(Bangkok, 28 September 2023) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the conviction of Arnon Nampa, a prominent Thai human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist. He is sentenced to four years in prison without parole for violating Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code or lèse-majesté law. FORUM-ASIA is in solidarity [ Read more ]

54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development Oral statement delivered by Urantsooj Gombosuren On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 20 September 2023   Mr. President, We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s vision to reinvigorate the right [ Read more ]

  54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: General Debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner Oral statement delivered by Ahmed Adam On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 13 September 2023   Mr. President, We welcome the High Commissioner’s update. We share the High [ Read more ]

54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Oral statement delivered by Sara Nabil On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 11 September 2023   Mr. President, In Afghanistan, history is repeating in the [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 18 September 2023) The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)–alongside its member organisations–expresses its unwavering solidarity for prominent Bangladeshi human rights defenders, Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan. We are deeply concerned over their recent conviction to two years in prison, along with a fine, by the Dhaka Cyber Tribunal. Adil [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Jakarta, 12 December 2023) The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) expresses concern over the ongoing criminal proceedings against Fatia Maulidiyanti and Haris Azhar and its implications to human rights and civic space in Indonesia. FORUM-ASIA has submitted an amicus brief to the East Jakarta District Court for its consideration in the application [ Read more ]

Bangladesh: Quash conviction and release rights defenders Leaders of Prominent Rights Group Convicted on Trumped-Up Charges (September 14, 2023) Bangladesh authorities should immediately release human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, quash their convictions, and  end all reprisals against them for their legitimate human rights work, said 72 organizations today. Khan and [ Read more ]

54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR report on Afghanistan Oral statement delivered by Hafizullah Saeedi On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 12 September 2023   Mr. President, We welcome the High Commissioner’s report. The people of Afghanistan under Taliban’s brutal rule [ Read more ]

54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka Oral statement delivered by Swasthika Arulingam On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 11 September 2023   Mr. President, The High Commissioner’s report [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 13 September 2023) The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the alleged abduction of Filipino environmental defenders, Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano. FORUM-ASIA urges the Government of the Philippines to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure the safe return of both defenders. Jonila and Jhed–ages 21 and 22–are community volunteers for Akap Ka Manila Bay, a [ Read more ]