Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) in India sent a letter on "Natural & Renewable Energy and Nuclear Energy" to the Prime Minister and members of the Parliament in the country on 25 November 2009. The organisation requested for the promotion of natural and renewable energy, instead of nuclear one. Peoples' Vigilance Committee on [ Read more ]

The Maldives parliament has passed an amendment to the Penal Code abolishing five articles providing for criminal defamation. ARTICLE 19 welcomes these developments and calls on the authorities to ensure that they are brought into force as soon as possible. (Source: ARTICLE 19, 25 November 2009) The Maldives parliament has passed an amendment to the [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA would like to extend its solidarity to the Task Force Pride (TFP) Philippines and wishes all its members, partners and friends a successful 2009 Manila Pride March on December 5. (Bangkok, 19 November 2006) The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development would like to extend its solidarity to the Task Force Pride (TFP) [ Read more ]

On 7 October 2009, 56 non-governmental civil organisations submitted to the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, an alternative report that refuted the ROK government's third official report on economic, social and cultural rights. (Source: FORUM-ASIA member PSPD, 12 November 2009) On October 7th, 2009, 56 non-governmental civil organizations including PSPD (People's Solidarity [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA successfully concluded its two-day 6th General Assembly on 22 November 2009. The delegates representing member organisations welcomed the legal registration of the FORUM-ASIA in Geneva and Bangkok. With this process completed, FORUM-ASIA is now fully registered legally and charting a new course for the organisation in the coming years. This historic General Assembly also [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA strongly condemns the recent massacre of civilians and journalists in Maguindanao, southern Philippines. We call on the government of the Philippines to conduct an independent investigation into this crime and hold its perpetrators accountable. (27 November 2009, Bangkok) The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), a regional human rights organisation with 46 [ Read more ]

The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) expresses its concern over a statement made by Information and Communication Technology Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee of Thailand threatening to pursue legal action against websites and their respective Internet service providers (ISPs) where posts discussing the King's health allegedly caused the drop in the Thai bourse last month. (Source: SEAPA, [ Read more ]

A situation akin to 1971 is brewing in Balochistan. Radical nationalists advocating a separate state of Balochistan are steadily gaining popularity at the expense of those who continue to look for a solution within the federal framework. (Source: FORUM-ASIA member HRCP, 3 November 2009) A situation akin to 1971 is brewing in Balochistan. Radical nationalists [ Read more ]

For no explanation, four journalist from Sri Lanka and Banglaesh were denied of visa to attend a workshop organised in Tuticorin, India, in October 2009. Peoples' Media Initiative, a civil society organisation from India, issued the statement below on 28 October, calling on the Indian government to respond to the issue. For no explanation, four [ Read more ]

In a public letter released today, CHRD calls on President Barack Obama to make a clear and strong commitment to human rights, democratization, and rule of law in China during his upcoming visit to the country.  President Obama is scheduled to meet with Chinese leaders from November 15 to 18 to discuss issues including climate [ Read more ]