AAPP Op-Eds
AAPP Joint Secretary Ko Bo Kyi has written a number of op-eds campaigning for penal reform. These are available below.
- The Need for Stress Management in Myanmar – Irrawaddy, October 9th 2018
In this article, Bo Kyi advocates for mental health awareness and stress management. As a result of Burma’s recent political history, high levels of stress are common. Addressing stress is important for individual mental and physical health, as well as for society.
- Right to Information and the need for Reform – Irrawaddy, October 5th 2018
Legal reform in Burma is long overdue. The legacy of the British colonial system on Burma’s penal system has resulted in unjust and undemocratic laws, and a lack of respect for access to information and freedom of speech. Bo Kyi calls on the Government to address these issues.
- The Need to Improve Prison Reform – Irrawaddy, September 5th 2018
Prison reform in Burma is badly needed. While Bo Kyi welcomes the launch of new Standard Operating Procedures for prisons, much more is needed to ensure that prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners improves in practice.
- 30 Years on from ’88 Uprising, a Need for Reparations – Irrawaddy, August 1st 2018
Approaching the 30 year anniversary of the ’88 Uprising, Bo Kyi reflects on the progress and changes made in Burma, and the way forward to continue the fight for human rights and right previous injustices. He calls for reparations and the return of all exiles, activists and former political prisoners as important steps toward reconciliation.
- The Need for Mental Health Care in Myanmar – Irrawaddy, June 20th 2018
Bo Kyi explains the relationship between mental health and human rights, and the importance of addressing mental health in order to achieve reconciliation in Burma. Trauma from armed conflict and living under military dictatorship have lasting impacts, both on individual health and on society. AAPP’s Mental Health Assistance Program (MHAP) has trained counselors to help address trauma from past human rights abuses and empowers people to move forward.