Thursday, 05 November 2026 | Noon to 1:00 p.m. | Room 280A, Second Floor, York Lanes, Keele Campus, York University & Virtually via Zoom
What happens when defending human rights and democracy puts our safety, our work, and our future at risk? In countries where people have greater freedom to express their views, organize, participate in public life, and access basic social support, human rights and democracy can be taken for granted. But this has not been the reality in Myanmar, where people have struggled for these rights for decades, often at great personal cost.
In this presentation, Nang Shining will share her personal journey as a human rights and environmental activist from Myanmar. She will reflect on this chosen path, her childhood experiences in conflict shaped her understanding of equality and opportunity, and how and why she continues this work despite the risks and difficulties. Human rights work is not only about speaking against injustice. It is also about building resilient communities, protecting the environment, empowering people and helping them recognize their own potential.
Nang Shining’s own journey brought her to Canada in search of safety and a place where her family could rebuild their lives. She will reflect on Canada’s dedicated relocation pathway for human rights defenders, which recognizes the particular risks and needs of HRDs, as well as the limitations. Shining will conclude with reflections on how Canada and other countries could strengthen protection and relocation pathways for human rights defenders. This includes expanding access, recognizing HRDs’ professional experience and skills, strengthening connections with civil society and universities, and providing longer-term support for rebuilding meaningful lives and continuing human rights work safely.
Nang Shining is an international development professional with 15+ years of experience working alongside rural communities in Myanmar and the Mekong region. Her work with communities includes youth participatory action research, feminist participatory action research and collaborations with Indigenous and civil society organizations on issues of human rights, environmental justice, inclusion and sustainable development.
Virtual and in-person attendees can register using this link . Please use your institutional email where possible.
Supported by: Henry Luce Foundation, CSEASI and the following York University units: Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York Centre for Asian Research and the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation as part of the York University’s Canadian Southeast Asian Studies Initiative (CSEASI) Research Colloquium . It is co-presented by the Department of Politics Communications and Community Committee at York University.
Native calendar organizer: Canadian Southeast Asian Studies Initiative / Initiative canadienne pour l’étude du sud-est asiatique (CSEASI/ICESEA).
Thursday, November 5
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Room 280A, Second Floor, York Lanes, Keele Campus, York University · 80 York Boulevard
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