A Conversation on Myanmar (webinar)
On March 4, Pangea friends and members joined a conversation with Therese Caouette (Partners Asia) to discuss the evolving social and political crisis and people’s movement in Myanmar. We recorded the conversation—please contact us at info@pangeagiving.org if you’d like the link.
Featured Speakers: Walt Adam (Pangea Giving), Therese Caouette (Partners Asia), Bob Ness (Pangea Giving and Global Leadership Forum)
Event Description
This past month we have witnessed threats to democracy and the peaceful transition of power here in the United States, as well as in countries where our partners live and work.
We are continuously working to learn more about the situation in Myanmar and how our partners are managing. As of early March, there were significant challenges including: closure of banks which prevents payment of salaries and the ability to wire funds, interruption of internet services that prevents communication, and the cancelation of laws that protect human rights and safety. We’ll continue to share information as we hear more from our partners.
For more background on the situation in Myanmar, see the articles below:
- Historical Timeline of Events, BBC News
- Myanmar’s Protests Explained, New York Times, February 28
- Commentary: A Day Under Military Dictatorship in Myanmar
- If you have a little more time: Myanmar After the Coup, a discussion at the Harvard Kennedy School, February 19
Therese Caouette has worked with refugees, migrants, and displaced persons in Southeast Asia for more than 30 years together with community-based organizations, international bodies, foundations, and academic institutions. Her work has emphasized building leadership and skills in local communities and contributing to policies that shift resources responsibly to the local level where they are most needed.
Partners Asia forges relationships with local leaders who work to serve the needs of “invisible” populations—refugees, migrants, ethnic minorities, LGBTQI,—living primarily along the Thailand-Myanmar border.