Participation of people with disabilities in the labour market : the role of vocational training

Title: Participation of people with disabilities in the labour market : the role of vocational training

Author: Salai Vanni Bawi

Year: 2013

Keywords: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES / LABOR MARKET / VOCATIONAL TRAINING /, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Theme: Human Rights

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon, advisor, Huguet, Jerrold W., co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study aims to identify the notion of obtaining job opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Myanmar. The issue of getting a job is incredibly significant to improving living standards, getting a better income and increasing self-esteem in society. Regarding international human rights treaties, PWDs have equal rights to access public transportation accessibility and live independently in society. However, PWDs are still struggling twice as much in society to access vocational trainings, job opportunities and improve income in Myanmar. Thus, many organizations also aim to create job opportunities and income credibility by supporting various vocational trainings. For instance, understanding the challenges of vocational designs, the hardships of participating in the employment market, and limitations in accessing job opportunities are extremely important issue to analyze for creating job opportunity for PWDs. This study analyzes the teaching design of vocational trainings, the application of trainees in the community, the aspect of formal and informal employers and the planning of vocational institutions which attempts to find employment opportunities for PWDs. In particular, this study interviews: 1) vocational institutions which train persons with physical and visual impairments, 2) formal employers, 3) informal businesses of PWDs, 4) different key informants from DPOs, private vocational schools and related government sectors in Yangon, Myanmar.Key findings in this study found that vocational training explicitly focused on rehabilitation and could only provide basic vocational skills, which are not adequate in order to participate in the labor market directly. Consequently, full participation in education is a crucial starting point to access vocational training and enter the labor market. When considering employment opportunities for PWDs, market-oriented vocational training and state intervention could bring more job opportunities for PWDs in practice.

Rehabilitation for prisoners under sentence of death in a human rights perspective : a case study of Bangkhwang Central Prison

Title: Rehabilitation for prisoners under sentence of death in a human rights perspective : a case study of Bangkhwang Central Prison

Author: Sutawan Chanprasert

Year: 2012

Keywords: HUMAN RIGHTS / REHABILITATION / PRISONER / DEATH, SENTENCE

Theme: Human Rights

Advisor(s): Vitit Muntarbhorn, advisor, Danthong Breen, co-advisor, Carl Middleton, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Prisoners under sentence of death in Thailand usually wait approximately a decade for completion of legal process of their cases, before they become eligible for Royal Pardon. Thereupon, they are eventually released after an amount of time. This outcome and the long time involved makes rehabilitation a highly important issue. The research is concerned with the extent to which Thailand complies with international human rights standards on rehabilitation for prisoners under sentence of death. In particular, it examines the issue of rehabilitation for prisoners under sentence of death at Bang Khwang Central Prison, based on three significant themes, namely, living conditions, rehabilitation programs, and external support systems. The information was obtained through secondary information and field research before being analyzed according to the international human rights framework. The findings show that the rehabilitation for prisoners under sentence of death is unsatisfactory. There are human rights violations on all the three themes. The research further proposes improvements that should be made in order to meet the human rights standards. Prison authorities should treat prisoners under sentence of death with more respect and dignity.

Child labor in restaurants in Yangon, Myanmar

Title: Child labor in restaurants in Yangon, Myanmar

Author: Ne Chye Thwin

Year: 2011

Keywords: CHILD LABOUR, RESTAURANTS, THE BEST INTERESTS OF, THE CHILD, CHILD LABOUR POLICY, YANGON, MYANMAR

Theme: Human Rights

Advisor(s): Chantana Banpasirichote Wungaeo, advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The main objective of the research is to study how the best interests of the child are considered in the employment of children in order to ensure the development of children who have to work. This study focused only on restaurants and teashops in the urban informal economic sector in which more child labor are found openly. Qualitative methodology is used, including in-depth and semi‐structured interviews with child laborers and parents, employers, the concerned civil society organizations and government agencies. The type of work is not hazardous but the conditions of their work are still exploitative. The government has not a clear policy on and the concern for child labor protection and welfare; and the existing laws for child protection are not enforced effectively. Based on the perception of the children, their parents, and employers, the study finds that the best interest of child labor in teashops and restaurants is for them to have education and work. An alternative is seen in the provision of vocational trainings which non-government organizations can be a driving force, or initiating a model of apprenticeship. However, the challenges are the limited capability of NGOs, the less interest of employers and weak coordination from government agencies.