The Sixth Workshop on the ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights again highlighted the need to challenge the “ASEAN Way” through greater civil society involvement, emphasising the need to publish the draft ASEAN Charter. Last week saw the meeting of the Sixth Workshop on the ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights, which was held in [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA urges the interim Nepal government to fulfill the direction given by the former House of Representatives one year ago today to accede to the Rome Statute. Nepal must take an initiative on this matter in order to set a regional example. (Bangkok, 25 July 2007) Today marks one year since the unanimous direction given [ Read more ]

In response to the crackdown of the United Democratic Front against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrations by the media in Bangkok, Thailand, the government and the media are criticised for not respecting the rights to assembly of those with different political views. The first clash between the police officials and demonstrators after the 19 September 2006 coup [ Read more ]

The appointment of Chief Executive Secretary of the NHRC by the Government of Nepal demonstrates the government’s intention to systematise impunity. Human rights defenders formed a task force to pressurise government for the immediate appointment of competent commissioners. The Government of Nepal designated Dr. Kul Ratna Bhurtel, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and [ Read more ]

Michael Cheng from Think Centre, a FORUM-ASIA member, details the Internal Security Act in Singapore. Taking into account grave human rights abuses in Singapore and Malaysia as a result of the bill, the article reflects on how similar acts being proposed in Thailand and Philippines could have the same effect. “The fateful knock came in [ Read more ]

An Indian human rights defender was attacked by employees of the Chhattisgarh State Human Rights Commission and illegally detained on reportedly on false charges. FORUM-ASIA condemns these actions and expresses concern over the increasing level of state-sponsored oppression towards the human rights movement in the state. FORUM-ASIA condemns the arrest of Mr. Subash Mohapatra, the [ Read more ]

During the first 180 days of the state of emergency, the citizens of Bangladesh have suffered indiscriminate human rights violations. FORUM-ASIA condemns such violations and demands an immediate end to emergency regulations, urging the government to respect their obligations under international human rights treaties. As a result of the indiscriminate human rights violations committed by [ Read more ]

Karen refugees face a wide range of challenges and issues in Mae Sot, a border town of Thailand. With the government of Thailand over whelmed with refugees, the international standards for dealing with stateless people are being ignored. There are over 100,000 Karen people, originally from Burma, living in Thailand. They have flooded the border [ Read more ]

Peace Boat, a FORUM-ASIA member, released a joint statement with other NGOs calling for the immediate return of former Peruvian president Fujimori to be tried for his involvement in grave human rights violations during his presidential term. Fujimori is being criticised by civil society for attempting to escape persecution in Peru by running for the [ Read more ]

Peace Boat, a FORUM-ASIA member, released a joint statement with other NGOs calling for the immediate return of former Peruvian president Fujimori to be tried for his involvement in grave human rights violations during his presidential term. Fujimori is being criticised by civil society for attempting to escape persecution in Peru by running for the [ Read more ]