Kiana Duncan is a journalist based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with bylines in Tidningen Global, Southeast Asia Globe, and BBC. She currently reports for Democratic Voice of Burma, specializing in Myanmar current affairs. In the Mekong region, she reports on business, foreign policy and culture.

Myanmar citizens in Thailand face extra risks on dangerous roads

26 Sept 2024  |  Benar News  |  English  |  Thailand

In Mae Sot, Thailand, Myanmar migrants face significant risks on dangerous roads, exacerbated by political turmoil in Myanmar. The Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association highlights daily traffic accidents involving migrants, with many victims hesitant to seek justice due to their undocumented status. The number of accidents has risen sharply since Myanmar's military coup, with Myanmar nationals being the most common victims after Thais. Community workers point to increased people-smuggling as a contributing factor. Compensation for accident victims is challenging to obtain due to bureaucratic hurdles and fears of deportation. The Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, once a source of assistance, is now viewed as an extension of the junta, complicating matters further for migrants seeking help.

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Thailand’s Department of Land Transport Migrant Working Group Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association Radio Free Asia Foundation for Education and Development Myanmar embassy in Bangkok

Balanced

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Center-Left

Political View

I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

The Philippines’ ‘Heroes’ Trafficked to War-Torn Syria

01 May 2023  |  New Lines Magazine  |  English  |  Labor Exploitation

Lucy Cayamba, a trafficked worker from the Philippines, recounts her harrowing experience in Syria, where she was forced to work despite a ban on deployment to the war-torn country. Along with other trafficked women, she seeks justice and support from the newly established Department of Migrant Workers. The article highlights the systemic issues in the Philippines' labor export policy, the inefficiencies of government agencies, and the ongoing struggles of trafficked workers. Organizations like Migrante International and the International Organization for Migration play crucial roles in supporting these women, while critics argue that the government's reliance on migration for economic growth perpetuates exploitation.

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U.S. State Department Department of Migrant Workers Philippine Embassy in Damascus Migrante International International Organization for Migration Philippine Overseas Employment Administration HRHA Manpower International Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women

Interpretive

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Left

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Marlon Alexander Luistro is a journalist based in Lipa, Philippines.

OFWs in Myanmar may now return home as DFA lowers crisis alert level status to 2

12 Aug 2023  |  Hong Kong News  |  English  |  Government Policy

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Myanmar can now return to the Philippines for vacations without job concerns as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lowered the crisis alert level from 4 to 2. They can also resume their employment in Myanmar after registering with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). This change applies only to those with existing contracts, not new hires. The DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Yangon found that OFWs in major cities like Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay have safe working conditions. DMW Secretary Susan Ople advised avoiding crisis-prone regions in Myanmar. Over 400 Filipinos continue to work in Myanmar despite the 2021 military coup.

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Department of Foreign Affairs Department of Migrant Workers Philippine Embassy in Yangon

Informative

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John Carlo Magallon is a journalist from the Polytechnic University of the Philippine - Manila. Skilled in photography, graphics design, and technical writing. Passionate about journalism and eager to pursue a career in Philippine media.

Magallon first worked as an intern for Altermidya - People's ...

Lawmaker seeks creation of separate pension system for OFWs

04 Jul 2023  |  RAPPLER  |  English  |  Legislation

A ranking House official, Kabayan Representative Ron Salo, has proposed a bill to create a unique pension system for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), addressing the inadequacies of the current Social Security System. The proposed system, to be a government-owned and -controlled corporation, aims to provide comprehensive social protection, including financial support during job loss, disability, or death. The bill outlines a P100-million initial capitalization and various funding sources, including contributions from OFWs and government allocations. Previous similar proposals by the Magdalo party-list group did not gain traction.

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Department of Migrant Workers House of Representatives Social Security System OFW Bank Magdalo

Balanced

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Center-Left

Political View