The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) welcomes the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court’s decision to grant bail to former Philippine senator Leila de Lima on 13 November 2023. Released from jail after nearly seven years in detention, the bail allows for de Lima’s temporary liberty. She is currently facing her third and [ Read more ]

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the murder of Filipino radio journalist Juan Jumalon.  We urge Philippine authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and to ensure accountability and justice.  From home, Jumalon was broadcasting his morning programme on 94.7 Gold FM Calamba’s Facebook page when he was shot to death by [ 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 ]

Open Letter to the Government of the Philippines: Drop the remaining politically motivated charges against Leila de Lima and grant her immediate release   To: Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines   cc: Office of the President, Republic of the Philippines Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines H.E. Mr. Evan [ Read more ]

52nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 6: Adoption of Universal Periodic Review outcomes of the Philippines Oral statement delivered by Rosemarie Trajano On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) 24 March 2023   FORUM-ASIA together with its partner organisations in the Philippines appreciate the Philippine government’s participation [ Read more ]

We, the undersigned organisations, express our utmost concern over the ongoing criminalization of ten human rights defenders and members of Karapatan, GABRIELA and the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) in retaliation for their legitimate human rights work. Elisa Tita Lubi, Karapatan Chairperson; Cristina Palabay, Karapatan Secretary General; Roneo Clamor, Karapatan Deputy Secretary General; Gabriela [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 19 October 2022) — Former senator and chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, Leila de Lima, should be released immediately and unconditionally, said the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) following a recent hostage-taking incident. On 9 October, three convicts allegedly linked to local terrorist groups stabbed a [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Jakarta, 29 June 2022) – ‘We urge the new Philippine government to repeal the repressive laws imposed by its predecessors and set a worthy example towards the protection and promotion of human rights,’ said the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) ahead of Philippines presidential inauguration. ‘The incoming administration of President Ferdinand Marcos [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Jakarta, 20 June 2022) FORUM-ASIA is deeply concerned by the ongoing court trial on perjury charges filed by Hermogenes Esperon Jr., the former National Security Adviser in the Cabinet of Rodrigo Duterte, against civil societies, Karapatan the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) and GABRIELA as well as the systematic vilification and smear campaigns against [ Read more ]

As the Philippines prepare to vote in the presidential elections on 9 May 2022, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and the Philippine Alliance for Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), urge all presidential candidates to publicly commit to protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms and human rights, create a safe and enabling environment [ Read more ]