“The reality of what's happening in Burma now… where ordinary people are called on to do extraordinary things. People whose whole lives have been non-violent and non-confrontational have now been called on to pick up weapons to do what needs to be done.”

Patrick Burgess is an Australian barrister and international human rights lawyer, as well as a singer-songwriter. After earning degrees in psychology and law, his humanitarian path was inspired by a decision to go to Rwanda, where he managed emergency relief in the aftermath of the genocide; shortly after that, he went to East Timor where he played a critical role in efforts to establish post-conflict governance and justice. He has also worked on refugee crises in Yemen and the Congo, as well as transitional justice programs in Indonesia. He eventually co-found Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) to empower victims of mass atrocities.

Another key area of focus is Burma, where Patrick has worked for over two decades with civil society and ethnic organizations both inside the country and along its border. His initiatives include capacity-building, advocacy with ASEAN, and fostering justice mechanisms for victims, particularly Rohingya refugees. AJAR also facilitates truth-telling projects, oral histories, and artistic expressions to empower communities. His efforts have also included grassroots work, high-level advocacy, and innovative programs integrating justice, resilience, and cultural preservation.

Patrick’s evocative quote paints a vivid picture of a society at a crossroads, where individuals once devoted to peace have been forced by the weight of oppression to embrace resistance in a new way. It is a sobering acknowledgment of the toll that military tyranny takes on the fabric of a society. Yet, it is also a testament to the unyielding hope and belief in a better future that drives their extraordinary actions. Patrick indicates that the taking up of arms in this case is not an abandonment of professed ideals, but a redefinition of them in the face of an existential threat. It reflects the people’s conviction that a better society—one rooted in justice, freedom, and dignity—is worth fighting for, even at the cost of stepping into a realm they would otherwise not conceive of entering. It is a struggle that embodies the deep-seated belief that, no matter the cost, the dream of a freer, fairer future cannot be allowed to die, and this extraordinary courage is the foundation upon which such a society will one day be built.

The Decision to Take Up Arms