Defenders in decline: human rights lawyers at risk in Southeast Asia

Piseth Duch is now a practising lawyer and running his Business & Human Rights Law Group. He also represents Business & Human Rights Resource Centre in Cambodia. Piseth graduated with a Master’s Degree in International Law and Politics with first class honours in 2016 from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Since 2012, Piseth has had extensive experiences working for both local and international human rights organizations in advocating with government officials, court personnel, lawyers, civil society, international community and relevant stakeholders for the promotion and protection of human rights, including corporate respect for human rights, labour rights, fair trial rights, access to justice, legal and judicial reform, gender equality and inclusion.

Daw Zar Li Aye is an incredibly inspiring advocate and defender of human rights from Myanmar with a strong educational background in law. Her commendable work focuses on women's rights, land rights, LGBT issues and the rule of law. Additionally, her involvement in various international human rights organisations, advisory boards and as a legal advisor showcases her impressive dedication. As the Team Leader of 'Lawyer For YOU', co-founder of Justice for Women and legal advisor for the International Commission of Jurists, Daw Zar Li Aye demonstrates her commitment to promoting justice and human rights. Her appointment as a Peace Ambassador by the European Commission in 2018 and her representation of Myanmar at the One Young World Conference in The Hague underscore her international recognition and contributions to global peace and human rights dialogues. Furthermore, in 2023, she was awarded a fellowship at Roehampton University, London, UK, by the Charles Wallace Trust Award. Daw Zar Li Aye’s multifaceted involvement in various organisations and her unwavering commitment to advocating for marginalised groups are truly admirable. Her work has been featured by major media including VOA, NHK and Nikkei Asia.