Bangkok, Geneva, Paris, 10 September 2021: FIDH, FORUM-ASIA, and OMCT condemn the serious human rights violations committed by Indian government authorities in Kashmir following the death of Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on 1 September 2021. The three organizations also condemn the imposition of restrictions that are inconsistent with the country’s international human rights [ Read more ]

We, the undersigned organisations, write to urge UN Member States to ensure the adoption of a robust resolution to establish a Fact-Finding Mission or similar independent investigative mechanism on Afghanistan as a matter of priority at the upcoming 48th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). We express our profound regret at the [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu, 8 September 2021) ‒ Afghans are braving Taliban-controlled streets to demand respect of their fundamental rights, despite rapidly deteriorating peace and stability in the country. Amid growing dissent and protests across Afghanistan, the Taliban announced its interim government, which included members of the Haqqani network, but excluded women and representatives from the toppled government.[1] [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA ’s Position Statement on Afghanistan Last updated: 31 August 2021 FORUM-ASIA stands in solidarity with all civilians of Afghanistan, especially, women, children, minorities as well as human rights defenders, journalists, civil society activists, academics, judges and lawyers and their families who are at heightened risk of violence, reprisals and persecution following the seizure of [ Read more ]

Thailand: End the use of disproportionate and unnecessary force against protesters (30 August 2021, Jakarta) ‒ Thailand should respect, protect and fulfil the right of its people to peaceful assembly and expression, and must immediately end the use of disproportionate and unnecessary force against protesters, said the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) [ Read more ]

31st Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on the serious human rights concerns and situation in Afghanistan Delivered by Ahmed Adam On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 24 August 2021   Madam President, The takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban over the past week has dramatically escalated the [ Read more ]

17 August 2021 The undersigned organizations express their concern about the rapidly unfolding developments occurring in Afghanistan, including the entrance of Taliban troops in the capital Kabul on 15 August in violation of their February 2020 agreement with the government of the United States of America, the exile of President Ashraf Ghani, and growing numbers [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 6 August 2021) – The abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and limiting the statehood of Jammu & Kashmir into centrally administered territories two years ago has further deteriorated the human rights situation in Kashmir, said the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) in a statement today. In 2019, the [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 5 August 2021) ‒ The fire at the Hashem Foods and Beverages factory on 8 July owned by the Sajeeb Group in Rupganj, in the Narayanganj district of Bangladesh, is yet another industrial disaster resulting from lax enforcement and negligence by government agencies and businesses. The Bangladesh authorities should promptly investigate the incident, hold [ Read more ]

July 28, 2021 – We, the undersigned human rights organisations express deep concern for the ongoing detention of lawyer and minority and civic rights activist Hejaaz Hizbullah, who has been held under Sri Lanka’s notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for 15 months. In the absence of any credible evidence presented before a court of [ Read more ]