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Category: ANNI Events

  • [Statement] Malaysia Must Prioritize Integrity and Continuity of Taiping Prison Investigation and Uphold SUHAKAM’s Independence Amid Expiring Commissioner Tenures

    [BANGKOK] 21 June 2025: The Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) strongly urges the Malaysian Government to ensure the continuity of the ongoing inquiry into alleged human rights violations at Taiping Prison by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM). It likewise calls for the independence of SUHAKAM to be upheld, as the terms of seven commissioners are set to expire.

    Commissioner Mariati Robert, one of the outgoing commissioners, currently serves on the three-member panel leading the inquiry, alongside Chairman Hishamudin Yunus and Commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki.

    On 17 January 2025, a violent incident at Taiping Prison resulted in the death of 62-year-old Gan Chin Eng, from abdominal injuries caused by blunt force trauma, and injuries to several other detainees. Over 100 detainees were reportedly assaulted by more than 60 prison officers using batons and canes. 

    In response to multiple complaints, SUHAKAM launched an investigation in February 2025 and was initially denied access to the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, despite prior approval. Entry was granted only after a public outcry.  SUHAKAM was eventually granted entry into Taiping Prison several days later. 

    Following its initial investigations, SUHAKAM formally launched a public inquiry into the alleged violations on 23 May. The first phase of SUHAKAM’s public inquiry was held from 9 to 12 June 2025 at Kamunting Correctional Centre in Perak. The second phase is scheduled to take place at the same venue from 23 to 26 June.

     

    Protect Inquiry Continuity to Promote Accountability

    The impending expiration of Commissioner Mariati’s tenure on 22 June, one day before the second phase of the public inquiry begins, raises serious concerns about its continuity and integrity. Her role as a key member is crucial In public inquiries, to ensure fair, informed, and coherent findings. Panel changes at this formative stage risk undermining due process, public confidence, and eroding institutional credibility, especially given the allegations of state violence against persons in custody.

    “ANNI joins the Malaysian civil society in urging the Malaysian Government and SUHAKAM to urgently address the expiring tenure of Commissioner Mariati, who is concluding her first term and remains eligible for reappointment,” said Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso, the Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA, the Secretariat of ANNI. “The continuity and integrity of the Taiping Prison investigation must not be jeopardized. Replacing a panel member at this stage could delay the inquiry’s progress and cast doubt on the credibility of the inquiry process. Public trust hinges on procedural integrity and independence,” she added. 

    “The Government and SUHAKAM must clarify the steps that will be taken to ensure due process in inquiry proceedings, including whether Commissioner Mariati will be reappointed or replaced, and how that will affect the panel’s composition,” said Azura Nasron, the acting Executive Director of SUARAM, a member organization of ANNI. “Consistency in the panel is not merely procedural; it is central to ensuring inquiry legitimacy and meaningful outcomes.”

    ANNI calls on the Government of Malaysia and SUHAKAM to take prompt and transparent steps to safeguard the legitimacy of the inquiry process, both through timely decision-making on panel composition and by upholding their commitment to justice and the protection of human rights. Protecting the integrity of the Taiping Prison inquiry is key to upholding due process and accountability.

     

    Maintain the Independence of SUHAKAM

    With seven SUHAKAM commissioners, including key inquiry panel member Mariati Robert, completing their terms this month, ANNI urges the Malaysian government to ensure that new appointments protect SUHAKAM’s independence, credibility, and continuity.

    Strict adherence to Section 5(3B) of the SUHAKAM Act, which bars politically affiliated individuals from serving, is essential to maintain public trust and impartiality. 

    **

    Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI)

    The Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) was established in December 2006. It is a network of Asian non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders working on issues related to National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). ANNI has members that are national organisations from all over Asia. ANNI currently has 33 member organisations from 21 countries or territories. The work of ANNI members focuses on strengthening the work and functioning of Asian NHRIs to better promote and protect human rights as well as to advocate for the improved compliance of Asian NHRIs with international standards, including the Paris Principles and General Observations of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of NHRIs (GANHRI). The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) has served as the Secretariat of ANNI since its establishment in 2006. http://l.forum-asia.org/ANNI

    The post [Statement] Malaysia Must Prioritize Integrity and Continuity of Taiping Prison Investigation and Uphold SUHAKAM’s Independence Amid Expiring Commissioner Tenures first appeared on FORUM-ASIA.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [ANNI Open Letter] South Korea: Ensure compliance with international human rights standards in NHRCK Chairperson recruitment, for Korea to truly become a Global Pivotal State

    To

    H.E. Mr. Suk Yeol Yoon

    The President of the Republic of Korea

    21 June 2024

    Open Letter to the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK)

     

    Re: Ensure compliance with international human rights standards in NHRCK Chairperson recruitment, for Korea to truly become a Global Pivotal State

    Honourable President Mr. Suk Yeol Yoon,

    The Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI), a network of Asian non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders (HRDs) working on issues related to National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), urges compliance with the Paris Principles and other international human rights standards in the recruitment of the next Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), in order for Korea to truly become a Global Pivotal State.

    ANNI notes that the NHRCK has been a good example for NHRIs in Asia, including holding the current Chairpersonship of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. Unfortunately, however, several concerns have been raised about the NHRCK since May 2022:

    • We are deeply concerned about the anti-human rights behaviour exhibited by some of the Standing Commissioners. In July 2023, we sent an open letter[1] to the NHRCK regarding Commissioner Lee Chung-sang’s anti-human rights comments about social minorities, including the LGBTIQ+ community and victims of human rights violations. Unfortunately, Commissioner Lee Chung-sang’s anti-human rights stance remains unchanged since our letter. Additionally, Commissioner Kim Yong-won too has taken an anti-human rights position on the abolition of the death penalty recently, wherein he remarked that “human rights are guaranteed to humans, not to animals disguised as humans.”[2]
    • While the NHRCK has consistently recommended the enactment of anti-discrimination laws in its independent report to the United Nations (UN) human rights mechanisms including the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review of the Korean government, the NHRCK’s independent report, which is submitted to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, omitted the recommendation on the enactment of an anti-discrimination law under the leadership of the two Standing Commissioners (Lee Chung-Sang and Kim Young-won). This is a very serious departure from the NHRCK’s position on equal rights.[3] This situation has been repeated even ahead of the Convention Against Torture’s (CAT) deliberation on the Korean government, which is scheduled for July this year. As discussions on the independent report to be submitted by the NHRCK have been delayed due to the two commissioners’ raising of anti-human rights issues, the NHRCK has still failed to adopt the independent report submitted to CAT.[4] This marks the first instance where the anti-discrimination law has been omitted from the independent report submitted by the NHRCK to the UN, placing the country at risk of missing the deadline. Given the importance of independent reports from NHRIs, it is regrettable that the NHRCK is regressing on the human rights standards recommended by the UN.
    • This is not the only issue disabling the functioning of the NHRCK. The NHRCK has been dealing with complaints in its sub-committees. If a sub-committee of three commissioners fails to reach a conclusion on a petition, it has been customary for the case to be addressed by the full plenary committee of all 11 commissioners.

     

    But Lee Chung-sang and Kim Yong-won are leading the call for a vote in the sub-committee,[5] a move that has received the support of the other four non-standing commissioners as well. With no conclusion on whether these arguments are appropriate, commissioners Lee Chung-sang and Kim Yong-won are arbitrarily voting on cases at the sub-committee, and many complaints are also being dismissed.[6] Given their anti-human rights position and the complaints they have opposed, including issues related to persons from the LGBTIQ+ community, several cases are likely not being dealt with adequately by the NHRCK.

    • Above all, these commissioners have acted in a manner unbefitting of their esteemed positions within an NHRI. Previously, these two standing commissioners asked the police to investigate the bereaved families of victims whose human rights were violated in the military, and also other HRDs. According to the commissioners’ claims, the bereaved families and HRDs detained them from leaving the office. However, at that time, the bereaved families were simply demanding a meeting with the Chairperson of the NHRCK.

    It is debatable if the commissioners’ claims are true. This is because 77 NHRI staff members filed a petition with the police[7] to not investigate or punish the bereaved families and HRDs. The fact that so many staff members of the Commission filed petitions for what the two Standing Commissioners did, provides an insight into the nature of the case and about the Standing Commissioners’ hostile attitude toward civil society. This is a direct rejection of the NHRI’s core operating principle: cooperation with civil society.

    • Most disturbingly, Commissioners Lee Choong-sang and Kim Yong-won have also engaged in intimidating behaviour toward their fellow commissioners and employees, even in public meetings.[8] Commissioners responsible for human rights must embody a pro-human rights attitude in both their words and actions. Testimony from Korean human rights activists who observed the meeting reveals they experienced severe mental distress due to the commissioners’ shocking behaviour. Their actions and words have not only caused pain to people in their public meetings, but also to employees of the Commission in their everyday professional lives.

    With the expiration of the current term of Chairperson Song Doo-hwan in September 2024, ANNI notes that the process for you, President Yoon Suk Yeol, to elect the next Chairperson of the NHRCK will begin in June 2024.

    We also know that you have elected Commissioners through a total of seven recommendation committees involving civil society: three recommended by the presidential office, three recommended by civil society, and one recommended by the Korean Bar Association. This procedure itself has been passed down successively to your office since former President Moon Jae In accepted the demands of the international community and of Korean civil society.

    However, we do note that despite these procedures, the Commissioners elected by you have taken the lead in neutralising the functioning of the NHRCK with their opposition to international human rights standards, or are sympathetic to this neutralisation. A case in point is Commissioner Kim Yong-won.

    ANNI believes that the next Chairperson of the NHRCK should be a person who has the will to protect the human rights of the socially disadvantaged, including the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, in accordance with the Paris Principles and other international human rights standards. Unfortunately, until now, the Commissioners nominated by your office have not exhibited this commitment.

    The NHRCK has long been an exemplary NHRI in Asia and a model for the international community. To advance human rights in Asia, the NHRCK must continue to act as a credible institution trusted by civil society. This will inspire other NHRIs and positively impact human rights defenders across the region.

    ANNI recalls your government promising to contribute greatly to the protection of freedom in the international community. In order to protect freedom, we need the NHRI to do its part. We strongly demand and look forward to your careful and considerate choice for the NHRCK Chairperson.

     

    For the recruitment of the next Chairperson of the NHRCK, we urge you to nominate a candidate who:

    1.  Can comply with, and can properly implement, international human rights norms including the Paris Principles;
    2. Can create a culture in which human rights are respected within the NHRCK, by respecting the personality of the Commissioners as well as of the staff;
    3. Has the capacity and expertise to contribute to the development and establishment of NHRIs in the Asian region, as well as serve as an example to the international community; and
    4. Can make efforts to ensure that the Korean government’s human rights policy can be implemented based on international human rights standards.

    We thank you for your kind consideration on this matter.
    Yours sincerely,

     

    1. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA);
    2. Korean House for International Solidarity (KHIS), South Korea;
    3. Cambodian League for the Promotion & Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), Cambodia;
    4. Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Nepal;
    5. Joint Action for NHRI and Optional Protocols in Japan (JANOP), Japan;
    6. Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP), Timor-Leste;
    7. People’s Empowerment Foundation (PEF), Thailand;
    8. Bytes For All, Pakistan;
    9. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Bangladesh;
    10. Odhikar, Bangladesh;
    11. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Indonesia;
    12. Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Philippines;
    13. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), Cambodia;
    14. Law and Society Trust (LST), Sri Lanka;
    15. CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar);
    16. All India Network of NGOs and Individuals working with National and State Human Rights Institutions (AiNNI), India;
    17. Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD), Mongolia;
    18. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), Malaysia; and
    19. Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN), Maldives

     

     

    About the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI)

     

    The Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) was established in December 2006. It is a network of Asian non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders working on issues related to National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). ANNI currently has 33 member organisations from 21 countries or territories. ANNI members work on strengthening the work and functioning of Asian NHRIs to better promote and protect human rights as well as to advocate for the improved compliance of Asian NHRIs with international standards, including the Paris Principles and General Observations of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of NHRIs (GANHRI). The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) has served as the Secretariat of ANNI since its establishment in 2006.

    Website: http://l.forum-asia.org/ANNI

     

     

    [1] https://forum-asia.org/open-letter-the-anti-human-rights-behaviour-of-lee-choong-sang-a-standing-commissioner-of-the-national-human-rights-commission-of-korea/

    [2] https://www.pressian.com/pages/articles/2024060518472190948

    [3]  https://www.kukinews.com/newsView/kuk202403260346

    [4] https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/1140803.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0R-8raAZUOtyJHfKyrj-KLtcTK3KtweAqzhfv6EoGve9TKGXH_ZjChYeE_aem_AXqUeLG_iSrCpvMbPuZO3KXrGaTXGXxav9Q0iax_eWzyCadO8ZM4-VUohCK_kcR60M0G811yW1m1d3oIdpU_GzwT#ace04ou

    [5] https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=51580

    [6] https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/1130037.html

    [7]  https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/1135433.html

    [8] https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/1132625.html

     

    ##

    For the PDF version of this statement,  click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [Event] Supporting war criminals: How the largest global human rights network is legitimizing the illegal military junta in Myanmar

    Supporting war criminals: How the largest global human rights network is legitimizing the illegal military junta in Myanmar
    Civil society networks working to strengthen the promotion and protection of national human rights institutions will hold an online press conference

     

    When: Monday 27 February 2023, 14:30 – 15:30 Yangon Time (GMT+6:30)
    Registration: bit.ly/3KpA92i

    One of the largest human rights networks worldwide, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which is a partner of the United Nations with a Head Office in Geneva, Switzerland, has invited representatives of the Myanmar military junta to its 2023 Annual Meeting. The GANHRI’s Annual Meeting will be held in person in Geneva at the UN on 14 – 16 March 2023.
    Over two years since the 1 February 2021 failed coup, the Myanmar military has committed grave crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity with total impunity. Over 3,000 people have been killed by the military junta and nearly 20,000 people arrested. Since 2021, the Myanmar junta has been utilizing international platforms to promote its propaganda to legitimize its illegal attempts to grab power. The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), which has since February 2021 been under the control of the illegal junta and is likely to attend the meeting, has acted as an agent of the military, representing the interests of the illegitimate military junta and advancing the junta’s propagandas at regional national human rights institution’s meetings and conferences.

    The CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) will hold a press conference to highlight the concerns of civil society. We will also launch an analysis paper “Accessory to the Junta’s Crimes” which evaluates the MNHRC’s actions and complicity in the junta’s failed coup in the context of Myanmar’s Spring Revolution. The panelists will discuss why GANHRI’s invitation to the junta has serious repercussions for the people of Myanmar and what actions GANHRI can take to correct its course.

    Speakers:

    •  Khin Ohmar, Founder and Chairperson of Advisory Board, Progressive Voice
    •  Shanna Priangka Ramadhanti, Coordinator, Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI)
    •  Zee Pe, Director, Athan – Freedom of Expression Activist Organization

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [Event Highlight] ANNI South Korea Report Launch

    On 16 November 2022, the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI), together with the Korean House for International Solidarity, launched the South Korean chapter of the  ANNI Report 2020 on the Performance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Seoul, South Korea. A panel discussion took place during the launch with representatives of ANNI, KHIS, the South Korean Non-Governmental Organizations Task Force to Monitor Government Human Rights Policy (“HR Policy TF”), and NHRCK. The panel discussion was also moderated by Prof Nohyun Kwak, former Secretary-General for NHRCK and currently one of the advisers of ANNI.

    Background

    The launch and discussion of the South Korean chapter came at a crucial time for both NHRCK and civil society organizations. The NHRCK received an “A” status from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (“GANHRI-SCA”) in 2021 and was elected as the Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) in September 2022. However, there remain issues regarding the functioning and performance of the Commission. Critical observations on NHRCK are documented in the ANNI Report and by the GANHRI-SCA, especially on the selection and appointment of Commissioners and the independence from the Government.

    Issues Discussed

    Speakers critically engaged on the issue of the selection and appointment process of the NHRCK. The NHRCK has received continuous recommendations from civil society and GANHRI-SCA in amending its founding law on the selection and appointment process, specifically in creating a single selection committee. Currently, the Act states that the President shall appoint Commissioners nominated by the President, National Assembly, and the Supreme Court. However, no rules or laws provide a single consistent formalized selection process used by the three institutions. While the previous Government attempted to make such a selection committee, many details needed to be ironed out, and the discussions eventually dragged on. Unfortunately, the discussion has fizzled out with the incumbent Government.

    The speakers’ remarks also revealed the lack of engagement with broader civil society. In 2018, there was a positive development where the President’s office engaged civil society organizations in providing the nomination of commissioners. Eventually, this led to the first female and non-lawyer chairperson for NHRCK. Unfortunately, such engagements have regressed, and civil society organizations are no longer involved in the other appointments of commissioners. Hence, there is a strong call made by civil society to not only meaningfully participate in the selection process but also ensure that these groups are diverse and promote human rights under international standards. 

    The issue of independence also arises in the discussion. Based on a survey regarding the public’s perception of NHRCK, the majority sees NHRCK as a body that is not adequately independent from the Government. This means that NHRCK has been affected by the changes in the Government’s political climate, shown in the selection and appointment process. Speakers believe that the current selection and appointment process involving highly political bodies within the Government does not ensure the Commission in having Commissioners who would be able to ensure human rights in the Country and exercise independent thinking and leadership.

    At the end of the session, participants and speakers mentioned that the human rights situation in South Korea is regressing, and civil society is expecting that it will continue to relapse in the upcoming years. Despite such views, speakers have reminded the resilience and persistence of civil society in South Korea in advocating for human rights and its independent Commissions such as NHRCK. One speaker spoke of the time in 2000 when civil society camped outside NHRCK and conducted a hunger strike protesting against having NHRCK be under the Ministry of Justice and in 2008 when civil society camped out again protesting against the appointment of the Chairperson. 

    The NHRCK has been considered a model national human rights institution in Asia and a country respected for its democratic transformation and economic prosperity. Despite the challenges in strengthening the NHRCK, all speakers and participants see there is a need, more than ever, for the NHRCK to be able to independently and effectively implement it with the hope that it would contribute to improving the human rights situation in South Korea. 

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [Event] Report Launch: Making Institutions Count: Strengthening Support for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Asia by National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)

    Date: Thursday, 26 April 2022

    Time: 11.00 – 12.30 (GMT+7)

    Register here: l.forum-asia.org/WHRDReportLaunch

    Live via: Zoom, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter

    Across the Asian region, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) have been at the forefront of struggles and movements for securing and advancing human rights for all. While WHRD-led movements have gained traction in recent years, they have been strongly impacted by increasingly repressive and authoritarian political environments. Threats and reprisals against WHRDs have come from both state and non-state actors, and gender-based violence and abuse against them are particularly prevalent.

    WHRDs require greater support and recognition by all stakeholders, including National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), with gender-specific responses and protection measures to create a safe and enabling environment.

    Recognising their challenges, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), as the Secretariat of the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI), and the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF), is launching a thematic report “Making Institutions Count: Strengthening Support for WHRDs in Asia by NHRIs”.

    Join the discussion on NHRI-led advocacy challenges and milestones on protecting WHRDs in this event.

    Speakers: 

    • Karen Gomez-Dumpit, Commissioner, Commission on Human Rights, Philippines
    • Vita Yudhani, Advocacy Officer, The Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM)
    • Ambika Satkunanathan, Fellow, Open Society Foundations; and Former Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
    • Kieren Fitzpatrick, Director, Asia Pacific Forum (APF)

    Moderated by: Shomira Sanyal, NHRI Programme, FORUM-ASIA

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.