In 2014 Sri Lankan human rights defenders (HRDs) faced a number violations as enumerated below. A new government is in place after elections in January 2015 and it has made some positive commitments on investigating past reprisals against HRDs and journalists. Despite some such positive signs it’s not clear yet if the culture of impunity [ Read more ]

Asian Solidarity Conference for Accountability and Justice in Sri Lanka Bangkok, 31 January-1 February 2015 We, more than 60 human rights defenders and civil society activists from 17 countries across Asia gathered in Bangkok to discuss and express solidarity for accountability and justice in Sri Lanka; Paying tribute to all those who struggled and continue [ Read more ]

(Colombo/Bangkok, 17 February 2015) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and the Asia Democracy Network (ADN) called on Asian governments and civil society to work together to ensure accountability and justice in Sri Lanka. Earlier this month, about 60 human rights defenders and civil society activists from 17 countries across Asia [ Read more ]

Five years on and despite repeated calls for independent, impartial and effective investigations into the abduction and killing of human rights defender Pattani Razeek by his family and local, regional and international groups, the Sri Lankan government has failed to shed light on his case. On 11 February 2010, Pattani Razeek was last seen in [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 20 January 2015) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), welcomed the successful conclusion of the 8th Presidential elections in Sri Lanka. The country has seen turmoil for many decades, the last decade in particular being one of the most trying of times. It is hoped that the recent election of [ Read more ]

13th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Statement delivered by Sunil Pal on behalf of   Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Mr President, Madame Prosecutor, Distinguished representatives of the ASP and civil society I have the distinct privilege to address you on [ Read more ]

                                                                              7th October 2014 Thank you Mr. Chair, This is a joint statement by IMADR and FORUM-ASIA together with civil [ Read more ]

Human rights defenders and others working to promote truth, justice and accountability in relation to a UN estimated 40,000 civilian deaths in Sri Lanka in 2009 alone face a systematic pattern of threats, harassment, intimidation and violence, according to a new report submitted to the UN by ISHR and FORUM-ASIA. The report, which is being [ Read more ]

Oral Statement Delivered by Ahmed Adam on behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Thursday, 25 September 2014 Mr. President. FORUM-ASIA welcomes the High Commissioner’s update on Sri Lanka. Incidents in the six months following the last resolution by this Council on Sri Lanka (A/HRC/25/1)[1] strongly suggest that a climate of fear [ Read more ]

Letter to H.E   Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa President of Sri Lanka “Temple Trees” 15/5 Baladaksha Mawatha Colombo 03 Sri Lanka                                                                                                   16 September 2014 Excellency, I write to you on behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) in relation to the international conference on [ Read more ]