(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 12 July 2016) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly condemns the cancellation of the license of Sabrang Trust under the Foreign Contributions (Regulations) Act (FCRA) of 2010 and urges the Ministry of Home Affairs of India to withdraw the cancellation order immediately. On 6 June 2016, the Ministry of [ Read more ]

As the world observes June 26 in solidarity with victims of torture, the pervasive existence of torture within India is a crime deserving of the fullest condemnation and punishment.  Torture is a pervasive practice that has to be recognised as such and abolished immediately and completely. It goes against India’s international obligations and our Constitution [ Read more ]

From Horror to Healing Statement of the National Convention In Solidarity with the Victims of Torture New Delhi, June 24-25 2016 As the world observes June 26 in solidarity with victims of torture, the pervasive existence of torture within India is a crime deserving of the fullest condemnation and punishment. Torture is a pervasive practice [ Read more ]

Torture is one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings. It is prohibited under international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances. The United Nations General Assembly, in its effort to totally eradicate torture and to ensure effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and other forms of Cruel, [ Read more ]

32nd Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Thematic reports by the High Commissioner – General Debate Oral Statement Delivered by Rosanna Ocampo On behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Tuesday, 21 June 2016 Mr. President, FORUM-ASIA welcomes the High Commissioner’s practical recommendations for the creation and [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 6 May 2016) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly condemns the excessive use of force by police which has led to the death of two protestors in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh in the north-eastern state of India on 2 May 2016. Two people were shot dead by police at around [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 31 March 2016)  – A Delhi court’s decision on Wednesday to acquit Irom Sharmila of charges of attempt to commit suicide in 2006 is another reminder for the authorities that her struggle is not illegal and it is high time they end the misuse of the law by repeatedly charging her for attempted suicide, [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 22 February 2016) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the attack on woman human rights defender (WHRD) Soni Sori on 20 February in Bastar region of Chhattisgarsh state, central India. FORUM-ASIA calls on the authorities in Chhattisgarh: to ensure the security of Soni Sori and her family; to promptly [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 20 February 2016) – In another setback to human rights in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, intimidation and manipulation of the police has forced a journalist and prominent legal aid group to leave the conflict-affected Bastar region. The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the pressure tactics being used to [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 17 February 2016) –  The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly condemns the use of colonial-era sedition laws to stifle freedom of expression, including the arrests of the former Delhi University lecturer SAR Geelani and a student leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on sedition charges under section 124A of [ Read more ]