FORUM-ASIA
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The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) works to promote and protect human rights, including the right to development, through collaboration and cooperation among human rights organisations and defenders in Asia and beyond. It is committed to building a peaceful, just, equitable and ecologically sustainable community of peoples and societies in Asia.
FORUM-ASIA
2d ago
Reference: TIGO ASA 20/2024.5341 22 March 2024
Chairperson Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Geneva, Switzerland
Re: Review of the Accreditation Status of the National Human Rights Commission of India
Dear Chairperson,
We, the undersigned, are writing to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRCI) ahead of the fifth review of its accreditation status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA).
On 9 March 2023, sever ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
6d ago
55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar
Oral statement delivered by Khin Ohmar
On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
19 March 2024
Mr. President, Mr. Special Rapporteur,
In their brave struggle against the illegal military junta, Myanmar’s peoples, particularly the young generations, have demonstrated unwavering determination to be free from military tyranny and build a new Myanmar that upholds humanity, inclusivity, democracy, and justice. Their past 3 years ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
6d ago
55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2: General Debate on the Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
Oral statement delivered by Ahmed Adam
On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Amnesty International
4 March 2024
Thank you, Mr. Vice President,
We thank the High Commissioner for the wide ranging global update and the update on Sri Lanka.
Since the High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka to the Council in September, the situ ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
6d ago
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is deeply concerned over Hong Kong’s newly proposed national security law, which introduces tougher punishments for those accused of ’endangering national security.’
Known as Article 23, the law proposes harsh sentences of up to life imprisonment for treason, insurrection, sabotage, and mutiny; 20 years for espionage; and 10 years for crimes linked to state secrets and sedition.
The Hong Kong Government claims that the proposed legislation addresses loopholes left behind by the Beijing-imposed 2020 version of the l ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
1w ago
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) calls on donor governments to place national and international human rights as well as environmental rights principles at the centre of their investments in Vietnam.
On 7 March 2024, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam on the heels of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Canberra from 4 to 6 March 2024. This partnership promises close cooperation and increased investment on a range of issues, most notably around green energy and transition minerals.
Vietnam–touted ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
1w ago
We, the undersigned civil society organisations, call for the immediate and unconditional release of Kashmiri journalist and human rights defender Irfan Mehraj. While on a professional assignment on 20 March 2023, Mehraj was summoned for questioning and arbitrarily detained by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Srinagar under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Mehraj is a well-regarded Srinagar-based independent journalist. He is the founding editor of Wande Magazine and a senior editor at TwoCircles.net. He was a frequent ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
1w ago
On 14 March 2014, prominent Chinese human rights defender Cao Shunli died in custody as a result of ill-treatment and denial of adequate medical care in detention, following her attempt to travel to Geneva ahead of China’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Cao Shunli remains one of the most emblematic cases of reprisals documented by the United Nations (UN) system, including UN ‘Special Procedures’ experts and the UN Secretary-General himself in its annual report on reprisals for cooperation with the UN. On the 10th anniversary of Cao’s death, the International Service for Human Rights and 30 h ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
1w ago
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new FORUM-ASIA website, marking a significant milestone in our digital presence. After nearly a decade since our last website update in 2013, we recognised the need for a fresh look and enhanced functionality to better serve our community. This year presents an opportune moment to refresh our online platform, aligning it with the evolving needs of our stakeholders and the dynamic nature of our work. With this revamped website, we not only showcase a modern interface but also integrate our new branding elements, introduced alongside our logo rebrand ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
1w ago
Bangladesh needs a democratic system and a robust judiciary to protect the rights of women and girls
Bangkok/Dhaka/Manila/Paris (8 March 2024)–The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” deeply resonates with the current situation in Bangladesh. Investing in women and girls means safeguarding their well-being, protecting their rights, providing inclusive economic opportunities, and promoting gender equality in all spheres of life..
In Bangladesh, the prevalence of violence and discrimination against women and girls is alarmingly widespread. Dome ..read more
FORUM-ASIA
1w ago
55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioners update on the situation in Myanmar
Oral statement delivered by Ahmed Adam
On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
1 March 2024
Mr President,
High Commissioner, your reports and statements documenting the ongoing atrocities by the Myanmar military provide a glimmer of hope amid the UN’s inadequate response to the crisis. Response of other UN agencies remain insufficient, lacking coherence, and often ignoring the wishes of the people of Myanmar, danger ..read more