Background of Humanity Institute

Humanity Institute was officially established on January 4, 2012, with a vision of creating an open and active society in which Human Rights, Democratic Values, and Good Governance prevail. Over the years, the organization has been dedicated to promoting and protecting Human Rights and providing legal assistance to victims of Human Rights violations. Since its foundation, the organization has been actively engaged in Kachin State and Northern Shan State, supporting the emergence of local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) both through networks and direct collaboration. HI has published several research papers and reports aimed at improving governance, accountability, and international advocacy to inform the global community.

The Kachin Times journal continues to provide timely information and analysis on local issues, promoting an informed and critical-thinking society while preserving and fostering Kachin literature. In 2014, the Humanity Institute expanded its vision by initiating the establishment of a university in Kachin State, aiming to provide equitable quality education and an academic alternative for youth pursuing higher education and KachinLand College was founded. Further, KachinLand Research Center and one local media were founded. HI is very proud of them as they became separate entities and continuing their important missions.

Unexpectedly, 2020 year is a year of rethinking and redesigning HI`s organization interventions as the global pandemic Covid-19 hit the world and impacted on human beings. One of the challenges is people physically working together. When it started to hit in Myanmar, HI has actively collaborated with CSOs and local government in the prevention and respond activities as it is a global issue.

While people are struggling with global pandemic, political landscape changed in Myanmar since February 2021. Hence, Civic space is shrinking due to public safety and security, armed conflicts, travel restrictions, communication and pollical system changes. Despites of challenges, HI resumed its interventions – social cohesion, drug issues, environmental issues, alternative business and women leadership development. In January 2022, considering socio-political and economic instability, HI has developed short term strategies-objectives, missions, principles, values and thematic and actions. Since 2022, HI put much effort into organizational development activities such as upgrading skills of staff, conducting exposure trips, upgrading systems, developing manuals and guidelines, procedures and forming safety and security team, disaster team, safeguarding team, recruiting the required full/part time staff and technicians bases on the projects/organization needs. As the remarkable achievement, on April 2024, HI has initiated Human Rights Media Page and on March 25, 2025, HI has set up Myitkyina Entrepreneurship and Women Business Center for society and sustainability.