The article highlights the severe impact of the Lower Sesan II (LS2) dam on the Bunong community in Kbal Romeas, Cambodia. The dam, funded by the Chinese company Hydrolancang, has caused significant flooding, displacing residents and threatening their traditional way of life. Despite government efforts to relocate the villagers, many refuse to leave due to cultural and spiritual ties to their land. The dam's environmental impact is also significant, disrupting fish populations and local ecosystems. Activists and local residents express frustration and concern over the lack of transparency and support from the government.

Internet freedom in Southeast Asia is rapidly declining, with seven out of eight countries in the region experiencing increased censorship and repression. Researchers highlight the role of China’s sophisticated surveillance system as an influential factor. Countries like Myanmar and Cambodia have seen significant setbacks, with journalists being arrested and independent newspapers shut down. Social media platforms, once safe havens for activists, are now criticized for cooperating with autocratic regimes. Upcoming elections in the region are expected to further test the limits of internet freedom.

The article discusses the plight of American Cambodians deported to Cambodia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These individuals, who have lived most of their lives in the U.S., struggle to adapt to a country they barely know, facing language barriers, unemployment, and social stigma. The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, aims to increase deportations, despite the significant mental health issues and trauma experienced by these deportees. The Cambodian government is hesitant to accept more deportees, recognizing their inability to integrate into society.

The Philippines is identified as the most dangerous country in Southeast Asia for journalists, with multiple killings linked to their work on political corruption, illegal gambling, and the drug trade. Despite a decrease in journalist deaths, impunity for these crimes remains high. President Rodrigo Duterte's administration is criticized for its stance on press freedom and human rights abuses, including the war on drugs and extended martial law in Mindanao. The International Federation of Journalists and Human Rights Watch emphasize the need for independent reporting and greater protection for journalists.

The Pacific island of Fiji is experiencing severe impacts from climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events threatening its communities. Togoru village has largely been submerged, with sea walls failing to hold back the advancing waters. Fiji's government has identified 60 villages in need of relocation, a significant number for a country with just over a million inhabitants. The country, which contributes only 0.01 percent of global carbon emissions, has faced devastating cyclones, including Winston in 2016, which caused damage equivalent to a third of Fiji's GDP. Climate change is also affecting agriculture and fishing, with traditional crops and coral reefs dying. Fiji has taken a proactive role in international climate discussions, despite its limited means to combat the effects of climate change. The European Union has provided financial support for the construction of disaster-resistant villages, but the loss of land and traditional lifestyles is a source of pain for the Fijian people.

Young activists Victor Ugo, Jubilanté Cutting, and Khaled al-Balshy were honored with the Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards for their impactful contributions to civil society. Victor Ugo's Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative addresses mental health stigma in Nigeria, Jubilanté Cutting's Guyana Animation Network empowers youth in digital media, and Khaled al-Balshy fights for press freedom in Egypt. Despite facing significant challenges, these individuals continue to inspire and drive social change in their respective regions.

More than 700 activists gathered in Suva, Fiji, for the International Civil Society Week (ICSW) to discuss trends from climate change to human rights and social justice. The event, hosted for the first time in the Pacific, focused on the challenges faced by small islands due to rising sea levels and extreme weather. Key figures like Kumi Naidoo, Helen Clark, and José Ramos-Horta participated, while organizations like Oxfam and the Public Interest Registry shared strategies. The conference highlighted the importance of global action on climate change, with inspirational voices like Brianna Fruean and Victor Ugo emphasizing the need for continued efforts.

The International Civil Society Week (ICSW) is being held in the Pacific for the first time, with over 700 participants from 109 countries gathering in Suva, Fiji. Organized by CIVICUS and PIANGO, the event aims to strengthen the civil society sector and address global challenges such as human rights, climate change, and gender empowerment. Key figures like Danny Sriskandarajah and Emele Duituturaga emphasize the importance of grassroots movements and global action. The conference highlights the unique challenges faced by Pacific island nations and fosters connections among activists from diverse regions.

Laos is constructing the Don Sahong dam on the Mekong River, aiming to become the 'battery of Southeast Asia,' despite significant environmental and social concerns. Critics, including the FAO and WWF, warn that the dam will disrupt ecosystems, endanger species like the Irrawaddy dolphins, and threaten the food security of millions in the Mekong Basin. Cambodia's Lower Sesan 2 Dam, funded by China, faces similar criticisms. The Mekong River Commission suggests a moratorium on dam building, citing the high environmental costs and limited power benefits. However, regional governments continue to prioritize development over ecological sustainability.