Date: Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Time: 10.00 – 11.30 AM (GMT+7), 12.00 – 1.30 PM (GMT+9)

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

Live via: Zoom

• Judge Najla, Democracy Activist
• Sanjar Sohail, Journalist

Moderator: Ruby Kholifah, Country Director, Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) Indonesia

This is a Special Session of Asia Democracy Assembly scheduled on November 23-24, 2021 organised by ADN and FORUM-ASIA

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Friday, 15 October 2021

Time: 1.00 – 2.15 PM (GMT+7)

Register here: l.forum-asia.org/ACSCAPF21

Live via: Zoom

This year’s ASEAN Civil Society Conference / ASEAN Peoples’ Forum eclipses a challenging era for the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) as it deals with the spillover effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the worsening crisis in Myanmar. Eight months since the attempted coup, little concrete action has been taken by ASEAN to address the unfolding human rights, humanitarian, and COVID-19 crisis in Myanmar. Yet, what happened in Myanmar is not the only impact of burgeoning militarism and authoritarianism in Southeast Asia. Escalating extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests swept over the region and has burdened human rights defenders. State agents, such as military, police, and vigilante groups have orchestrated attacks and perpetrated harassment on prominent human rights defenders and opposition leaders in the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. 

There has been an alarming paradigm of ASEAN countries utilising colonial-era laws to suppress critical voices and exacerbate social inequalities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  Southeast Asian countries’ tightening grip on civil liberties has been eminent this year and FORUM-ASIA has actively pressured governments in the region to adhere to the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration and international human rights standards. ASEAN governments have continued to use the ‘non-interference principle’ as justification for continued impunity within the region. The Myanmar crisis crystallises all the pressing issues we are confronting in the region today.  Thus it is also imperative to have a particular focus on what is to be achieved at this year’s ACSC/APF, as our way of showing and asserting our solidarity with the ongoing struggle of the Myanmar peoples, and the whole of ASEAN civil society.

In alignment with the ACSC/APF’s tentative theme “Unity in Diversity – Collective Actions to Address Rising Inequality and Shrinking Civic Space in Southeast Asia”, FORUM-ASIA is organizing an ACSC/APF Plenary 1 titled “Failed Promises: A CSO Assessment on ASEAN’s Response to the Human Rights Crisis in Southeast Asia.”  This plenary session will discuss the worsening human rights situation in Southeast Asia, with a focus on how militarism and authoritarianism affected people’s access to Freedom of Expression Freedom of Assembly and Association, and press freedom. It will also tackle ASEAN’s lacklustre and sluggish actions towards addressing these gross human rights violations. 

Speakers: 

• Nichapa Chanwisitkul, Programme Associate of FORUM-ASIA
• Dr.  Charnvit  Kasetsiri, former President of Thammasat University
• Khin Ohmar, Founder of Progressive Voice 
• Meas Savath, Secretary General of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) 
• Dr. Ryan Yumin Chua, Programme Director of Pusat KOMAS

Moderator: Gianna Francesca Catolico, ASEAN Advocacy Fellow of FORUM-ASIA

**

Media contact: For more information or to set up an interview with any of the speakers, please contact Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA at communication@forum-asia.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Time: 13:30 – 15:00 (CEST, Geneva) / 18:30 – 20:00 (ICT, Bangkok) / 19:30 – 21:30 (SGT, Kuala Lumpur/Singapore)

Register here: l.forum-asia.org/HRC48SG

Live via: Zoom, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Singapore’s government has continued to arbitrarily restrict the peoples’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Singapore was rated as 160th out of 180 countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index. Its Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong has been tagged as a press freedom ‘predator’, for targeting journalists and for controlling access to information.

The government has used various laws such as the Printing Presses Act, Protection Against Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), Public Order Act, Penal Code, Administration of Justice (Protection) Act, criminal defamation and civil defamation lawsuits to unduly curtailing the freedom of expression of members of civil society, the media and anti-establishment critics.

For its third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), States called on Singapore to protect fundamental freedoms, ensure compliance of its domestic legislation with international human rights law and standards, and end the use of criminal and administrative lawsuits that curtail fundamental freedoms. The government has so far ‘noted’ calls by member states arguing that it needs to strike a balance between ‘freedom of speech’ and the ‘need to preserve a harmonious society‘.

Ahead of its formal UPR adoption scheduled for the 48^th regular session of the Human Rights Council, the government has continued to restrict civic space. On 13 September 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs proposed the non-human rights compliant Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill (FICA Bill), which will allow the government to take down content, block user accounts and force platforms to disclose information on users.

Furthermore, the government has continued targeting independent, socio-political media outlets. On 14 September 2021, the class license of The Online Citizen was suspended, allegedly for failure to comply with regulations to declare all sources of funding. On 15 September 2021, the police issued a stern warning to New Naratif for reportedly running unauthorised paid election advertisements during the 2020 General Election campaign.

Join this virtual side-event as we discuss the situation in Singapore—particularly focussing on emerging threats and opportunities—and also providing recommendations for the Singaporean government, as well as the international community on how to ensure Singapore takes steps towards protecting civic space.

Panellists:

• Cornelius Hanung, Advocacy and Campaigns Officer for Asia, CIVICUS

• Linda Lakhdhir, Legal Advisor, Asia Division, Human Rights Watch

• Daron Tan, Legal Consultant, International Commission of Jurists

Moderator: Joy Anne Icayan, EA-ASEAN Programme Officer, FORUM-ASIA

This is a UN side event at HRC48 organised by FORUM-ASIA, CIVICUS, Human Rights Watch, ICJ, and AccessNow.

Media contact: For more information or to set up an interview with any of the speakers, please contact Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA at communication@forum-asia.org

About the organisations: 

• The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a network of 82 member organisations across 23 countries, mainly in Asia. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and a consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. The FORUM-ASIA Secretariat is based in Bangkok, with offices in Jakarta, Geneva and Kathmandu.
• CIVICUS is a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. www.civicus.org
• Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. HRW are roughly 450 people of 70-plus nationalities who are country experts, lawyers, journalists, and others who work to protect the most at risk, from vulnerable minorities and civilians in wartime to refugees and children in need. HRW direct its advocacy towards governments, armed groups and businesses, pushing them to change or enforce their laws, policies and practices. www.hrw.org
• The International Commission of Jurists is an international human rights non-governmental organization. It is a standing group of 60 eminent jurists—including senior judges, attorneys and academics—who work to develop national and international human rights standards through the law. icj.org
• Access Now is a non-profit founded in 2009 with a mission to defend and extend the digital civil rights of people around the world. Access Now supports programs including an annual conference on Human Rights, an index of internet shutdowns, and providing exit nodes for Tor network. accessnow.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

What is the ASEAN Human Rights Advocacy Academy?

The ASEAN Human Rights Advocacy Academy is a 15-hour online capacity building workshop (spread into weekly sessions) for young activists and professionals in Southeast Asia on effective human rights advocacy in ASEAN.

Organised by FORUM-ASIA, the Academy will bring together the expertise of human rights practitioners and provide necessary tools to enhance participants’ knowledge on the role of ASEAN and its human rights mechanisms.

What will participants learn?

• Human rights situation in ASEAN
• ASEAN human rights framework
• Best practices and case studies on human rights mechanisms
• Advocacy strategy

Programme Duration: 2 to 30 September 2021, 2-5 PM every Thursday (GMT+7)

Platform: Zoom

Who can apply?

• Southeast Asian and Timor Leste nationals in their junior and mid-level career (those with 2 to 5 years of relevant experience working in NGOs, Think Tanks, academic institutions, non-profit and social enterpreneurship collectives) and working in the fields of social justice, human rights, peace and conflict, and democracy in Southeast Asia (local, national, or regional level)
• Those with two to five years experience in the above-mentioned fields;
• Have prior knowledge and engagement with ASEAN and its human rights mechanism (can be in terms of activism, research, and other means of engagement);
• Those who do not have prior knowledge and engagement with ASEAN (e.g. university students) will need to demonstrate how participating in  the Academy will contribute to their work or associated organisations towards advancing human rights in the region;
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• All qualified individuals regardless of age, race, colour, sex, gender orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status are encouraged to apply.

How can you apply?

To register for the workshop, kindly fill up the necessary information and submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) through this link: https://bit.ly/ASEANHRAcademy

Deadline of Submission

23 August 2021, midnight (GMT+7)

For inquiries about the Academy,  please email us at ea-asean@forum-asia.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Wednesday, 4 August 2021

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM (GMT+7)

Platforms: Zoom, Facebook Live, Twitter Live, YouTube Live

Registration: bit.ly/ASEANConsensus100

Six months since the Myanmar coup and 100 days since the adoption of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) five-point consensus, the international community has yet take meaningful action to halt the violence and gross human rights violations in the country. Meanwhile, ASEAN continues to demonstrate its compromised position under the blanket approach of ‘constructive engagement’ and ‘consensus-building’.

Given ASEAN’s inability to immediately end the brutality of the Myanmar junta, it is imperative that the public in the region and international community continue to pressure the regional body. It is at also essential to consolidate and find an alternative solution that can alleviate the burden of the people on the ground and those seeking refuge.

Organised by Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), ALTSEAN Burma, ASEAN Parliamentarian for Human Rights (APHR), Initiatives for International Dialogue, the Milk Tea Alliance and Progressive Voice, this public dialogue aims to:

• Provide a Civil Society Organisations (CSO) initiated assessment and evaluation of ASEAN’s engagement and response for 100 days since the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting (ALM) released its Five-Point Consensus on the human rights situation in Myanmar;
• Provide recommendation from CSOs on the implementation of the ASEAN five-point consensus, including to immediately providing humanitarian access to those in need; and
• Continue public pressure on ASEAN and its member-states to immediately find a meaningful solution in addressing the situation in Myanmar.

Speakers: 

• Khin Ohmar, Founder and Chairperson, Progressive Voice
• Me Khant, Milk Tea Alliance
• Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism
• Rachel Arinii Judhistari, FORUM-ASIA

Moderated by Cornelius Hanung, FORUM-ASIA

Media contact:

For more information or to set up an interview with any of the speakers, please contact Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA at communication@forum-asia.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

FORUM-ASIA is proud to bring you the 9th Asian Regional Human Rights Defenders Forum (AHRDF), a platform for human rights defenders (HRDs) and women human rights defenders (WHRDs) to discuss work and advocacy efforts, and share the experiences and challenges they face.

The AHRDF also aims to enhance HRDs’ engagement with the UN special procedures mandate holders as well as regional and sub-regional human rights mechanisms. Most importantly, the AHRDF aspires to build solidarity and collaboration among Asian W/HRDs to act on common issues at the regional level and support their common struggles.

Join us as we mark 20 years since FORUM-ASIA organised the first AHRDF, in an unprecedented virtual event.

Opening Ceremony – 9th Asian Regional Human Rights Defenders Forum

Date: Monday, 14 June 2021

Time: 4.00 – 6.15 pm (GMT +7)

Platform: Facebook Live and Twitter Live
Join the conversation by commenting or tweeting your questions!

The opening discussion of AHRDF will start with a keynote speech by Mary Lawlor, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. She will share her views on the current situation of defenders in Asia and beyond, as well as the steps taken by her mandate to ensure a better protection for defenders.

In response to the keynote, four prominent figures and defenders, who will also share their observations on the human rights movement in their respective country and/or region, including the challenges, opportunities, innovative strategies and lessons learnt.

Speakers for this session are:

1. Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
2. Maria Ressa, Senior Journalist and CEO of Rappler, the Philippines
3. Aung Myo Min, Human Rights Minister of National Unity Government, Myanmar
4. Aruna Roy, woman human rights defenders and social movement leader, India
5. Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA

Special performance by Mai Khoi, Vietnamese singer, artist and activist.

The situation of human rights defenders in Asia

From 2019 to date, the situation of defenders and civil society organisations across Asia has grown increasingly challenging. Harassment and violations perpetrated against those defending human rights continue to increase and most perpetrators continue to benefit from impunity.

The global COVID-19 crisis, which started in 2020, exacerbated the already worrying situation for defenders. In the past one year alone, from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021, at least 760 cases of abuses and violations against defenders were recorded across 19 Asian countries, based on FORUM-ASIA’s monitoring. More than half of the cases recorded were related to judicial harassment (409 cases), which is often followed by arbitrary arrest and detention (323 cases). The number of killings is alarming at 55 cases, most of which took place in Myanmar, the Philippines, and Afghanistan.

Despite the restrictive atmosphere, human rights defenders and people from across Asia continue to bravely fight for their rights. Emblematic examples can be seen within the wave of pro-democracy protests that have been taking place in Thailand, the Civil Disobedience Movement in Myanmar, the Farmers Protest in India, and the anti-Omnibus Law protest in Indonesia, which have been held under the banner of the Milk Tea Alliance, alongside peoples’ movements from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Such movements show people’s determination to continuously find new ways to resist the shrinking civic space, and the rise of a new generation of defenders emerging to push for the realisation of human rights.

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: 19 May 2021

Time: 2.00 – 4.00 PM BKK Time (GMT+7)

Platform: Zoom, Facebook Live and Twitter Live

Registration: https://rb.gy/yh6c4q

What has happened in Myanmar is symptomatic of a backsliding democracy and rising authoritarianism occurring across Southeast Asia, with further implications of a deteriorating civic space and human rights protection in the region. Human rights groups in the region are deeply concerned about the rising cases of human rights repression, including the killing and detention of civilians, cascading throughout Myanmar and affecting Asia’s political stability and human security. ASEAN and Asian democracies must find a solution that aligns with the will of the people of Myanmar and international mechanisms.

Organised by FORUM-ASIA  this session is to discuss the current situation in Myanmar from the perspectives of ASEAN and Asian countries, discussing possible actions for democratic Asian governments and ASEAN to take in solidarity with Myanmar.

Main Topics & Issues to be addressed:

• Discussing the various responses and action from ASEAN and Asian democracies
  Mobilizing regional and international solidarity and action for Myanmar

Speakers:

• Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Representative of Indonesia to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
• Sanjoy Hazarika, Honorary Research Professor, Centre for Policy
• Naw Hser-Hser, Secretary General, Women’s League of Myanmar
• Kim Minji, Program Executive, Human Rights Center, The National Council of Churches in Korea

Moderated by Rachel Arinii Judhistari, FORUM-ASIA

This event is part of the Gwangju Democracy Forum 2021, an annual international meeting of the May 18 Foundation to bring together democracy advocates, activists, researchers and policy-makers to discuss and reflect on the state and challenges of democracy at the local, national and global levels as a way to commemorate and practice globally the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Democracy movement in 1980. For the whole programme, please click here.

***

Media contact:

For more information or to set up an interview with any of the speakers, please contact Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA at communication@forum-asia.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: 11 May 2021

Time: 3.00 – 4.30 PM (Mumbai) / 4.30 – 6.00 PM (Bangkok)

Platform: Zoom, Facebook Live and Twitter Live

Link: http://l.forum-asia.org/BarometerZoomLink

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Monday, 26 April 2021

Time: 10 – 11 AM (GMT +7)

Platform: Zoom, Facebook Live, Twitter Live

Registration: http://l.forum-asia.org/MNpresscon

ASEAN will have held its Special Summit on Myanmar on 24 April 2021, in hopes that the worsening situation in Myanmar will finally be put to an end. But with Myanmar’s military head Min Aung Hlaing having a seat at the table, will talks arrive at a concrete solution for democracy to be restored and human rights respected in Myanmar?

Organised by FORUM-ASIA and ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, this press conference aims to analyse the outcomes and deliberations of the Special ASEAN Summit, and what it means for human rights in Myanmar and the rest of the region.

Nearly three months since the 1 February coup in Myanmar, ASEAN continues to be criticised for failing to hold the Myanmar military accountable for seizing power and the use of its deadly force against peaceful civilians. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 739 civilians were killed while 3,331 were arrested or charged by the junta and security forces — this tally is increasing every day.

Human rights groups in the region are deeply concerned about the rising cases of human rights repression, including the killing and detention of civilians, cascading throughout Myanmar and affecting Southeast Asia’s political stability and human security.

This press conference aims to:

• Analyse the outcomes/deliberations of the Special ASEAN Summit on Myanmar and provide insights on the results of the Special ASEAN Summit.
• Discuss the trajectory and impact of the Special ASEAN Summit result to Myanmar.
• Discuss ASEAN’s ‘legitimisation’ of the military junta and the National Unity Government (NUG)’s aspiration for the ASEAN mechanism.
• Discuss Myanmar civil society organisations (CSOs) response on the result of the Special ASEAN Summit on Myanmar.

Speakers:

• Rachel Arinii – Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA
• Charles Santiago – Chair, APHR and Member of Parliament, Malaysia
• Khin Ohmar – Chair, Progressive Voice

The press conference may be joined by a representative from Myanmar’s National Unity Government.

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

You are invited to the Southeast Asia Peoples’ Summit on Myanmar, an online gathering for like-minded colleagues and friends in the region to amplify our collective call for the respect and protection of human rights, democracy and civic space in Myanmar.

Ahead of the Special ASEAN Summit on Myanmar set to be on 24 April 2021, civil society is organising and mobilising solidarity online; bringing together diverse stakeholders to put a spotlight on the deteriorating human rights situation in  Myanmar and the meaningful action we call on ASEAN to take.

Join us at this one-day summit on Thursday, 22 April 2021!

Agenda

1. Plenary and Expression of Solidarity
Time: 9 am – 12 pm (GMT +7)
Venue: Zoom, Facebook Live and Twitter Live
Registration: Click here
More information: Click here

2. Press Conference: ASEAN Myanmar Summit
Time: 1.30 pm (GMT +7)
Venue: Zoom
Registration: Click here
More information: Click here

3. One Vision, Different Responses: Public Dialogue on ASEAN Responses to Myanmar
Time: 7 – 8.30 pm (GMT +7)
Venue: Zoom, Facebook Live and Twitter Live
Registration: Click here
More info: Click here

The Southeast Asia Peoples’ Summit is jointly organised by FORUM-ASIA, Progressive Voice, Solidarity for Asian People’s Advocacy (SAPA) Working Group on ASEAN, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, ASEAN Youth Forum (AYF), ALTSEAN Burma, Education in ASEAN/Southeast Asia (SHAPE-SEA), Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC), Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), Milk Tea Alliance and Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID).

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: 22 April 2021

Time: 7.00 – 8.30 pm (ICT) / 2.00 – 3.30 pm (CET)

Platform: Zoom, Facebook Live and Twitter Live

Registration: bit.ly/FAASEANMyanmarDialogue 

Two months since the 1 February 2021 coup in Myanmar, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to be criticised for failing to hold the Myanmar military accountable, stop the use of violence by the junta against protesters and restore democracy in Myanmar.

At least 536 death and 2,729 arbitrary detentions have been recorded as of 1 April 2021, according to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Among them are women and children.

How should civil society push for ASEAN to meaningfully respond to the Myanmar coup? What lessons can we learn from other regional mechanisms?

Join us in One Vision, Different Responses: Public Dialogue on ASEAN Responses to Myanmar.

The public dialogue aims to:

• Launch FORUM-ASIA’s report – ‘One Vision, Different Responses: Analysis of ASEAN Member States’ Responses to the Myanmar Coup and Recommendations’ ;
• Compare ASEAN’s responses and challenges with the situation on the ground, showing people-people solidarity and reflecting on other regional mechanisms on suspension of membership mechanisms;
• Build pressure from public and civil society in ASEAN to push their governments immediately and meaningfully respond to Myanmar’s coup.

Speakers:

• Khin Ohmar, Progressive Voice
• Tun Khin, Burmese Rohingya Organisation, United Kingdom
• Tom Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar
• Cornelius Hanung, East-Asia and ASEAN Programme, FORUM-ASIA

Moderated by Rachel Arinii Judhistari, FORUM-ASIA

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Tuesday, 16 March, 2021

Time: 2 PM – 3 PM (CET) / 8 PM – 9 PM (BKK)

7 PM – 8.30 PM (ICT)/ 1 – 2.30 PM(CET)

Venue: Zoom / Facebook Live and Youtube Live via Minority Rights Group International

Registration: https://bit.ly/3llCCMF

****

Speakers: 

• Fernand de Varennes, United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues
• Alice Wairimu Nderitu, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
• Haroon Baloch, Digital Rights Researcher Bytes for All Pakistan
• Farah Mihlar, Lecturer, University of Exeter & Sri Lanka Minority Rights Campaigner
• Shakuntala Banaji, Professor of Media, Culture & Social Change, LSE

Moderated by Joshua Castellino, Executive Director, Minority Rights Group International

Organised by FORUM-ASIA, Minority Rights Group International, The South Asia Collective, Article 19, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), this UN side event at HRC46 aims to talk about preventing & countering hate speech against minorities in South Asia.

***

About the organisers:

• The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a Bangkok-based regional network of 81 member organisations across 21 Asian countries, with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity-development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has sub-regional offices in Geneva, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. forum-asia.org
• Minority Rights Group International is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) with an international governing Council that meets twice a year. We have consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and observer status with the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights. It campaigns worldwide with around 150 partners in over 50 countries to ensure that disadvantaged minorities and indigenous peoples, often the poorest of the poor, can make their voices heard. minorityrights.org
• The South Asia Collective are a group of human rights activists and organisations that dream of a just, caring and peaceful South Asia. They came together in December 2015 to document the condition of the region’s minorities – religious, linguistic, ethnic, caste and gender, among others – hoping this would help in bettering outcomes for South Asia’s many marginalised groups. They call ourselves the South Asia Collective. They have since been able to rally other like-minded groups and platforms to their cause. thesouthasiacollective.org
• Article 19 works for a world where all people everywhere can freely express themselves and actively engage in public life without fear of discrimination. They do this by working on two interlocking freedoms: 1) The Freedom to Know concerts the right to demand and receive information by power-holders for transparency, good governance and sustainable development; 2) the Freedom to Speak concerns everyone’s right to express and disseminate opinions, ideas and information through any means, as well as to disagree with, and question power-holders. ARTICLE 19 speaks with one voice, through courts of law, through global and regional organisations, and through civil society wherever we are present. article19.org
• International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers from all regions of the world, the International Commission of Jurists promotes and protects human rights through the Rule of Law, by using its unique legal expertise to develop and strengthen national and international justice systems. Established in 1952 and active on the five continents, the ICJ aims to ensure the progressive development and effective implementation of international human rights and international humanitarian law; secure the realization of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights; safeguard the separation of powers; and guarantee the independence of the judiciary and legal profession. icj.org
• World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) works with 200 member organisations to end torture and ill-treatment, assist victims, and protect human rights defenders at risk wherever they are. Together, OMCT makes up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in over 90 countries. We work to protect the most vulnerable members of our societies, including women, children, indigenous peoples, migrants and other marginalized communities. To achieve this, they advocate with governments to change or implement their laws and policies, we help victims seek justice and strive to hold perpetrators to account. Because torture can never be tolerated, and human dignity is not negotiable. omct.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Thursday, 4 March 2021

Time: 1.00 – 2.30 PM (CET) / 7.00 – 8.30 PM (ICT)

Venue: Zoom / Facebook Live and Twitter Live via FORUM-ASIA

Registration: http://l.forum-asia.org/HRDSwebinar.register 

At least 656 cases of violations against human rights defenders were recorded by FORUM-ASIA in 2020. In such cases, those who stood up for rights faced judicial harassment, arbitrary arrests and intimidation, intimidation and threats and physical violence.

While these findings paint a grim scenario for defenders, many remain determined in their fight to ensure human rights are realised, as reflected by many grassroots movements that have risen across Asia.

Join this webinar as we reflect on the situation of human rights defenders, highlight cases of attacks against defenders working to protect human rights across Asia and provide concrete recommendations to civil society organisations, UN member states, UN agencies, and businesses.

Speakers:
• Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
• Fatia Maulidiyanti, Coordinator, Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence
(KontraS), Indonesia
• Khin Ohmar, Chairperson, Progressive Voice, Myanmar
• Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director, People’s Watch, India

Moderator: Benny Agus Prima, Senior Programme Officer, FORUM-ASIA

This 46th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council Side-Event is co-organised by FORUM-ASIA and CIVICUS.

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Webinar

Expressions in Shackles: Women’s Rights and Free Speech in the Digital World

Date: Tuesday, 16 February 2021
Time: 1-3 PM (GMT+7)
Register at: http://bit.ly/ARROW-FAwebinar2021

The right to freedom of speech and expression is quickly becoming one of the most contested and restricted issues around the world today. It is evident that the enjoyment of the freedom of expression and freedom of information- to speak freely, participate in public debate, report the news safely and securely and harness digital technology- are influenced by sex, sexuality and gender.

While digital spaces bring about new opportunities, they also create new forms of threats and violence that have a disproportionate impact on women. Globally, it is estimated that women were 27 times more likely to be harassed online.

As information (and expressions) is power, across the world, research and trends show that being female, or identifying as a woman and/or LGBTQI person, results in a greater likelihood of poverty, oppression, and exclusion from spheres of public interaction and decision-making.

Organised by FORUM-ASIA and Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW),  this  public webinar aims to:

• Discuss current perspectives and overview of the situation on freedom of speech and expression in offline and online spaces in the Asian region;
• Look into the impacts of social media on freedom of expression of women human rights defenders and activists;
• Highlight the impact of hate speech on vulnerable communities including Rohingya women;
• Explore feminist approaches on the use of technology, media, data and social media and its impact on women’s freedom of expression.

Speakers: 

• Rachel Arini Judhistari, East-Asia and ASEAN Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA
• Wai Wai Nu, Founder and Director, Women Peace Network, Myanmar
• Bernice Lata, Legal Rights Officer, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement
• Nana Abuelsoud, Researcher, Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights

Closing Remarks: Judit Arenas, Senior Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Opinion and Expression

Moderator: Maya Indira Ganesh, ARROW Board Member

About the organisers:

• The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)is a Bangkok-based regional network of 81 member organisations across 21 Asian countries, with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity-development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has sub-regional offices in Geneva, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. forum-asia.org
• The Asian-Pacific Resource& Research Center for Women (ARROW) is a regional non-profit women’s NGO based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Natio Since it was established in 1993, it has been working to advance women’s health, affirmative sexuality and rights, and empower women through information and knowledge, engagement, advocacy and mobilisation. https://arrow.org.my/

***

For more information, please contact: Evelynne Gomez, ARROW, evelynne@arrow.org.my; or East Asia-ASEAN Programme, FORUM-ASIA, ea-asean@forum-asia.org

For media inquiries, please contact: Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA at communication@forum-asia.org

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Date: Tuesday, 26 January 2021

       Time: 1PM – 3PM Western Indonesia Time (GMT +7)

RSVP: Please send your registration to communication@forum-asia.org

by 10 AM (GMT +7), 26 January 2021

Registration is needed for presentation materials

A link to the webinar will be sent via email ahead of the discussion

Brunei Darussalam is the Chair of ASEAN for 2021 and the theme of its ASEAN Chairmanship is “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” with aims  to promote three fundamental areas namely caring for the well-being of the ASEAN people, preparing for future opportunities and challenges and prospering together as a unified region. However, with the growing geopolitical dynamic and the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN has experienced a slowdown in economic development and continues to face unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and geo-political shifts.

In light of these unprecedented times, Brunei Chairmanship needs to address ASEAN’s current challenges including improving regional resilience in facing the COVID-19 pandemic; geo-political, maritime and financial challenges, human rights and recovery plans.

Organised by FORUM-ASIA and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)  with the support of the Canadian Mission to ASEAN, this  public webinar  aims to:

• Facilitate discussion among diplomats, thought leaders, civil society organisations and academicians to highlight key challenges, opportunities and recommendations in light of Brunei’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021
• Highlight cooperation opportunities between ASEAN and Canada under the Brunei Chairmanship

Speakers: 

• H.E. Ambassador Diedrah Kelly – Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN
• Dr Asyura Salleh – Non-resident Vasey Research Fellow, Pacific Forum
• Andrew Mantong, Researcher, International Relations Department, CSIS Indonesia
• Rachel Arini Judhistari, East-Asia and ASEAN Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA

Moderated by Dr Lina Alexandra, Senior Researcher,  International Relations Department, CSIS Indonesia

Media contact:

For more information or to set up an interview with any of the speakers, please contact Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme Manager, FORUM-ASIA at communication@forum-asia.org

About the organisers:

• The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)is a Bangkok-based regional network of 81 member organisations across 21 Asian countries, with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity-development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has sub-regional offices in Geneva, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. www.forum-asia.org

• Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)is a non-profit organization based in Indonesia which has served as a think tank on social, international, political and economic issues. CSIS was founded on Sept 1, 1971 by a group of scholars and practitioners with the goal to promote public policy-oriented discussions in Indonesia and in the Southeast Asian region. CSIS is a founding institute of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN ISIS) and acts as its secretariat. www.csis.or.id

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

Online Public Discussion and Book Launch

Repression and Resilience: COVID-19 Response Measures and Migrants Workers in Major East and Southeast Asian Destinations

Thursday, December 17 2020, 2-4 PM Western Indonesia Time

Online on Zoom

Click here to register

About the Discussion:

The pandemic has emphasised on border controls, as countries use travel bans and restrictions to protect their own population from the virus entering into their borders. It can be mandated by each country’s constitution, allowing them to focus on protecting and serving their own citizens, however at a time of crisis, it may gear up the use of politics based on sectarian populism or nationalism.

Migrant workers globally have become one of the most vulnerable and disproportionately affected groups from the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are faced with the greatest risk of coronavirus infection. Temporary, low-wage and/or undocumented migrants have limited or no access to healthcare, information, daily necessities and personal protective equipment (PPE), poorer occupational safety and health, lack of physical distancing in employer-provided housing and lack of firewalls and fears of arrests and detention, therefore their rights to health is unfulfilled. This is despite the fact that migrant workers play an especially crucial role in the fight against COVID-19, such as in care and frontline settings. The discrimination that migrant workers faces has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Migrant workers are also suffering the economic ramifications due to the pandemic’s effect on the global economy.

Joined by scholars and experts of civil society organisations working on the frontline to address the challenges faced by migrant workers, this study aims to 1) assess the impact of pre-existing migration policies and COVID-19 public health measures, often based on strong national interests, on migrant workers, 2) explore how vulnerabilities translate to real-life experiences of migrant workers, and 3) how state and non-state actors, including businesses and civil society, are dealing with challenges faced by migrant workers. This research is also aimed at amplifying voices of those who are affected and bringing them to the multi-stakeholders at the national and regional levels.

This research is part of an initiative of civil society actors in both East and Southeast Asia to work collaboratively to address issues faced by an increasing number of migrants moving cross-regionally.

Keynote, Speakers and Discussants:

• Eni Lestari, Chairperson International Migration Alliance (IMA)
• Mariko Hayashi, Research Coordinator, Director of Southeast and East Asia Center
• Andika Wahab, Fellow Institut Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
• Lennon Ying-Dah Wong, Director, Service Center and Shelter for Migrant Workers, Serve the People Association, Taoyuan (SPA)
• H.E. Umar Hadi, Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea
• Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu, Executive Director of Forum-ASIA

Moderator and Facilitator:

• Adeline Tinessia, Australia National University (ANU)
• Rafendi Djamin, Senior Advisor Human Rights Working  Group

About the organisers:

• The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)is a Bangkok-based regional network of 81 member organisations across 21 Asian countries, with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity-development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has sub-regional offices in Geneva, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. forum-asia.org

• The Indonesian NGOs Coalition for International Human Rights Advocacy (HRWG) was established by several NGOs working on different issues but shared common interest in human rights to serve the need for elaborate advocacy works already in place with the aim of maximising the goals and putting more pressures on the Indonesian government to execute its international and constitutional obligations to protecting, fulfilling, respecting and promoting human rights in the country. hrwg.org

***

Please click here to learn more about this event

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.