Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region was once again the second worst region in the world for workers’ rights. The average rating for countries in AsiaPacific was 4.18.

In Hong Kong , after the disbandment of independent trade unions and pro-democracy organisations, the authorities continued to persecute and arrest trade union leaders, while in Korea, unions were targeted by the government through police raids and arbitrary arrests.

Workers in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were beaten by state forces, faced arbitrary arrests and restrictions on the right to form trade unions.

Arbitrary arrests and violent attacks remain a constant threat for trade unionists and workers in Myanmar and the Philippines who continued to demand their rights in the face of intense attempted repression from the authorities.

Former employees of NagaWorld Hotel and Casino in Cambodia hold a protest in support of four trade unionist colleagues jailed for taking strike action. The AsiaPacific region is the second worst region in the world for workers’ rights.

In China, the Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other Turkic Muslim peoples remained the targeted focus of unrelenting persecution and mass detention by the authorities who, among other brutal human rights abuses, coerced them into forced labour to supply the garment industry.

Right to strike

87% of countries violated the right to strike.

Right to establish and join a trade union

87% of countries excluded workers from the right to establish or join a trade union.

Right to collective bargaining

83% of countries violated the right to collective bargaining.

Right to justice

In 70% of countries, workers had no or restricted access to justice.

Right to trade union activities

91% of countries impeded the registration of unions.

Right to civil liberties

Workers were detained and arrested in 18 countries.

Violent attacks on workers

Workers experienced violence in 11 countries.

Right to free speech and assembly

61% of countries restricted free speech and assembly.