A “Send our regards to Mr. President” message from The Commission for Disappearances and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a FORUM-ASIA member in Indonesia, delivered at the NGO’s 10th anniversary celebrations, was designed to highlight the Indonesian government’s inaction on human rights violations and to send a clear message from victims and their families. “Send our [ Read more ]

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) congratulates Khin Omar on receiving a 2008 Human Rights Award during the Vital Voices Global Leaders Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. 08 April 2008 Ms. Khin Omar Chairperson Network for Democracy and Development Dear Khin Omar, The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) congratulates [ Read more ]

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) congratulates Charm Tong on receiving the 2008 Human Rights Award during the Vital Voices Global Leaders Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. 08 April 2008 Ms. Charm Tong Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) P.O. Box 120, Phrasingh Post Office Chiangmai 50205, Thailand [email protected] Dear Charm Tong, The [ Read more ]

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) congratulates Charm Tong on receiving the 2008 Human Rights Award during the Vital Voices Global Leaders Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. 08 April 2008 Ms. Charm Tong Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) P.O. Box 120, Phrasingh Post Office Chiangmai 50205, Thailand [email protected] Dear Charm Tong, The [ Read more ]

SUARAM, a FORUM-ASIA member in Malaysia, said a proposal that non-Muslims found committing khalwat (close proximity between unwed couples) should be sentenced under civil law was unjustifiable and an infringement of freedom of religion and the rights of non-Muslims. SUARAM, a FORUM-ASIA member in Malaysia, is alarmed by a proposal made by the Islamic Institute [ Read more ]

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) would like to congratulate Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana on his recent appointment as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. 11 April 2008  Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar c/o Office of the High [ Read more ]

Indonesian NGOs express disappointment and deep regret over the UPR review of Indonesia. Widely shared hopes and expectations of a transparent, meaningful and constructive UPR process were shattered amidst a farcical showing of self and mutual exoneration statements and loaded questions from Indonesia and its closest friends. We, the Indonesian NGO Coalition on Universal Periodic [ Read more ]

Civil society considers the Indonesian Minister of Defence's recent call to all former military officers not to fulfil a summons issued by the National Human Rights Institutions as an act to perpetuate impunity for those responsible for human rights violations against citizens. They said that the action also neglects the victims’ right to pursue justice, [ Read more ]

Last week, the Indonesian Supreme Court overturned a 10-year sentence for human rights violations imposed on Eurico Guterres, former leader of Dili’s Aitarak militia. The Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP), a FORUM-ASIA member, has expressed concern that there now remains not a single individual held legally responsible by the Indonesian justice system for the violence [ Read more ]

The FORUM-ASIA international election observation team monitored the election process in Nepal from 5-10 April. The team analysed election laws and procedures, implementation measures, and the roles played by major actors including political parties and government bodies. The FORUM-ASIA international election observation team monitored the election process in Nepal from 5-10 April. The team analysed [ Read more ]