radiofree.asia

Category: Oral Statements

  • [HRC51 Joint Oral Statement] Item 4: General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

     

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), World Organisation against Torture (OMCT), CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation

     26 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We call for the attention of the Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in India.

    Since 2014, India has witnessed a sharp rise of authoritarianism accompanied by systematic erosion of the rule of law and independent institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, Elections Commission and the judiciary, that are mandated to safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    Indian authorities have escalated crackdowns on and persecution of human rights defenders, journalists, and critics through restrictive laws and counter-terrorism legislation that do not comply with India’s international obligations. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) continues to be applied as part of a broader systematic repression of civil society and opposition voices. It fails to comply with international standards and must be repealed or reviewed.

    The government continues its assault on fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights to freedom of expression, media, peaceful assembly, association and movement, in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez, and journalists Fahad Shah remain in detention under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in a deliberate attempt to obfuscate and stifle independent reporting on the extent and gravity of human rights implications of its policies in Kashmir.

    At the same time, majoritarian and ultranationalist narratives actively promoted or endorsed by public and religious officials as well as discriminatory legislation such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and policies, and police inaction, continue to fuel hatred, discrimination, and violence against minorities, especially Muslims.

    We call on Indian authorities to end repression of civil society and media, end harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, journalists and critics, and release all those who are arbitrarily detained for their legitimate work including human rights defender Khurram Parvez and journalist Fahad Shah.

    The Council must act urgently and appropriately to prevent further escalation of violence, discrimination, and hatred against minorities which, if left unchecked, could lead to gross and systematic violations.

    Thank you

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Joint Oral Statement] Item 4: General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

     

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), World Organisation against Torture (OMCT), CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation

     26 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We call for the attention of the Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in India.

    Since 2014, India has witnessed a sharp rise of authoritarianism accompanied by systematic erosion of the rule of law and independent institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, Elections Commission and the judiciary, that are mandated to safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    Indian authorities have escalated crackdowns on and persecution of human rights defenders, journalists, and critics through restrictive laws and counter-terrorism legislation that do not comply with India’s international obligations. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) continues to be applied as part of a broader systematic repression of civil society and opposition voices. It fails to comply with international standards and must be repealed or reviewed.

    The government continues its assault on fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights to freedom of expression, media, peaceful assembly, association and movement, in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez, and journalists Fahad Shah remain in detention under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in a deliberate attempt to obfuscate and stifle independent reporting on the extent and gravity of human rights implications of its policies in Kashmir.

    At the same time, majoritarian and ultranationalist narratives actively promoted or endorsed by public and religious officials as well as discriminatory legislation such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and policies, and police inaction, continue to fuel hatred, discrimination, and violence against minorities, especially Muslims.

    We call on Indian authorities to end repression of civil society and media, end harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, journalists and critics, and release all those who are arbitrarily detained for their legitimate work including human rights defender Khurram Parvez and journalist Fahad Shah.

    The Council must act urgently and appropriately to prevent further escalation of violence, discrimination, and hatred against minorities which, if left unchecked, could lead to gross and systematic violations.

    Thank you

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

     51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

     

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     21 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    The Myanmar military junta, in its nearly 20-months long terror campaign across Myanmar in an attempt to establish military rule, has ramped up its persecution of its opponents with the execution of four pro-democracy activists in July and unrelenting arrests of activists. Conditions in places of detention, where over 12000 political prisoners remain, are worsening with frequent killings, torture and ill-treatment, and sexual and gender-based violence.

    In the latest demonstration of its brutality on 16 September, the junta has launched aerial attacks on a school and villages in Depayin township, Sagaing Region. At least 11 children were killed, and 17 injured. The perpetrators must be named and held accountable for these crimes.

    Minority communities across Myanmar continue to bear the brunt of the junta’s brutality. Nearly 1 million people – predominantly from minority communities – are displaced throughout  the country and across borders, as a result of the junta’s indiscriminate violence.

    The failure to secure accountability of the military for systemic discrimination and persecution against Rohingya and other minorities communities is at the root of the junta’s ongoing brutality and its sustained assault on the rule of law and human rights.

    While Myanmar people’s resilience in the face of this unimaginable barbarity of the junta continues to grow strong, it is shameful that international community remains largely silent, or recently taken action that appear to legitimize the junta.

    The international community and UN agencies must stop lending legitimacy to the illegal junta. Instead, they must scale up efforts to support the people’s aspirations for federal democracy; hold the junta accountable through the International Criminal Court (ICC), coordinate actions including targeted sanctions and comprehensive arms embargoes; and support local and community-based networks of humanitarian aid distribution, and provision of essential services such as health and education, including along the borders, through direct and flexible funding and assistance.

    Thank you.

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

     51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

     

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     21 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    The Myanmar military junta, in its nearly 20-months long terror campaign across Myanmar in an attempt to establish military rule, has ramped up its persecution of its opponents with the execution of four pro-democracy activists in July and unrelenting arrests of activists. Conditions in places of detention, where over 12000 political prisoners remain, are worsening with frequent killings, torture and ill-treatment, and sexual and gender-based violence.

    In the latest demonstration of its brutality on 16 September, the junta has launched aerial attacks on a school and villages in Depayin township, Sagaing Region. At least 11 children were killed, and 17 injured. The perpetrators must be named and held accountable for these crimes.

    Minority communities across Myanmar continue to bear the brunt of the junta’s brutality. Nearly 1 million people – predominantly from minority communities – are displaced throughout  the country and across borders, as a result of the junta’s indiscriminate violence.

    The failure to secure accountability of the military for systemic discrimination and persecution against Rohingya and other minorities communities is at the root of the junta’s ongoing brutality and its sustained assault on the rule of law and human rights.

    While Myanmar people’s resilience in the face of this unimaginable barbarity of the junta continues to grow strong, it is shameful that international community remains largely silent, or recently taken action that appear to legitimize the junta.

    The international community and UN agencies must stop lending legitimacy to the illegal junta. Instead, they must scale up efforts to support the people’s aspirations for federal democracy; hold the junta accountable through the International Criminal Court (ICC), coordinate actions including targeted sanctions and comprehensive arms embargoes; and support local and community-based networks of humanitarian aid distribution, and provision of essential services such as health and education, including along the borders, through direct and flexible funding and assistance.

    Thank you.

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the the progress made and remaining challenges with regard to the recommendations of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar in its conference room paper on the economic interests of the military

     

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the the progress made and remaining challenges with regard to the recommendations of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar in its conference room paper on the economic interests of the military

     

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     22 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the High Commissioner’s report and follow up by the Council of the important recommendations by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) which still remain the best blueprint to hold the Myanmar military accountable for genocide of Rohingya, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    We regret that much of the FFM’s recommendations, in particular, to the UN Security Council to target financial sanctions against senior military officials and military-owned companies and to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on the military have not been implemented.

    While we welcome the targeted sanctions already imposed by several countries following the attempted coup on 1 February 2021, they are limited across too few jurisdictions and on too few targets to have the necessary impact.

    The junta continues to enjoy access to off-book resources to continue its atrocities through its business interests or those owned by senior military officials and their associates.

    We deplore the actions of many UN Member States that not only continue to block the imposition of a comprehensive arms embargo but also continue to supply arms and weapons to the junta.

    Those who continue to do business with the military owned and affiliated businesses and supply arms to the junta as well as those that continue to prevent robust international action against the junta are complicit in its war crimes and crimes against humanity across the country.

    We reiterate our call for coordinated, targeted sanctions against all military business interests, in particular the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises, as well as all arms brokers. The Security Council must impose a comprehensive arms embargo on the junta to stop current and prevent further atrocities.

    We urge the High Commissioner to follow up on the work of the FFM and compile and maintain a public list of international corporations that continue to do business with the junta and its affiliates.

    Thank you.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the the progress made and remaining challenges with regard to the recommendations of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar in its conference room paper on the economic interests of the military

     

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the the progress made and remaining challenges with regard to the recommendations of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar in its conference room paper on the economic interests of the military

     

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     22 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the High Commissioner’s report and follow up by the Council of the important recommendations by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) which still remain the best blueprint to hold the Myanmar military accountable for genocide of Rohingya, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    We regret that much of the FFM’s recommendations, in particular, to the UN Security Council to target financial sanctions against senior military officials and military-owned companies and to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on the military have not been implemented.

    While we welcome the targeted sanctions already imposed by several countries following the attempted coup on 1 February 2021, they are limited across too few jurisdictions and on too few targets to have the necessary impact.

    The junta continues to enjoy access to off-book resources to continue its atrocities through its business interests or those owned by senior military officials and their associates.

    We deplore the actions of many UN Member States that not only continue to block the imposition of a comprehensive arms embargo but also continue to supply arms and weapons to the junta.

    Those who continue to do business with the military owned and affiliated businesses and supply arms to the junta as well as those that continue to prevent robust international action against the junta are complicit in its war crimes and crimes against humanity across the country.

    We reiterate our call for coordinated, targeted sanctions against all military business interests, in particular the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises, as well as all arms brokers. The Security Council must impose a comprehensive arms embargo on the junta to stop current and prevent further atrocities.

    We urge the High Commissioner to follow up on the work of the FFM and compile and maintain a public list of international corporations that continue to do business with the junta and its affiliates.

    Thank you.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     14 September 2022

     

     

    Mr. Vice President,

    We welcome the Acting High Commissioner’s update and congratulate Mr. Volker Türk on his appointment as the next High Commissioner for Human Rights. We urge the new High Commissioner to be the uncompromising voice and advocate the millions of victims of human rights violations and abuses across the world need and to work closely with civil society and human rights defenders.

    We share the High Commissioner’s view on the need to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Bangladesh ahead of the next elections.

    The government’s continued harassment of prominent human rights organization, Odhikar, and its leaders Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan are emblematic of the systematic repression against human rights defenders, NGOs and critical voices in the country.

    The recent decision of the Prime Minister’s Office to uphold the arbitrary de-registration of Odhikar, as well as the ongoing judicial harassment of Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan since May 2013 on trumped up cybercrime charges clearly demonstrate the lengths to which the government is willing to go to silence human rights defenders and civil society. We call on Bangladesh to end judicial harassment of Odhikar and its leaders.

    Bangladesh must repeal or review in line with its international obligations the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulations Act 2016, the Information and Communication Technology Act 2006 (ICT Act) and the Digital Security Act 2018 to create an environment where human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists can do their legitimate work freely, without fear of reprisals.

    We call on the High Commissioner and the Council to continue to monitor and take necessary steps to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Bangladesh.

    Thank you.

     

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     14 September 2022

     

     

    Mr. Vice President,

    We welcome the Acting High Commissioner’s update and congratulate Mr. Volker Türk on his appointment as the next High Commissioner for Human Rights. We urge the new High Commissioner to be the uncompromising voice and advocate the millions of victims of human rights violations and abuses across the world need and to work closely with civil society and human rights defenders.

    We share the High Commissioner’s view on the need to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Bangladesh ahead of the next elections.

    The government’s continued harassment of prominent human rights organization, Odhikar, and its leaders Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan are emblematic of the systematic repression against human rights defenders, NGOs and critical voices in the country.

    The recent decision of the Prime Minister’s Office to uphold the arbitrary de-registration of Odhikar, as well as the ongoing judicial harassment of Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan since May 2013 on trumped up cybercrime charges clearly demonstrate the lengths to which the government is willing to go to silence human rights defenders and civil society. We call on Bangladesh to end judicial harassment of Odhikar and its leaders.

    Bangladesh must repeal or review in line with its international obligations the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulations Act 2016, the Information and Communication Technology Act 2006 (ICT Act) and the Digital Security Act 2018 to create an environment where human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists can do their legitimate work freely, without fear of reprisals.

    We call on the High Commissioner and the Council to continue to monitor and take necessary steps to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Bangladesh.

    Thank you.

     

     

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka

     

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka

     

    Delivered by Nuwan Sanjeewa Bopege

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     12 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    Sri Lanka is at a critical juncture. As the High Commissioner’s report makes clear, the current, unprecedented economic crisis is due in part to long standing problems.

    Systematic subversion of key accountability processes, the rule of law and independent human rights institutions, including through the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, as part of the government’s deliberate attempts to avoid accountability for decades-long human rights violations, overall war time atrocities and decades long human rights violations created conditions for corruption, abuse of power and prolonged economic mismanagement that are at the root of the current crisis.

    At the same time, disproportionate military spending amid mounting debts left little for essential goods and services including food, energy, health and education.

    The government’s violent response to popular protests in the wake of the economic crisis leaves no room for any optimism about the prospects of meaningful human rights and democratic reforms and accountability under the administration of President Wickremesinghe.

    Many peaceful protestors, including myself, have been arrested since the new president assumed office. These also include Wasanth Mudalige, the convener of IUSF, Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and Hashan Jeewantha arrested under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for their alleged involvement in the recent protests, contradicting the de facto moratorium on the use the PTA announced by the government at the 50th session of this Council. We call on Sri Lanka to repeal the PTA.

    Meanwhile families of victims of enforced disappearances have faced routine harassment and intimidation as they continue their over 2000 days long demonstration demanding to know the fate of their loved ones.

    In this context, it is imperative that the Council adopts a resolution that enhances scrutiny of the situation and advances accountability for human rights violations, all war time atrocities and economic crimes that are at the root of the current crisis as well as the Easter attacks by strengthening existing measures to collect and preserve evidence and adopting new initiatives such as an expert mechanism on Sri Lanka.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar

    51st  regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar

     

    Delivered by Priyal Sepaha

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     12 September 2022

    Mr President, FORUM-ASIA welcomes the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and the efforts to increase testimonial evidence with technological advancements and enhance victim and witness protection.

    We share deep concerns about the broadened scope of crimes committed by the Myanmar military since February 2021, emboldened by impunity for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. More than five years later, nearly a million Rohingya still remain in refugee camps with no prospects of safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to their homes.

    We remain concerned that the Mechanism still does not have access to crime scenes, victims and potential witnesses inside Myanmar.

    We share the Mechanism’s view that social media is an ‘essential vehicle for sharing information.’ However, considering the systematic use of social media in Myanmar by the junta for misinformation and disinformation, we urge the Mechanism to ensure that principles of ‘do no harm’ are at the centre of its outreach and evidence collection.

    The report recognises the importance of cooperation with the Asia-Pacific States to carry out collection activities. Can the Mechanism elaborate on the progress made towards ensuring the cooperation of States in the region in carrying out its mandate?

    Considering the limited progress on ending impunity acknowledged in the report, what additional steps can the Mechanism take to advance international accountability for genocide against Rohingyas?

    Finally, we call on the international community to cooperate with the Mechanism and ensure all necessary resources and access for the Mechanism to continue its crucial work.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Oral Statement] Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan

     

    Delivered by Hafizullah Saeedi

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     12 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    Since the Taliban take over of Afghanistan on 15 August 2021, almost all state institutions, legal system, the judiciary and all other mechanisms that are responsible for upholding human rights and rule of law in Afghanistan have collapsed.

    The Taliban has abolished of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and the Ministry of Women Affairs, replaced the Afghan Constitution with a system based on extreme interpretation of Sharia Law with no regard for the country’s human rights obligations, imposed severe restrictions of women’s rights and their daily life, and completely shut down civic and political space.

    Gross violations of human rights, such as arbitrary arrest, torture, enforced disappearances, and extra-judicial killings targeting women, human rights defenders, journalists, and former government employees by the Taliban are widespread and alarming. Ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan continue to bear the brunt of the Taliban’s atrocities. Human rights defenders, journalists and activists have been forced into hiding or exile fearing persecution. Taliban continues to interfere in the distribution of humanitarian aid from international organisations to divert aid to its loyalists instead of those most in need.

    In the absence of all domestic human rights and rule of law institutions or independent reporting, victims of Taliban’s crimes risk being forgotten and ignored by the international community. Only a full-fledged international accountability mechanism with the mandate and resources can document, investigate and account for the full extent and gravity of the crimes that continue to be committed in Afghanistan.

    Can the Special Rapporteur elaborate on additional steps the Council can take to ensure investigations and accountability for violations and abuses of human rights being committed in Afghanistan?

    Thank you!

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC51 Joint Oral Statement] Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the on the situation of human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan

    51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the on the situation of human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan

     

    Delivered by Horia Mosadiq

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

     12 September 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    As we speak here today, millions of women and girls have been simply wiped out from public life in Afghanistan. The system of forced segregation and persecution of women and girls imposed by the Taliban can only be described as gender-apartheid.

    The Taliban has banned girls from attending schools, and women from working, and travelling or accessing health care and other essential services without a male guardian. Women remain cut off from humanitarian aid. With the Taliban’s harsh restrictions on women and girls, half of the Afghan population has been denied a say in the discussions about the future of their country.

    Over the past one year, Taliban has shown no intention to respect and protect human rights, especially of Afghan women and girls. Instead, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, rape, torture, and extrajudicial killings of women and girls have escalated. Women peacefully protesting the Taliban’s policies have been subjected to violent retribution demonstrating the Taliban’s intention to crush all opposition to its rule. Women human rights defenders inside the country face enormous challenges to monitor and document human rights violations in the present context, and demand access to resources to be able to meaningfully continue their work.

    Furthermore, deepening economic and humanitarian crisis has exacerbated existing problems such as forced and child marriage, with increasing reports of families offering children as young as 3 years old for future marriages in return for dowry.

    In the complete absence of the rule of law and justice under Taliban rule, this Council remains one of the only avenues for accountability for Afghan women and girls. We welcome your statements of solidarity with Afghan women and girls, and condemnation of Taliban’s policies today. But they are meaningless without concrete action. We call on the Council to demonstrate sincerity of your words and genuine commitment to solidary by establishing an international accountability mechanism to hold the Taliban accountable for their atrocities against women and girls.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this oral statement, click here

  • [HRC50 Oral Statement] Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

    50th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     29 June 2022

     

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s update.

    The Myanmar military’s 17 month long nationwide terror campaign against the relentless democratic resistance to its failed coup has left in its wake a trail of massacres, destruction and immense human suffering.

    In the past 17 months, the junta has led over 10,000 armed clashes including attacks on civilians with indiscriminate shelling, airstrikes, mass killings, and burning down of villages, killing at least 2000 people and displacing over 700,000 civilians.

    In Sagain region, the junta burned down over 5600 houses in the first four months of this year alone. Just this week, junta’s rocket and arson attack on Thantlang in Chin State destroyed a church and the entire complex of a high school. On 27 June, two hours of continuous air strikes on three villages in Karen State forced at least 350 people to flee to Thai-Myanmar border.

    Junta is effectively holding over 14 million people in need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance hostage in exchange for international recognition and legitimacy.

    We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s recent conference room paper on the impact of the junta’s ongoing atrocities on children. Harrowing details of the situation of children recounted in the paper alone clearly demonstrate the failure of the international response to the human rights and humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar.

    We reiterate the Special Rapporteur’s call for a more coordinated international response, including stronger and more unified targeted economic and financial sanctions, universal arms embargoes and urgent action by the UN Security Council.

    Can the Special Rapporteur elaborate on further action the international community can take to advance criminal accountability for grave international crimes including genocide against Rohingya and war crimes and crimes against humanity against ethnic communities; and necessary steps by the international community, especially UN agencies, to ensure that they are not legitimising the junta through their response to the crisis.

    Thank you

     

  • [HRC50 Oral Statement] Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

    50th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

    Delivered by Rabina G. Rasaily

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     24 June 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur’s official visit to Nepal.

    As the report rightly noted, “Discrimination is the single most important factor in explaining why Dalit people are disproportionately affected by poverty”, 42 percent among the Dalit community – far above the national poverty rate of 25 percent. This poverty reflects on many other life instances, including the underrepresentation of Dalits and Mahadeshis in vocational training and the gender insensitivity in school practices.

    We are particularly concerned about the Special Rapporteur’s observations about the continuing practice of debt bondage and bonded labour. Discriminatory and exclusionary attitudes of the government towards Dalit and indigenous communities is one of the main factors that perpetuate the practice of bonded labour. Despite the formal prohibition of the practice with the adoption of the Bonded Labour (Prohibition) Act in 2002, the authorities have failed to enforce the law to free especially these communities, the majority of whom are Dalits, from debt bondage.

    Such discriminatory practices including unequal application of laws, lack of access to essential services and denial of basic safeguards against rights violations make it impossible for Dalits and other minority communities to break from intergenerational cycles of poverty and exclusion.

    We call on Nepal to implement in good faith the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur, and to seek assistance from the mandate and other UN human rights experts in this regard.

    Thank you

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [Joint Oral Statement] Timor-Leste: Civil society has played a critical role in strengthening democracy, but civic space shortfalls remain

    Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Timor-Leste

    Delivered by Marta da Silva, La’o Hamutuk

    Thank you, Mr President.

    La’o Hamutuk, JSMP, HAK, FORUM-ASIA and CIVICUS welcome the government of Timor-Leste’s engagement with the UPR process.

    Civil society played a critical role in achieving Timor-Leste’s sovereignty and strengthening democracy, and human rights defenders, journalists and other civil society members are largely able to work without fear of reprisals.

    However, there is still more to be done to strengthen the right to freedom of expression. Some journalists have faced threats, and some practise self-censorship to deal with such intimidation. We welcome that Timor-Leste accepted a recommendation to revise the Media Law, which contains provisions that can undermine freedom of expression and media freedom. During the review, states also made recommendations in relation to attempts by the government to introduce draft laws that could further stifle freedom of expression, including the proposed Criminal Defamation Law and Cyber Crime Law. We are further alarmed by restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly and the arbitrary arrests of protesters.

    We call on Timor-Leste to address these concerns and ensure a safe, secure and enabling environment for human rights defenders and journalists to carry out their work. Specifically, the government should implement recommendations relating to civic space and:

    • Revise the Media Law to ensure it is in line with international standards and refrain from introducing new laws or provisions limiting either offline or online expression.
    • Ensure that journalists and civil society organisations can work freely and without fear of retribution for expressing critical opinions or covering topics that the government may deem sensitive.
    • Ensure that human rights defenders are able to carry out their legitimate activities without fear or undue hindrance, obstruction or harassment and adopt a specific law to ensure the protection of human rights defenders.
    • Amend the Law on Freedom of Assembly and Demonstration to guarantee fully the right to the freedom of peaceful assembly in line with international law and standards.
    • Improve avenues for transparency and public participation in policy-development to ensure that all citizens’ needs and wishes are heard.

    We thank you.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC50 Joint Oral Statement] Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

     50th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation and World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

     17 June 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s important report on civil society’s access to resources.

    Systematic restrictions on civil society’s access to resources often represent one of the first indicators of overall deterioration of human rights situation and trends towards authoritarian rule as seen in many Asian countries, in particular, in India and Bangladesh.

    In India, over 6000 NGOs have been banned from accessing foreign funding under the draconian Foreign Contributions (Regulations) Act, 2010 (FCRA) effectively forcing them to cease their operations. The law has been used particularly to silence human rights NGOs critical of the government. The amendments made to FCRA makes sub-granting of funds to grassroot organisations impossible, affecting many beneficiaries.

    Early this month, Bangladesh authorities have arbitrarily cancelled the registration of prominent human rights NGO, Odhikar, after years of crippling restrictions on its operations under Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Law 2016 for its legitimate human rights work in the country. This has had a serious chilling effect on civic and democratic space in the country, forcing many others to resort to self-censorship.

    Many other countries in the region are in the process of adopting similar measures that would effectively decimate civil society. We are particularly concerned about the impending adoption of a new law on NGOs in Thailand.

    In this context, can the Special Rapporteur elaborate on your engagement with countries such as India and Bangladesh, and their responses, where such measures have had serious implications for fundamental freedoms and civic space.

    Finally, we welcome the Special Rapporteur’s timely follow up report on his visit to Sri Lanka amid nationwide peaceful protests in response to the country’s economic crisis precipitated by failure of governance and the rule of law, and rollback of fundamental freedoms.

    Can the Special Rapporteur further elaborate on obligations of authorities to uphold the right to peaceful protests and ensure accountability, especially in situations such as those seen in Sri Lanka on 9 May where supporters of the embattled ruling party attacked peaceful protestors while the security services looked on?

    Thank you

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC50 Oral Statement] Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (HRC res. 48/1)

    50th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (HRC res. 48/1)

     

    Delivered by Yalda Royan

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     15 June 2022

     

    Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner,

    I am speaking here today, more than 270 days after the Taliban expressly banned education for teenage girls. Since then, the Taliban has introduced policies and practices that could only be described as gender-apartheid.

    Since the Taliban took control of the country, Afghan women and girls have been systematically excluded from accessing education, work, and health care. The Taliban has imposed sweeping restrictions on their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement and public participation. The recent directive on strict mahram and Hijab regulations is the latest manifestation of the Taliban’s policy to erase women from public life.

    Over the past 10 months, the Taliban has decimated civil society and independent media, and killed or forced into exile human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, judges and officials of the former government. Persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances are widespread and systematic.

    Crimes of the Taliban in the Northern regions of the country, in particular Panjshir and Andrab valleys, amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.

    The dissolution of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has closed all doors for any form of redress for victims of grave violations.

    The world can no longer afford to give the Taliban the benefit of the doubt. The Taliban has repeatedly demonstrated that they have no intention of honouring its commitments or respecting Afghanistan’s international obligations.

    The Council must act now to prevent further atrocities and put in place a robust international mechanism to investigate gross violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law in Afghanistan by the Taliban and all parties to the crisis, and to hold perpetrators to account. The world cannot fail the people of Afghanistan again.

    Thank you

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC50 Oral Statement] Panel Discussion on the root causes of violence and discrimination against Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar

     50th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Panel Discussion on the root causes of violence and discrimination against Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar

     

    Delivered by Tun Khin

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     15 June 2022

     

    Mr President,

    I am a Rohingya from Rakhine State. We welcome this panel discussion on the root causes of human rights violations and abuses against Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar.

    Root causes of violence and discrimination against Rohingya have been aggravated by the attempted coup on 1 February 2021. Nearly 600,000 Rohingyas remaining in Rakhine State face continuing genocide with denial of citizenship, severe restrictions on fundament freedoms including freedom of movement, and access to health, education and other essential services. Over 130,000 Rohingya in Rakhine state are largely cut off from crucial humanitarian aid. Hundreds of Rohingya have been arrested and convicted on false allegations of harbouring those resisting the coup or traveling outside their communities. Rohingya continue to risk their lives on high seas to escape the violence.

    The military’s attempted coup has also made conditions unsuitable for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. In this context, we are particularly concerned about the efforts, with the support of the UN agencies, to begin the process to return Rohingya refugees. Forced return of Rohingya while the architects of the genocide continue to wage war against civilians is dangerous and life-threatening for returnees. The UN and the international community cannot risk the recurrence, under their watch, of the genocidal atrocities committed by the military against the Rohingya in 2017.

    Failure of the international community to hold the military accountable for genocide against Rohingya is at the root of the current crisis in Myanmar. Holding the military and perpetrators of genocide against Rohingya accountable through credible international processes, including through referral of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) or establishment of an ad hoc tribunal, is essential to end persecution of Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar.

    We call on UN Member States to follow Argentina’s example to initiate criminal proceedings under the principles of universal jurisdiction against perpetrators of Rohingya genocide, and to join the case before the International Court of Justice brought by the Gambia.

    We also call on the UN and member states to ensure participation of Rohingya in all deliberations about their future, and empower Rohingya to actively participate in international accountability processes.

    We urge the international community to provide all necessary assistance to Bangladesh to ensure protection of fundamental rights of Rohingya refugees in the country including access to health, education, and other basic services.

    Thank you

     

     

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [HRC50 Oral Statement] Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner on Myanmar

    50th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner on Myanmar

     

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

     14 June 2022

    Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner,

    The Myanmar junta is escalating its scorched-earth atrocity tactics across the country, burning villages, indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes, and mass killings, in its continuous attempt to wipe out the democratic resistance to the failed coup. The junta’s violence, in particular, in Sagaing and Magwe regions where junta just last week bunt down over 8 kilometer stretch, including health clinics, bears many hallmarks of genocidal atrocities against Rohingya in 2017.

    While Sagaing and Magwe regions have faced the worst of the violence, the junta has continued atrocities including rape and sexual violence, killing innocent civilians and the use of human shields in ethnic areas in Northern and Eastern Myanmar newly displacing 700,000 people. More than 14 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance, yet the junta is weaponizing aid, systematically blocking it to those affected by its violence.

    The junta has imposed restrictions on the access to internet and communication including internet shutdowns, online censorship, restrictions on access to social media, and disruption of phone lines, clearly to cover up the scale and gravity its atrocities to the world.

    The inability of the UN to move beyond rhetoric and to take concrete action against the junta is a clear betrayal of the people of Myanmar, as well as its very own mandate to protect the people most in need of its protection. Emboldened by the inaction, the junta has recently announced the pending execution of four democracy activists, including Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw. This sends a chilling message to those who continue to resist the military’s brutal attempt to take power.

    The only way to protect the people of Myanmar is by supporting their resistance to the military and defense of their democracy, life and liberty and recognizing their legitimate government, the National Unity Government formed on the basis of the 2020 elections.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this oral statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Joint Oral Statement on Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building – General Debate

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building – General Debate

      

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation

     March 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    The Joint Programme on human rights between the UN and the Philippine government to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the Philippines, as part of the implementation of the resolution 45/33, remains insufficient to address systematic and widespread human rights violations and ensure accountability.

    We welcome the Joint Programme’s priorities to strengthen domestic accountability mechanisms and rights-based approach to counterterrorism. However, it falls far short of these aims. We regret that it fails to stem ongoing violations, including extra judicial killings; combat impunity; roll back institutionalized repression; and restore independence and credibility of democratic institutions.  In December 2021, the Supreme Court upheld The Anti-Terrorism Act 2020, despite multiple petitions questioning its constitutionality. The law has created a chilling environment where expression and dissent are seen as security threats. Human rights defenders, activists and community leaders, including those who have engaged with the Council, have been threatened and tagged as terrorists merely for criticising State policies.

    We regret the deferral of the ICC investigation on the Philippines. The decision of the Court perpetuates impunity and will further embolden autocratic leaders and repressive governments by allowing them to escape accountability for their crimes. Without accountability, perpetrators and enablers of Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ are contesting this year’s elections with the aim of continuing the cycle of violence and impunity even beyond Duterte’s Presidency.

    The Council must continue its scrutiny of the situation in the Philippines, and in clear absence of domestic accountability, establish international accountability measures, as recommended by the High Commissioner in June 2020. Without genuine accountability, the joint programme will serve only as a means for the government to evade justice under the cover of cooperation.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Oral Statement on Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia (oral update)

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
    Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia (oral update)

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam
    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
    29 March 2022

     

    Madam Vice President,

    We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s update. As long as Cambodia’s commitments to democracy and human rights under the Paris Peace Accords more than 30 years ago remain unfulfilled, the mandate and work of the Special Rapporteur will continue to be essential.

    As Cambodia prepares to hold the next round of local commune council elections in June 2022 and national elections in 2023, we are gravely concerned at the increasing systematic restrictions and violations of fundamental freedoms and the obstruction of political opposition by the government.

    A raft of restrictive laws including the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO), Law on Trade Unions, the Criminal Code, measures to combat COVID-19 pandemic and several other criminal and civil laws continue to be used to target and silence human rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists and environmental activists with politically motivated charges, and to shut down media and civil society. The disruption of peaceful assembly and labour strikes of casino workers and arrest of activists and labour leaders on charges of incitement is just one recent illustration of the government’s intolerance of dissent and critical voices.

    The government has systematically dismantled all forms of political opposition that could effectively challenge its single-party rule with the use of laws such as the Law on Political Parties and harassment and persecution of opposition politicians and activists.

    We call on Cambodia to remove all existing restrictions on civil and political space as a first step towards creating minimum conditions for credible elections.

    At this critical juncture, the Council must continue to monitor the situation and respond appropriately to prevent further escalation of violations.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Oral Statement on Item 4: General Debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: General Debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

    21 March 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We draw the Council’s attention to the deteriorating human rights situations in India and Bangaldesh.

    In India, we are disturbed by the increasing hatred, discrimination, and violence against religious minorities, fueled by majoritarian and ultranationalist narratives actively endorsed by public and religious officials. The situation in India is further compounded by systematic repression of civil society marked by attacks, surveillance and harassment against human rights defenders, journalists and media through draconian anti-terrorism, national security and sedition laws. Since 2016, Indian authorities have cancelled, suspended or refused to renew the licenses of hundreds of NGOs to receive foreign funding under the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA), effectively curtailing their ability to operate.

    Similarly, in Bangladesh, human rights violations including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture by security forces, in particular the Rapid Action Battalion, remain pervasive with no prospect for accountability. The government continues to invoke the Foreign Donation (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act 2016, the Information and Communication Technology Act 2006 (ICT Act) and the Digital Security Act 2018 to systematically target and silence human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists. The government’s continued prosecution of human rigths defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan of Odhikar on a trumped-up cybercrime charge is emblematic of the ongoing trend of persecution of human rights defenders in Bangladesh.

    The Council must pay close attention to the situations in these countries and take necessary action to prevent further deterioration.

    Thank you

     

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Joint Oral Statement on Item 6: Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Thailand

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 6: Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Thailand

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation

    23 March 2022

     

     

    We note that Thailand has accepted 218 out of 278 recommendations it received during its 3rd cycle UPR. We regret that Thailand has rejected majority of the recommendations on civil and political rights, including those calling for the repeal of repressive laws that are being used to target defenders, raising questions about Thailand’s commitment to fully comply with its international human rights obligations.Thailand has justified its rejection of these recommendations as a necessary measure to balance ‘the exercise of individual’s rights’ with the rights of others, ‘national security, public order and public health’. Thailand’s human rights record, however, suggests that this is yet another excuse to continue legitimizing crack downs on fundamental freedoms, restrict the media and intimidate defenders and civil society, on the grounds of national security and public order using laws such as lese majeste, sedition and the Computer Crimes Act.

    Pro-democracy protesters have faced restrictions, arrest and excessive force. Many activists, including children, continue to face intimidation and judicial harassment. From July 2020 to January 2022, at least 1,767 activists[1] were prosecuted for taking part in peaceful assemblies and dissent against public policies. Political activists and defenders have been held for extensive periods in pre-trial detention without access to lawyers and medical services as a form of reprisal to silence the pro-democracy movement.

    While we recognize Thailand’s plans to accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, we regret its failure to support a recommendation to conduct prompt investigations into the disappearance of Wanchalearm Satsaksit and other political activists. Perpetrators must be held accountable.

    Furthermore, the proposed amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), and the draft Non-profit law would threaten the ability of civil society to operate. They contradict Thailand’s obligations under international human rights law, as well as its stated commitment during the UPR to guarantee fundamental freedoms.

    Thailand’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights remains a disservice to defenders, as a vague and a purely aspirational document with no mechanisms for public disclosure, monitoring, and public participation.

    We echo recommendations for Thailand to ratify international rights treaties and ensure that its domestic legislation comply with international human rights standards. Thailand must lift all undue restrictions on civic space, and end all forms of attacks against human rights defenders, civil society and the pro-democracy movement.

    Thank you

    [1] https://tlhr2014.com/archives/41025

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

     

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Oral Statement on Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
    Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar
    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
    21 March 2022

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report as well as his conference room paper on arms transfers to the military.

    The Myanmar military has continued to intensify its systematic and brutal violence as collective retribution against people of Myanmar for their brave resistance to the military and defense of democracy.

    Nearly 14 months after the Myanmar military launched its nationwide campaign of violence and terror in an attempt to illegally seize power, it has killed over 1600 people, including women and children, arbitrarily detained over 12000 people, and sentenced 45 people to death, on trumped up charges in politically motivated sham trials. It continues to commit torture, sexual and gender-based violence and killings in custody.

    Its continuing violence across the country means conditions remain unsuitable for the safe, voluntary, sustainable, and dignified return of over a million Rohingya refugees, while remaining Rohingya in Rakhine State continue to live in apartheid-like conditions. The international community must provide all necessary support to ensure safety, dignity, and access to essential services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as well as all IDPs across Myanmar.

    We commend the measures taken by individual States to intensify pressure on the military. However, many States continue to aid and abet the military with provision of weapons, financial and political support and by preventing a unified international response to end the violence.

    We call on the UN Security Council to, at minimum, impose a comprehensive global arms embargo on Myanmar and refer of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. Any State that prevents such actions remain complicit in the military’s atrocities.

    Finally, an inclusive and durable solution in accordance with the will of the people of Myanmar must begin with international recognition of the National Unity Government as the legitimate representative of Myanmar.

    Thank you

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Oral Statement on Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (HRC res. 46/21)

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (HRC res. 46/21)

     

    Delivered by Khin Ohmar

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

    21 March 2022

     

     

    Mr. President,

    We welcome the High Commissioner’s report and her continued attention on the ongoing human rights and humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar.

    More than a year after the Myanmar military launched its attempt to seize power, the people of Myanmar continue their courageous and united resistance and defense of their democracy. The civil disobedience movement with the participation of over 400,000 civil servants who refused to work under the military, general strikes, street protests, boycott of military products and self-defense measures, as well as the formation of new autonomous local administrations alongside the existing parallel administrations in ethnic areas have effectively prevented the military from taking control of the country.

    Having so far failed to impose its rule over the territory and population, the military continues to intensify its cruel and brutal attacks on the people of Myanmar with indiscriminate airstrikes, shelling, massacres, burning down of villages, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence. In addition, the military continues to block humanitarian aid to over 880,000 displaced people across the country while attacking medical facilities and medical and humanitarian workers.

    As the High Commissioner’s report indicates, the military’s atrocities bear all hallmarks of war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.

    The international community bears partial responsibility for emboldening the Myanmar military to continue to commit these grave international crimes by repeatedly failing to hold them accountable and facilitating their impunity.

    Madam High Commissioner, can you elaborate on effective measures the Council and the international community should take to initiate criminal prosecutions of Myanmar military leaders for committing genocide against the Rohingya and war crimes and crimes against humanity against the people of Myanmar?

    Thank you

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here.

     

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Oral Statement on Item 2: General Debate on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: General Debate on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

    8 March 2022

    Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner,

    We remain concerned at the deepening human rights crisis in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

    The alarming trend of intimidation, harassment, surveillance and criminalisation of human rights defenders, journalists, civil society and media in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian authorities continues to escalate. Indian national security and anti-terrorism agencies regularly target human rights defenders and civil society in clear and systematic attempts to silence their legitimate work and prevent international scrutiny of the situation in the region.

    The arrest and detention on 22 November 2021 of prominent human rights defender Khurram Parvez by the National Investigation Agency under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and sedition charges is emblematic of the threats against human rights defenders in Jammu and Kashmir.

    We call on India to immediately and unconditionally release Khurram Parvez and other political prisoners, to end the targeted harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and journalists, and to repeal the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

    We also remain concerned that India and Pakistan continue to deny access to OHCHR and other human rights mechanisms to Kashmir. We call on both governments to grant unconditional access to these mechanisms, as well as to human rights organizations and the media.

    We urge the High Commissioner to continue to monitor and regularly report to the Council on the situation in Kashmir.

    It is time for the Council to end its silence on the grave human rights situation in Kashmir.

    Thank you

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC49 Oral Statement on Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the OHCHR written update on Sri Lanka (res. 46/1)

    49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the OHCHR written update on Sri Lanka (res. 46/1)

     

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

    7 March 2022

     

     

    Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner,

    We welcome the High Commissioner’s written update on Sri Lanka.

    We remain concerned at the human rights situation in Sri Lanka which stands in stark contrast to the government’s narrative of supposed improvements and reforms in the country.

    Harassment, intimidation and surveillance of human rights defenders, civil society, victims, and their families continue to intensify. The Terrorism Investigation Division regularly targets NGOs and their staff in clear attempts to intimidate and silence them. Those campaigning for credible investigations and accountability for 2019 Easter attacks continues to face harassment.

    The proposed amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act at the core of the government’s narrative of purported reforms are cosmetic and insufficient to address serious concerns with the law and its implementation. We call for an immediate moratorium on the use of the law until it is replaced by a law that fully complies with international standards, as recommended by the High Commissioner, to demonstrate genuine willingness to reform.

    Recent appointment of a presidential taskforce to implement the concept of ‘one country, one law’, and the appointment as its chairperson a leader of an extremist organization known for anti-Muslim rhetoric, is yet another blatant attempt at perpetuating discrimination against minorities for political gain.

    The government continues to obstruct accountability through political interference.

    The current economic crisis caused by the mismanagement of the economy and the COVID19 pandemic has deepened the human rights crisis and widened the inequality gap.

    The Council must not be distracted by superficial gestures of reform and engagement aimed at warding off international criticism. In absence of tangible progress, the Council must be prepared to take further action to advance accountability through international mechanisms including by supporting for and strengthening the OHCHR capacity to collect and preserve evidence as mandated in the Council resolution 46/1.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC48 Oral Statement on Item 10: General Debate on technical assistance and capacity building

    48th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 10: General Debate on technical assistance and capacity building

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

    7 October 2021

     

     

     

    Madam President,

    We welcome the High Commissioner’s update on the Philippines.

    A year after its adoption, the Council’s resolution 45/33 which offers technical assistance to the Philippines has proven to be insufficient to address the widespread and systematic human rights violations and persistent impunity documented in the High Commissioner’s groundbreaking report on the Philippines presented to the Council in June 2020.

    Extrajudicial killings in the so-called ‘war on drugs’ have continued and expanded to a war on dissent. Human rights defenders, lawyers, judges, journalists, indigenous peoples, and government critics including critics of the government’s handling of the COVID19 pandemic continued to be killed, attacked, harassed, ‘red-tagged’ or labelled as ‘communists’ and accused of belonging to terrorist groups. The draconian Anti-terrorism Act 2020 adds to serious risks to defenders and civil society.

    Similarly, there has been no tangible progress at the domestic level towards accountability for the thousands of extrajudicial killings and other systematic violations.

    The three-year joint programme on human rights recently signed between the UN and the Philippines is a positive step towards the implementation of the resolution 45/33. But like the resolution itself, the joint programme fails to address the most immediate needs for credible investigations and accountability for ongoing violations, and has been used by the government as a fig leaf to cover up its murderous policies and impunity in the guise of cooperation with the UN.

    The recent ICC decision to open an investigation on the Philippines and the government’s actions over the past year once again highlight the urgency of more robust action by the Council, including mandating its own independent international investigation, to address ongoing serious violations and pervasive impunity for violations beyond the scope of the ICC investigation.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC48 Oral Statement on Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia

    48th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia

    Delivered by Ahmed Adam

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

    6 October 2021

     

     

    Madam President, Special Rapporteur,

    Human rights situation in Cambodia has deteriorated further over the past year with deepening repression of democratic space, and civil and political rights and freedoms and intensifying attacks on human rights defenders, journalists, and critics.

    As of August 2021, at least 91 people are in prison for their political views and peaceful activism. These include prominent union leader Rong Chhun and youth activists Sar Kanika and Ton Nimol imprisoned for 20 to 24 months for incitement as well as five activists linked to environmental NGO, Mother Nature – Long Kunthea, Phuon Keoraksmey, Chea Kunthin and Thon Ratha, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson – sentenced to prison for their environmental activism, with several of them facing additional charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

    Existing laws such as the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO), the Trade Union Law and the Political Parties Law continue to be used as tools of repression of civil and political rights, while the State of Emergency Law and an overly broad COVID19 law with heavy penalties introduced in response to the pandemic expand the powers of the government and impose additional restrictions.

    Work is underway to introduce new legislation such as draft laws on public order and cybercrime and the sub-decree of the National Internet Gateway that would control all aspects of daily lives and intensify surveillance and monitoring of online activities of all Cambodians and allow arbitrary censorship of online content.

    We call on the Cambodian government to end its continuing assault on fundamental freedoms and to review all existing and draft legislation in line with international human rights standards.

    The Council must, at minimum, mandate additional monitoring and reporting by the Special Rapporteur and the OHCHR on the situation including in the context of the upcoming elections in 2022 and 2023, to credibly address the chronic human rights situation in Cambodia.

    Finally, we urge the Special Rapporteur on ensure a safe space for human rights defenders and organisations to meaningfully engage with the mandate and to clearly set out necessary action required to create an environment conducive for free, fair and inclusive elections.

    Thank you.

    **

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here.

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • HRC48 Oral Statement on Item 6: Adoption of the UPR Outcomes of Singapore

    48th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council

    Item 6: Adoption of the UPR Outcomes of Singapore 

    Delivered by Soe Min Than

    On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

    30 September 2021

     

     

    Madam President,

    FORUM-ASIA makes this statement in solidarity with our member Think Centre.

    We note that Singapore has accepted the majority of the 324 recommendations it received. However, Singapore’s failure to accept several recommendations to ratify key human rights treaties including the ICCPR and ICESCR raises serious questions about its commitment to meaningfully protect and promote human rights.

    This has led to alarming expressions of discrimination, lack of a basic minimum wage for the lowest paid workers, and the use of the capital punishment for drug-related offences.

    We regret that Singapore has rejected a number of recommendations to amend legislations on internal security, public order, protection from ‘Online Falsehoods and Manipulation’, sedition, defamation, press and media, administration of justice as well as sections of the Penal Code, that impose broad and unlawful restrictions under international human rights law on freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

    These laws have stifled dissent and curtailed access to information through trumped up criminal charges against journalists, human rights defenders and activists. The hostile investigation  of media outlet, New Naratif and its director, PJ Thum, the judicial harassment against Jolovan Wham, and the arbitrary suspension the media organisation, The Online Citizen, are just the latest among the brave yet stifled independent voices.

    The recent introduction of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill (Fica) adds to these concerns. Being hurriedly enacted into law with little time for deliberation, enabling the targeting of individuals accused of acting ‘on behalf of a foreign principal’, by scrutinising their activities, and restricting their access to resources, under the guise of national security.

    Singapore rejected several recommendations claiming their inconsistency with efforts to ensure an “inclusive, cohesive, and resilient society.” We remind Singapore that inclusive, cohesive and resilient societies can only be built upon a strong foundation of respect for and guarantees of fundamental human rights and freedoms as enshrined in international human rights treaties. We also emphasise the UDHR’s intent that “human rights should be protected by the rule of law”.

    We call on Singapore to work with civil society towards ratification of key international human rights treaties and revision or repeal of all laws that impose undue restrictions on fundamental freedoms in line with international human rights standards.

    Thank you.

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.