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Category: Press Releases

  • ALS-50 loitering munitions induction to enhance precision strike capability of Indian Air Force, says GlobalData

    The ALS-50 loitering munition is an advanced weapon system with a unique vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability, versatility, and adaptability, which allow it to engage air defense systems, and ground and naval targets. The ALS-50’s induction demonstrates the ability of India’s domestic defense industry to integrate sophisticated indigenous technologies into the country’s armed forces. The […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • CAE delivers first MAD-XR systems for Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

    CAE announced the delivery of the first production of Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) systems, following successful completion of the Customer Source Inspection (CSI). The MAD-XR systems were delivered to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for installation in new P1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) operated by the Japanese Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force […]

    The post CAE delivers first MAD-XR systems for Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Boeing and ST Engineering Sign P-8 Sustainment MoU

    Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ST Engineering to outline potential areas of collaboration in systems integration, training, local parts distribution, support and sustainment work for the P-8A Poseidon. Boeing and ST Engineering have identified opportunities to collaborate in a number of areas and will explore these in more detail, including jointly developing […]

    The post Boeing and ST Engineering Sign P-8 Sustainment MoU appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • DSA and NATSEC ASIA 2024: Uniting Global Defense and Security Innovators for Unprecedented Advancements

    DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 has achieved an impressive milestone with a large number of confirmed participation from both local and international exhibitors. This highly anticipated event will bring together leading defence and security organisations from around the world. The confirmed pavilions include major participants such as China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, […]

    The post DSA and NATSEC ASIA 2024: Uniting Global Defense and Security Innovators for Unprecedented Advancements appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Sea trials of sixth Kalvari-class submarine to boost India’s self-reliance in building maritime capabilities, says GlobalData

    Following the news that the sixth submarine of the Kalvari-class has commenced sea trials; Kandlikar Venkatesh, Defense Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: “The commencement of sea trials for the sixth Kalvari-class submarine marks a significant milestone, as it moves closer to its induction into the Indian Navy. With […]

    The post Sea trials of sixth Kalvari-class submarine to boost India’s self-reliance in building maritime capabilities, says GlobalData appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • [Press Release] Civil Society makes a joint submission to the GANHRI-SCA ahead of the Special Review of the MNHRC in October 2023

    The Special Review must lead to the suspension or removal of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission

    (1 June 2023) The CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma-Myanmar) (“Working Group”) and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) made a joint civil society submission to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions’ Sub-Committee on Accreditation (GANHRI-SCA) ahead of its Special Review of the Myanmar military junta’s national human rights commission.

    The review will be conducted during the GANHRI-SCA’s upcoming accreditation session due to take place between 23-27 October 2023.

    The Working Group and ANNI have recommended the GANHRI-SCA to immediately suspend or remove the accreditation status of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) in accordance with Section 18 of the recently amended GANHRI Statute.

    The submission highlights the MNHRC’s lack of independence as well as its lack of competence and acute failure in exercising its mandate to promote and protect human rights amid the military’s illegal coup attempt. The submission also highlights the military’s grave human rights violations and mass atrocities. In addition, the report outlines the MNHRC’s role in shielding the military junta from being held accountable for its crimes.

    Khin Ohmar of Progressive Voice said: “GANHRI-SCA must exercise its power under Section 18 of the Statute to suspend or remove the accreditation status of MNHRC during its Special Review of the Commission in its upcoming accreditation session. The Myanmar junta must no longer be allowed to enjoy legitimacy through the MNHRC’s membership in a respected human rights network that works to promote and protect human rights.”

    Thinzar Shunlei Yi from the Working Group said: “We made this submission to GANHRI-SCA ahead of its accreditation session in October with a ray of hope that GANHRI-SCA will heed our voices and our recommendations to remove junta-controlled MNHRC from the world’s leading human rights network.”

    Mary Aileen D. Bacalso, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA, the Secretariat of ANNI said: “The Special Review of the MNHRC by the GANHRI-SCA in its upcoming session is a crucial opportunity to address and acknowledge the Commission’s apathy and utter failure to perform its mandate in the face of grave human rights violations in Myanmar since the attempted military coup in 2021. Through this submission, we reiterate the calls ANNI and civil society in Myanmar have made consistently over the last two years, and remind the GANHRI-SCA to ensure accountability by taking a principled stand by suspending or revoking the MNHRC’s membership.”

    For more information, please contact:

     

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

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

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

     

    About the CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar)

    The CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) advocates for the establishment of a new NHRI – tentatively named the Union Human Rights Commission – to replace the illegitimate MNHRC which has aligned itself with the illegal military junta. The Working Group was previously known as ‘CSO Working Group on MNHRC Reform;’ currently, it consists of 20 Myanmar Civil Society Organizations. From its founding in 2019 until the attempted coup in February 2021, the Working Group consistently advocated for an effective MNHRC that demonstrated a commitment to the international standards set forth in the Paris Principles.

    More information at: https://www.facebook.com/WGonNHRIBurma

    Twitter: @WG_MMNHRI

     

    ** END **

     

    For the PDF version of this press release in English, click here

    For the PDF version of this press release in Burmese, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • Spectra Group’s SlingShot and Troposcatter – operationally proven and evolving to meet the modern demands of specialist and regular forces globally

    Spectra Group is an award-winning specialist, with over 20 years of operational experience, providing secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, in partnership with Inmarsat and COMTECH. They have provided over 7000 units of SlingShot globally (over 4000 units deployed with USSOCOM and other USDoD departments) and there are hundreds of Troposcatter terminals in use […]

    The post Spectra Group’s SlingShot and Troposcatter – operationally proven and evolving to meet the modern demands of specialist and regular forces globally appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Indra Installs the Naval Version of Lanza 3d Radar on an Indian Navy Front Line Ship

    Indra’s Lanza 3D radar continues to strengthen itself as one of the most advanced surveillance systems on the market and continues its international expansion. Indra is currently installing its naval version, Lanza-N 3D, on one of the Indian Navy’s destroyer ship, beginning the delivery of the 23 radars that it will provide to the Indian […]

    The post Indra Installs the Naval Version of Lanza 3d Radar on an Indian Navy Front Line Ship appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • HAVELSAN Showcases High-Tech Solutions at LIMA 2023, Establishes Strategic Partnerships

    In Langkawi, Malaysia, between the 23rd – 27th of May – HAVELSAN, a global leader in high-technology products and innovative solutions, successfully captivated the attention of attendees at LIMA 2023, the prestigious defense and maritime exhibition. The event showcased HAVELSAN’s cutting-edge C4ISR solutions, simulators and training systems, and homeland security solutions, solidifying its position as […]

    The post HAVELSAN Showcases High-Tech Solutions at LIMA 2023, Establishes Strategic Partnerships appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • [Media Lines] Sri Lanka: Proposed Vague Anti-Terrorism Act Suppress Fundamental Freedoms

    In response to the proposal of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) by the government of Sri Lanka, FORUM-ASIA says:

    FORUM-ASIA is alarmed by the newly proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), an anti-terror legislation to replace the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1979. Although the bill is being introduced to do away with provisions of the PTA that are considered to violate international human rights law, the proposed ATA bill is vague and broad in its definition of ‘acts of terrorism’.

    The proposed bill is not an improvement over the  PTA as it seems to become yet another pretext for suppressing fundamental freedoms and criminalising human rights defenders, protestors and minorities, entrenching a culture of impunity in Sri Lanka. It also introduces the death penalty for ‘the terrorism offence of murder’ – which is a retrograde step and a stark violation of the right to life.

    While replacing the PTA is a good initiative, the proposed ATA Bill requires serious revisions, as otherwise, it has the same repressive tendencies as the PTA and gives the State extraordinary powers to curtail civil liberties. The Bill must be read in the context of Sri Lanka’s contentious legacy of abuse and must not become an additional tool to crack down on fundamental freedoms.

    We urge the Sri Lankan government to ensure that the new legislation is in line with its constitutional guarantees, under Article 13, and its obligations under international human rights law.

    //

    The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a network of 85 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 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. www.forum-asia.org

    For further information, please contact:

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • IMDEX Asia 2023 returns with renewed vigour and a robust programme

    When Asia Pacific’s leading maritime and defence exhibition, IMDEX Asia returns this May for its 13th edition, top executives and decision makers in the defence and maritime sectors can once again reconvene for strategic conversations that foster engagement to accelerate global and regional collaboration. Show Highlights To be held from 3-5 May, IMDEX Asia 2023 […]

    The post IMDEX Asia 2023 returns with renewed vigour and a robust programme appeared first on Asian Military Review.

  • Statement on the Reintroduction of the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act in Congress

    American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Director of U.S. Advocacy Rori Kramer issued this statement following the reintroduction of the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives:  We welcome the reintroduction of the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act (Global HER Act) in both the U.S. …

    Source

    This post was originally published on American Jewish World Service – AJWS.

  • 23-Meter Autonomous Hydrographic Survey Vessel Unveiled in US Market

    SAFE Boats International announces the introduction of a revolutionary, autonomous hydrographic survey vessel: Merlin. This innovative, 23-meter semi-displacement monohull design was developed in collaboration with Mythos AI, Echo81, and World Marine Design. SAFE Boats International has exclusive rights to build the design at their Tacoma, Washington large-craft production facility. Merlin will be a Jones Act-compliant […]

    The post 23-Meter Autonomous Hydrographic Survey Vessel Unveiled in US Market appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • EDGE Fortifies its Technology and Defence Portfolio

    EDGE Group PJSC (‘The Group’ or ‘EDGE’), one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, has announced the acquisition of UAE-based TRUST International Group (‘TRUST’), a defence trading specialist and major supplier of premium solutions to the UAE Armed Forces and security establishments. TRUST will join EDGE within its Trading & Mission Support […]

    The post EDGE Fortifies its Technology and Defence Portfolio appeared first on Asian Military Review.

  • [Media Lines] Maldives: FORUM-ASIA calls on the Maldives Government to uphold press freedom

    In response to the Maldives parliament opening a debate regarding an amendment to the country’s General Elections Act, FORUM-ASIA says:

    FORUM-ASIA is alarmed by the proposed amendment to Maldives’ General Elections Act which would restrict journalists from freely monitoring elections. Only journalists from media organizations registered with and approved by the government would be permitted to work in voting and vote-counting sites on election days. ‘Unregistered’ journalists—including freelancers and foreign correspondents—would be unable to do so. This severely limits the coverage of Maldives’ upcoming presidential elections.

    The proposed amendment not only undermines media freedom but also people’s right to access information. FORUM-ASIA reminds the Government of the Maldives of its responsibility to ensure a free and fair election. To do this, it must respect and protect the important work that journalists do.

  • HAVELSAN Presented Its Holistic Solutions for Border Security at MRBS Türkiye Summit

    The Military Radar and Border Security Türkiye Summit took place in Ankara between 21-22 March 2023. Several military institutions and defense companies attended the summit where HAVELSAN was the platinum sponsor. The main subject of the Summit was Border Security and how current technologies help to provide that. At the summit, HAVELSAN’s President & CEO […]

    The post HAVELSAN Presented Its Holistic Solutions for Border Security at MRBS Türkiye Summit appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • U.S. Foreign Policy on Haiti: The Way Forward

    U.S. FOREIGN POLICY ON HAITI: THE WAY FORWARD As the United States and international community continue to discuss ways to support the Haitian people, American Jewish World Service and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee have issued the following joint statement and recommendations:  Over the past decade, the regime governing Haiti has stolen billions of dollars …

    Source

    This post was originally published on American Jewish World Service – AJWS.

  • GE Marine’s LM500 to Power ROKN’s PKX-B Batch-II Patrol Boats

    The Republic of Korea’s Navy has selected GE Marine’s LM500 gas turbines to power the first four PKX-B Batch-II ships. Two LM500s, each rated at approximately 4.6 MW, will help propel one of the fastest and most technologically advanced vessels in the ROKN fleet with a top speed of 40 knots. A total of 32 […]

    The post GE Marine’s LM500 to Power ROKN’s PKX-B Batch-II Patrol Boats appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Meeting under the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Nikolaos Hardalias, for the International Defence and Security Exhibition “DEFEA 2023”

    A working meeting led by the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Hardalias with executives of the exhibition organization company ROTA SA took place on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Ministry of National Defence on the subject of the International Defence and Security Exhibition “DEFEA 2023 -Defence Exhibition Athens”, which will take place […]

    The post Meeting under the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Nikolaos Hardalias, for the International Defence and Security Exhibition “DEFEA 2023” appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • DSEI Japan: Lessons from Russian aggression in Ukraine dominate the Conference agenda on day two

    On day two of DSEI Japan the main conference agenda focussed on lessons that can be learned from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a discussion chaired by Koichi Isobe, Former Commander of Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, an analysis of the Russo-Ukrainian war and how future conflicts could be avoided featured prominently. The […]

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  • RT Aerostat Systems Launches New Disaster Search & Rescue System at DSEI Japan

    RT Aerostat Systems – a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of the SkyStar™ family of aerostats for use in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications applications – launches the SkyStar 140, a cellular geo-location-mounted mini-aerostat at DSEI Japan. This unique Search & Rescue system enables the rapid location of missing and trapped people following any natural […]

    The post RT Aerostat Systems Launches New Disaster Search & Rescue System at DSEI Japan appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Su-35: Celebrating 15 Years of Flanker-E+’s Maiden Flight

    Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E+) Gen. 4++ multi-role twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter jet took to the skies for the first time 15 years ago. Today, Su-35S, along with Su-30SM, makes the backbone of the Russian Air Force, and is also one of the core products of the Russian aviation exports. Su-35 also incorporates some Gen.5 […]

    The post Su-35: Celebrating 15 Years of Flanker-E+’s Maiden Flight appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • NCAC Executive Director Christopher Finan to Retire

    New York, NY, March 13, 2023 – The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) announced today that Executive Director Christopher M. Finan will retire this summer after 40 years of defending free expression and First Amendment rights. Before joining NCAC in 2017, Finan was president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) and […]

    The post NCAC Executive Director Christopher Finan to Retire appeared first on National Coalition Against Censorship.

    This post was originally published on Blog Archives – National Coalition Against Censorship.

  • Elbit Systems to Showcase Platforms at DSEI Japan 2023

    Elbit Systems will participate at DSEI Japan between 15-17 March 2023 in Tokyo and exhibit a wide range of products and systems at its booth with both visual and interactive displays. Elbit Systems is known for its groundbreaking solutions that have led to dramatic changes on the battlefield. The company is a leader in unmanned […]

    The post Elbit Systems to Showcase Platforms at DSEI Japan 2023 appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • ACLU, NCAC oppose removal of abortion-related art from exhibition at Idaho college art gallery

    Lewis-Clark State College announced that it will pull several artworks addressing abortion care from an upcoming exhibition for fear of violating the state’s No Public Funds for Abortion Act LEWISTON, Idaho – In a letter sent to Lewis-Clark State College President Dr. Cynthia Pemberton, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, […]

    The post ACLU, NCAC oppose removal of abortion-related art from exhibition at Idaho college art gallery appeared first on National Coalition Against Censorship.

  • MKU & DEBEL, DRDO to Make India Self-Reliant in Aircrew Helmet Production

    In a major boost to the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India, MKU Limited has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Defence Bio-Engineering and Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to indigenize the production of Common Aircrew Helmets and Lightweight Integrated Aircrew Helmets. It is for the […]

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  • [Press Release] End Myanmar National Human Rights Commission’s complicity in junta’s atrocity crimes

    [Bangkok, Thailand] The Myanmar military junta has co-opted the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) and its silence, and instrumentalized the national human rights institution as part of its propaganda arsenal to claim legitimacy, conceal its grave crimes, and avert international attention and criticism.

    The international community must realign its comprehension with the accurate circumstances where the MNHRC has been operating, and respond appropriately and with accountability. It should also guarantee concrete support towards the establishment of a Union Human Rights Commission, said the CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) (Working Group) and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI).

    The Asia Pacific Forum (APF), Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institution Forum (SEANF) and GANHRI have disappointingly kept silent about the Commission’s egregious dereliction of its duty to the Myanmar people and obligations under the Paris Principles, said the groups.

    Their continued engagement and cooperation with the MNHRC, most recently GANHRI’s invitation to its Annual Meeting scheduled at the UN, signify these institutions’ tacit endorsement of the MNHRC and, by extension, the illegal and illegitimate junta. For the first time, GANHRI issued a statement on Myanmar yesterday, responding to civil society concerns, in which it reiterated its commitment to strengthen the work of National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) members including the MNHRC, despite mounting evidence of its absolute lack of independence and willingness to align themselves with the illegal military that continues to commit grave crimes.

    The analysis paper “Accessory to the Junta’s Crimes,” launched during the webinar, highlights the concealment and complicity of the MHNRC in ongoing horrendous crimes committed by the Myanmar military junta against civilians and popular resistance since the failed coup of February 1, 2021.

    Quotes by co-organizers:
    Khin Ohmar, Chairperson of Progressive Voice, said: “The international community must be disillusioned, and, in particular, international human rights bodies should be extremely outraged by the MNHRC’s blatant placation of appalling crimes nationwide since the failed coup.

    Responding to the statement issued by GANHRI, Khin Ohmar said, “A truly rigorous review process by these institutions would have already resulted in the MNHRC being suspended or expelled for it has always acted as a smokescreen for the military’s crimes since its inception. Expulsion or suspension of the MNHRC at this time will be the most responsible action from international and regional human rights bodies.”

    Shanna Priangka Ramadhanti, Coordinator of ANNI, said: “Myanmar and regional civil society have and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with SEANF, APF and GANHRI on the issue of MNHRC. We urgently call on the bodies as well as its NHRI members to take the principled stance of disengaging from the MNHRC, and take concrete actions to avoid legitimizing the military junta and support the people of Myanmar as they work towards a genuine federal democracy.”

    Zee Pe, Director of Athan – Freedom of Expression Activist Organization, said: “The MNHRC’s unabashed undermining of the Spring Revolution and the Myanmar people’s will for federal democracy shows it never truly represented or served the people and advocated for their rights.

    “Regional and international human rights actors must honor and provide concrete support for Myanmar civil society’s campaign for a Union Human Rights Commission to allow for a genuine protection of human rights of the Myanmar people.”
    Jack Musgrave, Research Consultant of Progressive Voice, said: “Following the failed coup, the MNHRC has transformed itself from a biased incompetent institution and an appeaser of the military, into a brazen propaganda partner to cover up the junta’s incessant horrific crimes.

    “To continue to entertain the MNHRC as a viable and credible institution is tantamount to allowing the junta to continue its grave crimes against the Myanmar people with complete impunity.”

    • The analysis paper can be downloaded here

    For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
    • ANNI Secretariat, FORUM-ASIA, anni@forum-asia.org
    • The CSO Working on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar), WG_NHRI@protonmail.com

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

    About the CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar)

    The CSO Working on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) advocates for the establishment of a new NHRI – tentatively named the Union Human Rights Commission – to replace the illegitimate MNHRC which has aligned itself with the illegal military junta. The Working Group was previously known as ‘CSO Working Group on MNHRC Reform’; currently, it consists of 20 Myanmar Civil Society Organizations. From its founding in 2019 until the attempted coup in February 2021, the Working Group consistently advocated for an effective MNHRC that demonstrated a commitment to the international standards set forth in the Paris Principles. More information at https://www.facebook.com/WGonNHRIBurma

    Background
    Since the coup attempt was launched on 1 February, 2021, the Myanmar military junta has waged a nationwide campaign of terror against the people of Myanmar and the country is on a path towards a full-blown civil war. The Myanmar military junta has reached unprecedented depths of cruelty in its war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the wake of the failed coup, regional and Myanmar civil society called on the MNHRC to investigate all allegations of human rights violations and exercise its power to ensure the protection of civilians.

    Yet, the Commission has consistently failed to fulfill its mandate in condemning the junta’s atrocious crimes. Instead, it has allowed itself to be the junta’s mouthpiece to conceal its ongoing inhumane brutality in Myanmar from the international community and discourage probe and criticism. The MNHRC cooperatively erased traces of the junta’s gross violations by announcing “successful” prison inspections and welcoming prisoners releases without addressing the severe abuses of fundamental freedoms inside prison, including routine torture, sexual and gender-based violence, executions, deprivation of food and water, and crowded and unsanitary living conditions, calling the attempted coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing’s action “humanitarian”.

    In response to the MNHRC’s continuous complicity in the junta’s barbaric actions, Myanmar and regional civil society and networks have strongly recommended international actors to disengage with the MNHRC completely. The call has been emphasized to APF, SEANF and GANHRI to no avail. The Working Group has also proposed an establishment of a new commission through the Union Human Rights Commission Law under the National Unity Government, legitimate government of Myanmar. Most recently, the Working Group and ANNI condemned the GANHRI’s invitation to the MNHRC to its Annual Meeting in March 2023.

    The MNHRC, since its inception in 2011, has constantly fallen short on the protection and promotion of human rights as a national human rights institution. Throughout the last decade, it has shun its duty to protect people in power from international criticisms for human rights violations by failing to address conflict in ethnic areas, the Rohingya genocide, sexual and gender-based violence in ethnic areas and many other institutional failings. The MNHRC has not been able to reach full compliance with the Paris Principles, the international standard that guides national human rights institutions, scoring only a ‘B’ status accreditation (partial compliance) from GANHRI.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • High Performance Radar for Long Range Integrated Air and Missile Defense

    With a war in Europe raging next to NATO borders, increasing tensions in Asia, conflict in the Middle East, and the ongoing development and proliferation of ever more effective long-range weapons, conventional and nuclear; it is not surprising that nations throughout the world are reexamining their defensive capabilities. The ability to detect, classify and track […]

    The post High Performance Radar for Long Range Integrated Air and Missile Defense appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Hanwha signs contract with WB Group to equip Chunmoo MRLS with Polish command-control systems

    Hanwha Aerospace, the largest aerospace and defence group in South Korea, signed a contract on February 22 to purchase command and control (C2) systems from WB Group, a leading Polish electronics and aeronautics manufacturer, for the delivery of K239 MRLS to the Polish Land Forces. The contract is a major step forward in Hanwha’s effort […]

    The post Hanwha signs contract with WB Group to equip Chunmoo MRLS with Polish command-control systems appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • AAUP, AFT, NCAC Issue Statement Denouncing Florida HB 999

    The AAUP,  the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) issued the following statement condemning the introduction of Florida HB 999.  With the introduction of HB 999, the Florida legislature—at Governor DeSantis’s urging—has doubled down on its attacks on academic freedom with a bill that would effectively silence faculty […]

    The post AAUP, AFT, NCAC Issue Statement Denouncing Florida HB 999 appeared first on National Coalition Against Censorship.