Hnin Wut Yee completed the GC Asia Pacific Regional Master’s Programme between 2010 and 2011. Coming from Myanmar, a country plagued by widespread human rights violations and the absence of justice, she developed a strong interest in human rights education.
After her graduation, Myanmar began opening up politically and economically. Hnin returned home and contributed to advancing business and human rights. As foreign investment entered the previously closed country, concerns grew about the potential negative impacts of business conduct on workers’ and environmental rights. With the expansion of civic space during the democratic transition, people were able to raise their voices, express their concerns, and demand accountability and transparency from duty bearers, including government institutions and businesses.
However, the 2021 coup in Myanmar overturned all these developments. Civic space and basic freedoms rapidly disappeared. Expressions of dissent or criticism were severely repressed, with thousands detained or killed. Under such conditions, it became nearly impossible for Hnin to continue pursuing her work in social justice and human rights. She was forced to leave the country and relocate to Thailand.
In Thailand, Hnin joined the Labour Rights Foundation (LRF), a local NGO that promotes and protects migrant workers’ rights, and assumed the role of Director in September 2023. She regarded this position as a great opportunity to apply her expertise in business and human rights, with a particular focus on migrant workers. Given that most migrant workers in Thailand are from Myanmar—and as a migrant herself—Hnin deeply understands how the conflict at home exacerbates their vulnerabilities. Her knowledge and experience have become valuable assets to the organisation.
Many young people—including educated youth—who are unable to remain in Myanmar seek refuge in Thailand. They work across various sectors, often performing the “3D” jobs: dirty, difficult, and dangerous work that local workers tend to avoid. These workers face numerous challenges and forms of exploitation, including wage cuts, wage theft, and non-payment of wages. Many are deceived by unscrupulous brokers who charge excessive fees for legal documentation or job placements, leaving them undocumented, indebted, and at even greater risk. Without legal status, migrant workers are vulnerable to employer exploitation, arrest, and potential deportation.
Despite these challenges, LRF has been able to provide meaningful support to distressed workers whenever possible. In some cases, it has successfully intervened to help workers escape exploitative or forced-labour situations. Nevertheless, many cases remain beyond the organisation’s capacity due to the complex operating environment.
Amid these obstacles, the establishment of the Migrant Workers’ Solidarity Community (MWSC) stands out as a major achievement. Formed in February 2024 with LRF’s support, MWSC now brings together more than 1,000 migrant workers from a wide range of sectors, both formal and informal. It serves as a vital space where workers can build their capacity in Thai language, Thai law, and international labour standards, discuss workplace issues, and work collectively to improve their conditions.
As the saying goes, “Unity is power and strength.” MWSC is expected to grow stronger and more capable of consolidating migrant workers’ collective power to safeguard and advance their rights. The journey is undeniably challenging, but Hnin sees these difficulties as an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from her human rights higher education to real-world situations. This training has equipped her with essential tools not only to support workers in accessing justice and remedies but also to empower them to build collective strength and hold duty bearers accountable.
Written by GC Asia Pacific Alumna Hnin Wut Yee