Speaking Up and Starting Over: How Hnin is rebuilding her legal dream in Australia
When Hnin arrived in Australia in 2024, she brought with her a lot more than a suitcase and resettlement paperwork. She brought her incredible courage; forged in the courtrooms of Myanmar. She also arrived with a fierce determination which she sharpened in exile, and a dream to continue fighting for justice. Hnin’s path led her to Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF), where a classroom became the first step in reclaiming her voice in a new country.
“I wanted to improve my English language skills to understand multiculturalism and Australia’s government system for my resettlement. That’s why the Australian Red Cross arranged for me to study at Navitas,” Hnin says.
Since then, Hnin has flourished. She enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at NSF in Canberra, a settlement English program that is available free to refugees and migrants in Australia, and funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Hnin completed the Level II course in her first semester, as well as short courses in IELTS practice and speaking and listening. Each class greatly deepened her confidence.
“Not only have I met with many people from various countries and made new friends, but I have also learned a lot about their culture. This is a beneficial opportunity for me.”
Hnin, AMEP Canberra student
Now studying Academic English at the University of Canberra, Hnin continues to impress her teachers and classmates with her initiative and leadership. She regularly supports fellow students with classwork and technology, whether that means helping them structure a paragraph using compound and complex sentences or distributing lesson materials.
“Whenever the teacher asked us to write and discuss a specific topic, I assisted my classmates. Sometimes they didn’t understand the writing process or how to use the Chromebook, so I explained the instructions to them.”
It’s this sense of purpose, of lifting others as she climbs, that has shaped much of Hnin’s life. Before arriving in Australia, she worked as a human rights lawyer in Myanmar, a role that became both more urgent and dangerous after the military coup on February 1, 2021.
“I had been exclusively representing political prisoners before the special courts were established inside prisons. I have represented hundreds of clients in the last two years, up to the Supreme Court of Myanmar. I vigorously advocated for their fair trials to be respected and that the treatment of individuals in detention must conform to international human rights law and standards.”
She holds deep pride in gaining her Senior Lawyer Licence (also known as an Advocate Licence) which allowed her to represent clients at every level of the court system. But she is equally proud of her new beginning in Australia, where safety has allowed her to focus on rebuilding. “Whenever the teacher asked us to write and discuss a specific topic, I assisted my classmates. Sometimes they didn’t understand the writing process or how to use the Chromebook, so I explained the instructions to them.”
It’s this sense of purpose, of lifting others as she climbs, that has shaped much of Hnin’s life. Before arriving in Australia, she worked as a human rights lawyer in Myanmar, a role that became both more urgent and dangerous after the military coup on February 1, 2021.
“I had been exclusively representing political prisoners before the special courts were established inside prisons. I have represented hundreds of clients in the last two years, up to the Supreme Court of Myanmar. I vigorously advocated for their fair trials to be respected and that the treatment of individuals in detention must conform to international human rights law and standards.”
She holds deep pride in gaining her Senior Lawyer Licence (also known as an Advocate Licence) which allowed her to represent clients at every level of the court system. But she is equally proud of her new beginning in Australia, where safety has allowed her to focus on rebuilding.
“Coming to Australia is one of the proudest moments in my life. It gives me hope again.”
Hnin, on her experience of living in Australia
The transformation in her English skills has opened up opportunities she once feared might be lost to history. Since studying at NSF, she has delivered public presentations during Refugee Week at both primary and high schools, and at the Justice Denied regional conference at Monash University.
Her academic aspirations are also gaining momentum. With over 20 years of legal experience, she now has her sights set on pursuing a PhD in Law at the Australian National University.
“Although I plan to study for a master’s coursework first, my teacher Andrew encourages me to apply for the PhD program as soon as I improve my English language skills. Because of my experience, I now have confidence to apply.”
“My experience has shown me there has been a lack of judicial independence and accountability in my country. Most judges are hearing the cases and deciding them as per the government’s policy and instructions. I want the judges to have independence and impartiality when hearing cases in all the world.”
Hnin’s dream now is to contribute to legal education and reform in Australia and beyond. She envisions a future where she can help monitor and analyse judicial accountability, influence the next generation of legal minds, and promote the rule of law and human rights globally.
“I hope to contribute to human rights and judicial accountability for law students in Australia. And I want to be involved in monitoring and analysing judicial accountability both in Australia and in developing countries, including Myanmar.”
Hnin, on pursuing a career in law in Australia
Hnin’s story is a great example of how education is not just about textbooks and tests, it can also be a lifeline, a second chance, a platform for advocacy. That’s why she encourages every newly arrived migrant or refugee to consider joining the AMEP when they first arrive in Australia.
“NSF is the best skill-feature college. The teachers are excellent. You can use the courses as a foundation for your future career and study free of charge. You can even consult a Pathway Guidance Advisor to discuss your personal goals and job opportunities.”
At home in Canberra with her husband and child, Hnin now balances her studies with family life.
“I hope to live safely in Australia and successfully resume my previous career as a legal professional to support my family during our resettlement,” she says.
“I aspire to return to my previous career. Because when you fight for human rights, you don’t just speak for the law, you speak for those whose voices are being silenced.”