This report is based on the findings of a Fact Finding mission conducted by MASUM in association with Human Rights Defenders Alert (HRDA) and FORUM-ASIA. The mission was organised on 1–3 November 2016 and members of the mission were senior jurists and eminent personalities comprising Justice (retd.) H. Suresh, Former Director General of Police, K. [ Read more ]

Foreword For several years, MASUM has worked to monitor the living conditions of enclave dwellers. In 2013, MASUM conducted a survey to study the conditions of enclaves on both sides of the Indo-Bangladesh border. In these findings, we have seen evidence of gross negligence and apathy of the Governments of India and Bangladesh towards the [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu/Bangkok, 6 December 2019) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) deplores the continuous state-imposed Internet shut down in Jammu and Kashmir. The Internet shut down began on 5 August 2019, when Article 370 of Indian Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated, and has now gone on [ Read more ]

*** For a PDF version of this statement, click here 

(Kathmandu/Bangkok, 6 November, 2019) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and its member in Manipur, Human Rights Alert (HRA), are deeply concerned over the deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces and the Indian Army to Manipur, and the militarisation of educational institutions. The increased presence of the military in the already militarised [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu/ Bangkok, 4 November 2019) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASA) is deeply concerned over reports that journalists and human rights activists have been spied up and surveilled through the use of highly sophisticated spyware, Pegasus.[1] Pegasus, developed by an Israel-based technology firm, NSO Group, can gain access to the camera, [ Read more ]

  India: End communication blockade in Jammu and Kashmir without further delay Kathmandu/Bangkok/Paris/Geneva, 4 October 2019: Today completes two months of the unprecedented communication blockade in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) urge [ Read more ]

42nd Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 4: General Debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention Oral Statement Delivered by Ahmed Adam On behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Tuesday, 17 September 2019 Mr. President, FORUM-ASIA calls for the Council’s attention on the human [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu/Bangkok, 4 September 2019) – It has been one month since the start of the shut-down in India administered Jammu and Kashmir. The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) remains deeply concerned over these continuous restrictions on the freedom of expression and movement, and the further violations of human rights in the area. [ Read more ]

India: Government must immediately lift communication restrictions and protect human rights in Jammu and Kashmir (Kathmandu/ Bangkok, 13 August 2019) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is deeply concerned over the severe and prolonged communication restrictions in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir since 5 August 2019. The blackout on the Internet [ Read more ]