged under peaceful assembly law

Election commission rejects Rohingya candidate

Detainees report severe restrictions on movement, suicidal ideations, and death threats

Fortify Rights partnered with Host International to train Thai police and immigration officers on case management for child refugees.

Court set to consider case on August 4

Lift internet blackout, protect freedom of expression

By Puttanee Kangkun & John Quinley III in Bangkok Post

By Matthew Smith in Time

Fifty-eight organizations call on U.S. to label crimes against Rohingya genocide

58 Organizations Support Petition Urging Secretary Pompeo to Publicly Determine that Myanmar has Committed Genocide and Crimes against Humanity against the Rohingya People.

New U.N. Special Rapporteur calls for protection of freedom of expression

National elections scheduled for November 8

Government announces plans for landmine clearance bodies

Refugees describe struggle to survive during pandemic

The undersigned organizations express their deep concern regarding today’s announcement by Secretary of State Pompeo and other senior U.S. officials that the United States, among other things, has invoked emergency powers in order to threaten asset freezes and other punitive actions against officials of the International Criminal Court, their family members, and those who assist their investigations.

Court acquits two human rights defenders of spurious charges brought by Thammakaset

Re: Ongoing situation of judicial harassment of women and men Human Rights Defenders (W/HRDs) in Thailand

Thailand threatens to return 35 Rohingya, including six women and 16 children, to Myanmar

Thai chicken company files new criminal complaints against prominent Thai women human rights defenders

By Puttanee Kangkun in Bangkok Post

First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Rohingya refugee camp

COVID-19 and longstanding restrictions on humanitarian aid hamper landmine-survivor support

84 organizations call on Malaysia to end discriminatory rhetoric against Rohingya refugees

42 detainees in Songkhla Immigration Detention Center test positive for COVID-19

Testimony reveals murder, beatings, and deprivations at sea

Violations of Students’ Rights in Mandalay, Myanmar,

New report exposes arbitrary detention and torture of university student activists

Thai chicken company continues to target women human rights defenders

Boats of Rohingya refugees reportedly adrift at sea

Re: Take immediate steps to release prisoners and ensure the health and safety of all those in detention facilities

Boat of more than 200 Rohingya refugees intercepted by Malaysian authorities

50 organizations call for end to communication restrictions and fencing in Cox’s Bazar

Dear Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, As authorities around the world struggle to cope with the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial that States act to protect the most vulnerable, including refugee populations.

By John Quinley in Dhaka Tribune

P’Bik is the Coordinator of the Migrant Workers Rights Network, which is advocating for migrant workers’ rights in the age of COVID-19.

ortify Rights continues to provide refugees and their families with behind-the-scenes support, including practical advice on sensitive cases.

Access to information necessary to prevent spread of COVID-19

Lift arbitrary restrictions on internet and mobile communications, cease fencing camps

Lawyer compares Myanmar treatment of Rohingya to Nazi Germany

Rohingya Christians abducted and beaten, religious property destroyed

As part of Fortify Rights’ work to strengthen and support human rights defenders, the organization coordinated an opportunity for victims of judicial harassment in Thailand to meet and brief members of the diplomatic community in Bangkok.

Yasmin Ullah, a Rohingya activist and President of the Canada-based Rohingya Human Rights Network, traveled with Fortify Rights on her first visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh.

Fortify Rights partnered with Trial Watch, an initiative founded by the Clooney Foundation for Justice in April 2019, to enable law students from Thailand's Thammasat University to monitor trials in Thailand.

Preliminary hearings set for Angkhana Neelapaijit and Puttanee Kangkun

Today, Fortify Rights removed from its website and video-supporting platforms a short film entitled, “Drop Criminal Defamation Charges Against Migrant Workers,” published by the organization in October 2017.

Mobile internet blackout in four townships in Rakhine State among the world’s longest running

29 international and Myanmar-based organizations call for end to internet shutdown

Fortify Rights and local partners co-hosted a workshop in Bangkok to assess Thailand's performance in ending the detention of children by immigration authorities.

By Matthew Smith in Mekong Review

Thai authorities or Thai poultry company Thammakaset Company Limited should immediately drop criminal defamation complaints against Puttanee Kangkun and other human rights defenders, Fortify Rights said today.

In historic move, World Court orders Myanmar to prevent genocide against Rohingya

Rohingya women organize while Myanmar faces genocide charges at the ICJ

Internal government documents reveal ongoing campaign

By Michael Lwin and Matthew Smith in Georgetown Journal of International Affairs

New footage shows dozens of Rohingya men, women, children behind bars

Child-slave labor, severe violations against Rohingya continue

Thai authorities threaten to return family of Arakan Army commander to Myanmar where they face persecution

By Matthew Smith in Nikkei Asian Review

Poultry company files new complaint against human rights defender, mediation scheduled for February 12, 2020.

Dear Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed: we, the 39 undersigned organizations, welcome the recent announcement on November 3 by the Bangladesh Minister of Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman to put on hold plans to relocate Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char island and that any relocations would be voluntary...

U.N. assessment of Bhasan Char island scheduled to begin on November 17

The Gambia files case against Myanmar for Rohingya genocide

Cabinet expected to consider draft regulation to screen refugees before the end of this year

Government commits to creating refugee-screening mechanism

Court to deliver verdict on appeals of Thailand's largest-ever human trafficking trial

Trial of activists set to continue tomorrow

Testimonies indicate relocations slated for next month would be involuntary

By John Quinley III in The Daily Star

Five protesters in hiding, trial set to continue October 24

Fortify Rights hosted a reception celebrating Angkhana Neelapaijit on receiving the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2019.

Anti-war protesters face arbitrary arrest and detention

Meet Ngamsuk Ruttanasatain (Lek), a 51-year-old Thai human rights defender who is currently a lecturer at Mahidol University’s Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies (IHRP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangladesh suspends internet access for refugees, internet restrictions continue in parts of Myanmar

National Verification Cards and the Denial of Citizenship of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar

Fortify Rights’ latest 102-page report exposes new details on root of Rohingya crisis

Re: Rosenthal Report

UN Human Rights Council should address human rights crisis in Cambodia at its 42nd session

The Carr Center combines theory, policy, and practice to address the most entrenched and complex problems facing societies around the world.

“Repatriation” scheduled to begin August 22

Poultry company continues assault on free expression in Thailand

Ensure access for aid groups and monitors

Video footage shows Indian security forces dragging Rakhine refugee

Court to consider complaint by Thammakaset Company Limited on July 1, 2019

Government released four members of a Muslim-wedding party imprisoned since 2014

Boat of 65 Rohingya refugees landed in Thailand yesterday

By Puttanee Kangkun in The Star

Civilians, including children, killed and injured in armed conflict

Saman Zia-Zarifi, Sanjula Weerasinghe, and an ethnic leader from Myanmar join the organization

Bangkok Criminal Court to begin trial tomorrow

Repeal Unlawful Associations Act, protect freedom of expression and association

Rohingya women organize for change

Crimes Against Humanity, Mass Graves, and Human Trafficking from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Malaysia from 2012 to 2015

Report finds trafficking syndicate committed crimes against humanity

"We write to welcome your initiative to review United Nations operations in Myanmar, and to strongly urge you ensure that the review is open, transparent and that its findings and recommendations are made public."

Myanmar military announces “investigative court” to “scrutinize” allegations of human rights violations in Rakhine State

Militants should protect the right to freedom of expression

Thai court confirms criminal defamation charges against Nan Win

On the second anniversary of the defamation charges brought upon Ko Swe Win, editor at online newspaper Myanmar Now, we, the undersigned 77 civil society organisations, call on the relevant authorities to drop the case against him...

Rohingya refugee girls describe forced marriage and slave-like conditions

University students sentenced to hard labor for peaceful protest

"We respectfully urge the Thai government to take immediate action to oppose and seek the dismissal of cases filed by Thammakaset that run counter to your government’s proclaimed policy to support business and human rights as well as Thailand’s interests, legal obligations, and international human rights law commitments."

By John Quinley III in TIME

89 organizations worldwide ask Thai Prime Minister to address judicial harassment

Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas at protesters

Ensure rights to freedom of assembly and expression

By Puttanee Kangkun in The Nation

Worker who exposed abuses to appear in court today

Authorities threaten refugees with forced return to Myanmar

To Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha: Your Excellency, We the undersigned organisations write to you to express our deepest concerns regarding the continued detention of Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi. This letter builds upon previous correspondence from numerous organisations, human rights institutions, personalities and concerned citizens from around the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Signs Agreement to Prevent Detention of Children

Thailand edges closer to respecting refugee and migrant rights with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ending the detention of refugee and migrant children

Fortify Rights Legal Director named Malaysia’s Representative to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights

By Eric Paulsen in The Star

By Eric Paulsen in The Star

Hate-crime legislation would protect LGBTI persons and aid accountability

23 Rohingya groups worldwide call on the U.S. government to push for international accountability for genocide

By Matthew Smith in The Washington Post

One-year anniversary of the arbitrary detention of Reuters journalists

Education Minister proposes more political freedoms on campuses

Court scheduled to consider new complaints on December 3

Bangkok court to consider new criminal defamation complaints today

By Eric Paulsen in Malaysiakini

Protect human rights defenders from judicial harassment

Prime Minister’s Department Minister for Law pledges to abolish death penalty

Refugees fear forced returns to Myanmar amidst threats, physical assault

National Human Rights Commission of Thailand releases findings on death of Rohingya refugee girl in detention

New research documents Rohingya on-the-move and exploitation

By Puttanee Kangkun and John Quinley III in Humanitarian Exchange Magazine

By John Quinley III in The Dhaka Tribune

Uphold freedom of expression, decriminalize defamation

More than 200 refugees arrested in two months, Deputy Prime Minister orders deportation of migrants

By Henry Koh in Malaysiakini

Education Minister vows to abolish controversial restrictions

New report reveals decade of violations against environmental defenders in Loei Province

Reprisals Against Environmental Defenders in Loei Province, Thailand

Almost 40 years ago, Thailand ratified the Forced Labour Convention, designed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to eradicate all forms of slavery and forced labour. And less than four months ago, it ratified its recent update – the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention (P29) – which requires ratifying states must provide protection and compensation to victims of forced labour, and suitably sanction its perpetrators.

U.N. Security Council should urgently refer Myanmar to International Criminal Court

Prime Minister to address U.N. General Assembly today

By Puttanee Kangkun in The Nation

By Eric Paulse in The Diplomat

Historic decision grants court jurisdiction over forced deportation

83 civil society organizations in Myanmar call for release of journalists and accountability

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years in prison by Yangon Region Northern District Court today. We strongly condemn the punishment of these two individuals for simply doing their jobs as journalists.

By David Baulk in TIME

By Taimoor Sobhan in CNN

Avoidable Deprivations in Humanitarian Aid to Ethnic Civilians Displaced by War in Kachin State, Myanmar

New report reveals how government obstructed aid to displaced Kachin since 2011

By John Quinley III in Asia Times

Independent U.N. Mission finds Myanmar committed atrocities against Kachin, Rohingya, Shan

By Eric Paulsen in Malaysiakini

Fishing workers, through the very nature of their work, are especially vulnerable to human trafficking as well as forced, bonded and slave labour, operating as they do in isolated and hazardous conditions. To protect this vulnerable group, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has established basic standards of decent work in the fishing industry.

Repeal the Sedition Act, protect the freedom of expression

Fortify Rights welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the United Nations Human Rights Committee with regard to the Government of Thailand’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Thailand submits progress report to U.N. on compliance with civil and political rights

By Eric Paulsen in The Sun Daily

Preparations for Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State, Myanmar

Report finds “reasonable grounds” for ICC arrest warrants, identifies 22 military and police officials

Court verdict expected tomorrow on freedom of expression case

US Congress should adopt legislation to enhance targeted sanctions against Myanmar military commanders

Violations of the Rights to Freedom of Expression, Peaceful Assembly, and Association Against University Students in Malaysia

New report reveals decades-long state restrictions on speech, expression, assembly

Fortify Rights today named prominent Malaysian human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen as the organization’s Legal Director. Mr. Paulsen will focus on various aspects of the organization’s human rights work in South and Southeast Asia.

End detention, forcible returns, and establish durable solutions

By Sutharee Wannasiri in Asia Times

Prosecutor expected to consider charges against protesters on Tuesday

By Sutharee Wannasiri in Asia Times

Human Rights Watch and Fortify Rights welcome the opportunity to provide joint input into the November 2017 request by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for an exceptional report from the Myanmar government on the situation of women and girls from northern Rakhine State.

Committee Seeks Information on Rakhine State Atrocities Against Women, Girls

Momentous new government commits to repeal repressive laws

Re: Human rights reforms under the new government

Re: Human rights reforms under the new government

Criminal defamation trial against journalists resumes today

Trial against three protesters continues today

Multi-city protests call for civilian protection and end to conflict in Kachin State

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber invites feedback from Bangladesh on possible prosecution

Security Council concluded visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh on May 1

Organization honored today for its human rights work in Myanmar

Surviving family member in hiding, facing prison after calling for investigation

Verdict expected tomorrow in peaceful assembly case

By Henry Koh in Asia Times

Presidential amnesty frees 8,490 prisoners, political prisoners remain behind bars

Read the Report (English and Thai)

U.N. Working Group on business and human rights concludes first official visit

Thai authorities push Rohingya refugees back out to sea, putting lives at risk

Appeal Court to issue ruling on rights-violating case against journalists tomorrow

Protect right to freedom of expression, free remaining political prisoners

Civilians feared disappeared after being detained by military on January 31

Pressure mounts as Security Council meets today to discuss Rohingya

Court confirms murder charges against four defendants

Trial set to begin tomorrow in Bangkok

By Matthew Smith in CNN

Survivors and eyewitnesses describe unlawful use of lethal force by police

Repatriation set to begin January 23, new film highlights Rohingya voices

Two journalists face 14-year prison sentence, trial begins January 23

Thai journalist faces up to five years in prison

Two Reuters journalists arrested in mounting crackdown on media

By Henry Koh in The Malay Mail

...We, a global coalition of 81 human rights, faith-based and humanitarian organizations, urgently call on the Council to take immediate action to address the campaign of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocity crimes, including crimes against humanity, committed against the ethnic Rohingya population by Myanmar’s security forces in northern Rakhine State...

By Sutharee Wannasiri, Nickey Diamond, and Henry Koh in Asia Times

International cooperation needed to halt killing and seek justice

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Fortify Rights

Decriminalize defamation laws, uphold right to freedom of expression

16-Year-old Rohingya Girl Dies After Three Years in Thai Detention

Investigate alleged torture, repeal Unlawful Associations Act

Submission to the U.K. Parliament International Development Committee Inquiry

“Black Halloween” crackdown and other raids result in arrest of 19 children

Re: Burma and Targeted Sanctions Dear Secretaries Tillerson and Mnuchin, The US government urgently needs to act to help address the grave human rights and humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the Burmese military’s brutal response to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA)’s August 25 attack on government posts in Burma’s Rakhine State.

Landmine casualties mount, two recent deaths in Shan State

Decision today extended pre-trial bail of journalist Swe Win, next hearing Monday

Verdict Expected on Dubious Unlawful Association, Defamation Charges

By Matthew Smith in TIME

By Puttanee Kangkun in The Nation

By Amy Smith and Matthew Smith in Forbes

Verdict expected tomorrow in human rights defender case

U.S. President Donald Trump should urge Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to meet human rights obligations

U.N. Secretary General to brief Security Council today, 88 organizations call for arms embargo, sanctions on Myanmar

We, a global coalition of 88 civil society organizations, urgently call upon UN member states to take immediate steps to address the human rights abuses and humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Myanmar’s ethnic Rohingya population.

Re: protecting new rohingya refugee arrivals and engaging with the Myanmar military on ending attacks in Rakhine

Letter to Prime Minister Prayut recommends Thailand protect potential new refugee arrivals

Re: Criminal Defamation Complaints Brought against Myanmar Migrant Workers and Labor Rights Advocate.

87 civil society groups, businesses, parliamentarians urge Thai Prime Minister to protect freedom of expression and labor rights

Massive refugee-influx expected in Bangladesh as Muslim villages burn

Abolish restrictions and ensure accountability, cooperate with U.N. Fact Finders

Immediately repeal Film Censorship Act

By Matthew Smith and Amy Smith in Tea Circle

Fifth journalist detained in the country in two months

Free Detained Journalists, Ensure Accountability

Trial Slated for July 26

Local residents face five to ten years in prison for peaceful assemblies

One-year anniversary of arbitrary detention of rights-defender

Verdicts delivered in Thailand’s largest human trafficking trial

Verdict expected tomorrow in Thailand’s largest-ever human trafficking trial

Trial of ethnic-Rakhine activist resumes today

Fourteen migrant workers face prison for speaking out

End detention, forcible returns of refugees

U.N. Refugee High Commissioner to meet Thai Prime Minister

By David Baulk in Al Jazeera

Joint statement by 61 Myanmar and international human rights organizations

Ensure impartial investigation, account for well-being of victims

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, urge Thai authorities and business enterprises in the country to uphold the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Urgently investigate, hold perpetrators accountable

We, the undersigned Civil Society organizations, call on the National League for Democracy (NLD) Government to fully cooperate with the forthcoming International Fact Finding Mission into the human rights situation in Rakhine State and other ethnic states, as recently mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

More than 50 domestic organizations call on government to support human rights mission

Immediately release remaining political prisoners, repeal unjust laws

Organizations call on authorities to reopen investigation, ensure effective remedies

Read the Open Letter

23 International Groups Call on Governments to Engage Myanmar to Support U.N. Mission

Third Anniversary of the Death of U Win Tin Groups Call for the Immediate Release of All Individuals Imprisoned Under Politically Motivated Charges

Prosecute Human Traffickers; End Protracted Detention of Refugee, Migrants

Accountability Needed for Gross Violations in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan States

Testimony Before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

U.N. Human Rights Council Should Mandate Robust Inquiry in Myanmar

Thailand’s Compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Commit to Full Compliance with Rights Treaty During U.N. Review

Investigate Alleged Human Rights Violations in Rakhine State, Hold Perpetrators Accountable

Amend Film Censorship Act To Protect Freedom of Expression

Read the Joint Letter

By Matthew Smith in The Wall Street Journal

Deep Condolences Expressed to Victims’ Families and Loved Ones

Allow Access by Lawyers and Family to Detained Baptist Leaders

Read the Joint Statement

40 Diverse Groups Call for a “Truly Independent” Commission of Inquiry

Urgently Report on Whereabouts, Well-Being; Allow UN Expert Access

Prevent forced returns, allow humanitarian agencies unfettered access to displaced communities

By Puttanee Kangkun in The Wall Street Journal

By Kobsak Chutikul and Matthew Smith in The Jakarta Post

Re: Andy Hall’s Conviction of Criminal Defamation and Computer Crimes Violations

By Matthew Smith in CNN

Drop terrorism and other charges, protect human rights defenders

Protect environmental activists, uphold rights to peaceful assembly and expression

Read the Joint Statement

Investigate threats against Bersih organizers

Decriminalize defamation, protect human rights defenders and press

"We, the undersigned organizations, urge the Thai government to protect press freedom, decriminalize defamation, and bring the 2007 Computer-related Crime Act into line with international law and standards, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression."

Re: Proposed amendments to the Legal Profession Act 1976

Provide unfettered access for humanitarian groups, journalists, rights monitors

"We, the undersigned international human rights organizations, urge Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to reject currently proposed amendments to the 2007 Computer- Related Crime Act (CCA) and to instead adopt amendments that would bring the law into line with Thailand’s obligations under international law, including its obligation to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and privacy."

End judicial harassment of mining-affected communities in Loei Province

Extrajudicial Killings and Abuses Undercut Security in Rakhine State

Repeal of Emergency Provisions Act a positive move towards aligning domestic law with human rights law

"The Thai Government should immediately drop all proceedings against human rights lawyer, Sirikan Charoensiri, including the specious accusation of sedition, which apparently relate to her organization’s representation of 14 student activists peacefully protesting in June 2015, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (an FIDH–OMCT partnership), Protection International (PI), Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC), Fortify Rights, and the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), said today."

Government should protect press freedoms, decriminalize defamation laws

U.S. Congress should maintain targeted sanctions on Myanmar

Oppose Lifting of U.S. Sanctions on Myanmar in Lead Up to Aung San Suu Kyi Visit

More than 50 organizations in Myanmar call for repeal of controversial law

The “Annan Commission” should seek to end and remedy ongoing rights violations

The National Ocean Council Committee on IUU Fishing and Seafood Fraud’s Proposed Seafood Import Monitoring Program

More than two dozen individuals and civil society organizations (CSO) called on the governments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to uphold the rights and protections of Rohingya.

Investigate allegations of forced labor and torture in Rakhine State

On June 23, a violent group of people destroyed a mosque in Thaye Thamain village, Bago Region, and on July 1, a similar mob of people destroyed a Muslim prayer hall in Lone Khin village, Kachin State. In each of these cases, the authorities have failed to hold perpetrators accountable.

Hold Perpetrators Accountable, Ensure Protection for Religious Minorities

U.S. trafficking report gives Myanmar lowest ranking, fails to accurately assess Thailand, Malaysia

Re: Thailand’s Designation in the 2016 Global Trafficking in Persons Report

Uphold Rights to Liberty and Freedom of Expression

Conviction violates freedom of expression

By David Baulk in The Wall Street Journal

(June 9, 2016)—Although much of the world has expressed excitement over Myanmar’s political transition, communities throughout Kachin and northern Shan states have been living with severe human rights abuses and displacement for the last five years.

Remarks of Ms. Puttanee Kangkun Thailand Human Rights Specialist at Fortify Rights

By Sutharee Wannasiri and Kingsley Abbott in The Bangkok Post

Court Convicts Two Men for Attacks on Loei Human Rights Defenders

Protect Rights to Privacy and Freedom of Movement, Residency, and Association

By Tom Andrews and Matthew Smith in Foreign Policy

Strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure accountability for human rights abuses

Rights Groups Call on President Obama to Renew Sanctions before May 20 Deadline, Set Benchmarks

Why the U.S. Should Maintain Existing Sanctions Authority

On the eve of the five-year anniversary of his detention, we, the undersigned international organizations, condemn the ongoing and arbitrary deprivation of liberty of human rights defender Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk and call on Thailand’s authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him.

Breakthrough resolution passed by Thai authorities

Hold perpetrators accountable, amend peaceful assembly law

Protect interfaith activists, repeal Unlawful Associations Act

Thailand must immediately revoke National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Order 13/2016 which confers sweeping powers on the Royal Thai Armed Forces in contravention of human rights and the rule of law, said the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International (AI), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights), and Fortify Rights (FR), today.

End the use of defamation, judicial harassment to silence critics

Ensure Protections for Refugees and Human Trafficking Survivors

Objective rankings critical to end abuses, promote progress

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations

UN submission calls on Thailand to recognize the rights of refugees

Submitted 21 September 2015

Government should hold perpetrators of forced labor accountable, compensate survivors

Governments should provide full protection to Rohingya, respect right to liberty

A Briefing on the Situation of Rohingya Refugees from Myanmar in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia

Advocate, journalist, human trafficking survivors, and community activists receive prestigious award

First-of-its kind effort to save lives at sea in Southeast Asia

Scrap plan to sell vacated Muslim-owned properties and businesses in Rakhine State

Abuse against migrants, human trafficking, and impunity continues

Ma Ba Tha and authorities target interfaith peace activists

EU Commissioner for fisheries, maritime affairs and environment

De-criminalize defamation; protect human rights defenders and press

Government should immediately free wrongfully-imprisoned Letpadan protestors

Only 12 of 500 Witnesses Receiving Protection, Others Detained

Ensure Freedom of Expression and Protection for Defendants

Thailand should reopen inquiry into human trafficking of Rohingya and Bangladeshis

Authorities must investigate allegations of torture in detention, uphold due process rights

By David Baulk and Matthew Smith in The Guardian

Is Genocide Occurring in Myanmar’s Rakhine State? A Legal Analysis

Legal analysis finds strong evidence of genocide against Rohingya Muslims

Free wrongfully imprisoned protesters, hold police and officials accountable for Letpadan crackdown

Excessive Use of Force and Violations of the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Expression in Letpadan, Bago Region, Myanmar

New report finds police blocked peaceful assembly, used excessive force

23rd Session, November 2015

Make clear, genuine commitments on human rights at Universal Periodic Review

Annual Human Trafficking Report Lets Malaysia, Myanmar off the Hook

Re: Thailand’s designation in the 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report

By Matthew Smith in The Guardian

Closing borders and pushbacks have led to death, abuses

Re: Thailand’s designation in the 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report

Testimony of Matthew Smith Executive Director of Fortify Rights

More Pressure Needed on Countries Failing to Eliminate Human Trafficking

Government using law to crackdown on protesters, collect personal data nationwide

Ending Guest Registration and Household Inspections in Myanmar

End Ongoing Persecution of Rohingya

By Matthew Smith in New York Times

Kachin man convicted for implicating military in death of his daughter

Authorities Threaten Media & Critics for Implicating Military in Kachin Killings

The Government of Thailand announced on January 16 that it would scrap a proposed project to recruit prisoners to work on Thai fishing boats. The announcement came after Fortify Rights and 44 other labor and human rights groups raised concerns about the project in a letter to Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on January 14.

Thai Prison-Labor Scheme Draws International Condemnation

Re: Recruitment of Prisoners to Work on Thai Fishing Boats

Military Charges Man for Complaint to Human Rights Commission

Re: Prosecution of Shayam Brang Shawng

By Matthew Smith in Wall Street Journal

End Persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State

War Crimes Continue with Impunity in Northern Myanmar

End Ongoing Persecution of Rohingya

By Matthew Smith in Al Jazeera America

Echoing Green, a leading global nonprofit that supports “social entrepreneurs launching bold new organizations to generate positive systemic change,” today announced its selection of Matthew Smith, executive director of Fortify Rights, as a 2014 Global Fellow.

Ongoing War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, Unmet Humanitarian Needs

Ending Wartime Torture in Northern Myanmar

By Taylor Landis in Harvard Law Human Rights Program

By Matthew Smith in The Wall Street Journal

Leaked Documents Implicate Government Actors in Crimes Against Humanity

Ending Abusive State Policies Against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar

Grant Immediate Humanitarian Access, Ensure Accountability for Violations

By Taylor Landis in Myanmar Times

By Matthew Smith in The Huffington Post

Wartime Abuses in Kachin State, “Ethnic Cleansing” in Rakhine State, Tens of Thousands Denied Access to Aid

By Matthew Smith in Asia Times Online