Cyclone Amphan hits Rohingya camps: How they covered it
As COVID-19 spreads through Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, this week they faced another threat with the arrival of Cyclone Amphan. Here’s how the media covered the story.
Myanmar
Record-breaking Myanmar drug busts show Asia’s crime syndicates still on the rise
Myanmar authorities recently seized 35.5 tons of drugs and chemicals in Shan State—a haul worth hundreds of millions of dollars. But the fact that Southeast Asia’s crime syndicates allowed the busts shows the drug trade is only becoming more deeply entrenched in the region’s economy.
How sand mining puts Southeast Asia’s farmers at risk
Farmers in Southeast Asia face increased pressure to feed the region during the pandemic, but on top of record droughts and climate change, they’re now facing impacts from sand mining.
Collaboration and flexibility key to reviving ASEAN’s tourism industry
COVID-19 put tourism in Southeast Asia on hold. ASEAN economies need their tourism sectors to get moving again once restrictions are lifted—but it will take time and a flexible approach.
Japan forced 500,000 women into prostitution: Will Southeast Asia push for justice?
After 75 years, the survivors of Japanese war crimes of rape and forced prostitution in Southeast Asia have yet to see justice. ASEAN countries can play a decisive role in this ongoing issue.
Myanmar’s illegal timber trade continues despite COVID-19
As authorities in Myanmar seized over 800 tons of illegal timber in early April, the country’s profitable illicit logging industry continues despite disruptions to trade and economies across Southeast Asia.
Global oil price crash leaves ASEAN economies staring down the barrel
As the price of oil fell to its lowest point in almost two decades, producers in Southeast Asia were hit hard and some of ASEAN’s biggest economies are reeling.
Authoritarianism on the rise in ASEAN during COVID-19
Governments in Southeast Asia are using the threat of the coronavirus to consolidate power and impose draconian policies.
Southeast Asia’s indigenous groups call for support in their fight against COVID-19
For indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia, COVID-19 presents unique challenges that highlight both the strength of their communities and the added risks they face.
ESCAP’s COVID-19 response: the case for social protection grows stronger
Governments must respond to COVID-19 by strengthening social protections and international cooperation, according to a new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).