News

The legendary Melbourne punk band Painters and Dockers, along with other musical friends and guests, will perform a one-off show to raise funds for Timor Leste & Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA.

We—the undersigned 265 Myanmar, regional, and international civil society organizations—express our deepest sorrow for communities across Myanmar and Thailand devastated by the earthquake on 28 March 2025. As Myanmar faces yet another humanitarian crisis amidst the military junta’s intensifying campaign of terror against the Myanmar people, it is imperative that the international community immediately mobilize resources and direct disaster emergency relief to survivors and affected communities of the earthquake. This must be channeled through local community groups and frontline responders in collaboration with the National Unity Government (NUG), Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs), and civil society. We emphasize that these disaster relief efforts, through any implementing partners, must not be exploited, manipulated, or weaponized by the military junta for its political and military gain.

Over 23.5 million people have been displaced, 19.9 million require urgent humanitarian assistance (United Nations) and more than half the population has been plunged into poverty. Amidst this turmoil, the United States has slashed foreign aid, exacerbating an already dire situation and drawing international condemnation.

A newly formed union, supported by Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s partner organisation SENTRO, has won the struggle to have recognition for their union at Metrowear Incorporated, the factory where they produce sportswear for the global brand Lululemon.

Timor-Leste’s farmers’ movement is growing stronger! In March 2025, farmers from across Viqueque municipality came together in Uma Quic village for a historic occasion – the first-ever congress of the brand new Viqueque Farmers’ Union.

Every year, millions of workers and communities around the world are exposed to deadly chemicals like asbestos—partly because a handful of countries are blocking global information on safety measures. The Rotterdam Convention, an international treaty designed to share information and protect people from hazardous chemicals and pesticides, is being deliberately stalled by corporate interests and some countries.

Despite these immense challenges, women have led resistance efforts, advocating against atrocity crimes and repressive laws. Yet, structural barriers continue to limit their leadership opportunities, The Women of Burma (WoB) Internship Program, supported by Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA,

In Timor-Leste, women make up a significant portion of the workforce, but over 60% of them are trapped in informal, low-wage, and often unsafe jobs. But the Women’s Working Centre Timo-Leste (WWCTL) is leading the fight to change this. Here are five powerful ways they’re supporting women workers.

“We are facing disaster,” said Sami Khader from MA’AN Development Centre. “For ten days now, no food or supplies have been allowed in. Israel is using hunger as a weapon to try to force Palestinians to leave their country.”

Join us to commemorate International Women's Day with our partner ALTSEAN-Burma. Together we will launch the groundbreaking book 'Women's Voices from the Revolution'.