Year in photos: Lens of empathy captures stories of resilience across borders

An RFA photojournalist highlighted Hong Kong and Myanmar’s exiled communities rebuilding their lives.

Jan 1, 2025 - 17:00
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Year in photos: Lens of empathy captures stories of resilience across borders

WASHINGTON — Radio Free Asia photojournalist Gemunu Amarasinghe has had a distinguished career capturing images across Asia. His ability to access intimate moments sheds new light on the stories behind the struggle for freedom and human rights.

In the special report, “In Washington, Myanmar democracy advocates push for a Breakthrough,” Amarasinghe captures the efforts of Myanmar’s National Unity Government in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Foreign Minister Moe Zaw Oo and press aide Aye Chan Mon navigate the complexities of international diplomacy.

In “Nyah Mway: The boy who will forever be 13,” he delves into the tragedy of a young refugee from Myanmar who was fatally shot by police in Utica, New York. His photographs reveal the effect the incident has had on Nyah’s family and community, offering insight into broader issues of systemic violence and the experiences of displaced people in the United States.

In “Five Years after a Summer of Protest, Hong Kong Exiles are Still Rebuilding Their Lives,” Amarasinghe chronicles the lives of Hong Kong activists who have resettled in the United States following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Through his lens, Amarasinghe provides a comprehensive perspective on resilience and transition. Here are some of his photos:

Zin Mar Aung, Moe Zaw Oo and Aye Chan Mon, members of Myanmar's National Unity Government, walk outside the U.S. Capitol after meeting with lawmakers in January 2024.
Zin Mar Aung, Moe Zaw Oo and Aye Chan Mon, members of Myanmar's National Unity Government, walk outside the U.S. Capitol after meeting with lawmakers in January 2024.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)
Aye Chan Mon, a press aide with Myanmar's National Unity Government, works from home as her cat tries to intervene.
Aye Chan Mon, a press aide with Myanmar's National Unity Government, works from home as her cat tries to intervene.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)
Moe Zaw Oo, deputy foreign minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government, is seen at the NUG's office at a coworking space in downtown Washington.
Moe Zaw Oo, deputy foreign minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government, is seen at the NUG's office at a coworking space in downtown Washington.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)
Buddhist monks chant at the burial of Nyah Mway, 13, in Utica, New York, July 6, 2024.
Buddhist monks chant at the burial of Nyah Mway, 13, in Utica, New York, July 6, 2024.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)
Nyah Mway's mother Chee War, father Ka Lee Wan, and little sister Paw War at their home in Utica, New York, Aug. 18, 2024.
Nyah Mway's mother Chee War, father Ka Lee Wan, and little sister Paw War at their home in Utica, New York, Aug. 18, 2024.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)
Hong Kong democracy activist Frances Hui stands outside the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C., during a protest to mark World Press Freedom Day, May 2, 2024.
Hong Kong democracy activist Frances Hui stands outside the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C., during a protest to mark World Press Freedom Day, May 2, 2024.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)
Huen Lam visits the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2024.
Huen Lam visits the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2024.
(Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)

Edited by Jim Snyder.