Human Rights Watch

Welcome to the first issue of The Week in Asia. Every weekend, The Diplomat will be rounding up the Asia-Pacific news, research and commentary that you may have missed.

Indonesia’s arrest of an atheist Facebook user raises more concerns over human rights in Southeast Asia.

Used as mine sweepers, pack horses and servants, Burma’s convict porters recount their efforts to escape the Army.

A new Human Rights Watch report details how hundreds of convicts were beaten, forced to carry supplies for the military – and clear landmines with sticks and forks.

While international attention has been focused on China’s crackdown on activists, Vietnam has also been tightening up on dissent.

The Burmese junta’s decision to close a Thai border crossing has prompted frustration and questions—and no answers from Burma.

With Thailand’s woes, eyes have turned to Indonesia as a democracy model for South-east Asia. The censors could change that.