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Category: Press Releases

  • Australian Maritime Alliance’s LMV-M design granted ‘structural approval in principle’

    The Class Certification Society DNV has granted ‘structural approval in principle’ for the Australian Maritime Alliance’s (AMA) ‘Oboe’ design for the Australian Army’s LAND 8710 Phase 1A Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel – Medium (LMV-M) tender. The ‘Oboe’ is a state-of-the-art amphibious vessel, capable of carrying a diverse range of combat and support vehicles in service with […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • [Media Lines] Sri Lanka: Facilitate peoples’ right to dissent at 9 July mass protest

    Sri Lanka: Facilitate peoples’ right to dissent at 9 July mass protest

    Ahead of the anticipated mass protest on 9 July in Colombo demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Government as the country goes through its worst economic crisis on record, FORUM-ASIA says:

    As Sri Lanka faces its worst economic crisis in history and fuel shortages are worsening, people are voicing their dissent and opinions, and calling for mass protests in Colombo on 9 July.

    FORUM-ASIA urges the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure, respect and protect the freedom of peaceful assembly of protestors. Authorities must facilitate peoples’ constitutional right to the freedom of expression and refrain from the use of force.

    When authorities used lethal force against demonstrators protesting against soaring fuel prices in April, one person was killed and more than a dozen protestors injured. It is imperative for the government to uphold its legal obligations to protect the right to protest and prevent a repetition of the use of excessive force.

    //

    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:

  • Loitering munitions become smart, reusable aerial strike platforms

    Loitering munitions, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV or drones), are an important and growing asset in the arsenal of modern armed forces, offering a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) options as well as aerial attack capabilities that were previously inconceivable. Loitering munitions were originally developed for the suppression of enemy air […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • U.S. Supreme Court Puts Profit Over Lives By Limiting the Powers of the Environmental Protection Agency

    Leading global Jewish human rights organization decries U.S. Supreme Court decision and calls on President Biden to use executive powers to address the climate crisis   Nikhil Aziz, Director of Land, Water and Climate Justice issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency “We are deeply disappointed in …Read More

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

  • Announcing a new criminal justice journalism fellowship in Baltimore

    The Real News Network and Just Media are partnering to launch a new fellowship program that empowers Baltimore writers that are passionate about reporting on criminal justice issues from their communities’ lived experiences. 

    Baltimore, Maryland — June 28, 2022. The Baltimore Pipeline of Working and Emerging Reporters (P.O.W.E.R.) Fellowship, catalyzed by The Real News Network and Just Media, is a pilot program aimed at supporting emerging talent from communities most affected by mass incarceration and over-policing in Baltimore. The six-month fellowship provides up-and-coming journalists with media training and sustained mentorship to build critical investigative reporting skills that amplify stories grounded in their communities, expose broken systems, and challenge existing narratives about race and mass incarceration.

    Baltimore spends more per capita on policing than every large city in the country. Despite ballooning police budgets, public safety has not improved. Worse still, the journalists reporting on these issues are often community outsiders that don’t reflect the diversity, values, or perspectives of Baltimoreans. Despite community advocates sounding the alarm about issues related to police violence and mass incarceration, and demanding decarceration, just reentry, harm reduction, and abolition, persistent structural barriers in media have prevented young writers, especially writers of color, from accessing the platforms and opportunities that allow them to tell stories from the frontlines of these fights and offer alternative solutions to unjust systems. 

    Together, The Real News and Just Media Project will train and mentor the cohort. The Real News has deep experience providing critical reporting on policing and mass incarceration in Baltimore, as well as a digital broadcast studio that amplifies this reporting. Just Media has supported more than 40 writing fellows, over 90 percent Black and brown folks ages 18-24, from 27 cities across the country. 

    Through this partnership, The Real News and Just Media will also give these aspiring journalists a chance to rethink journalistic objectivity without the assumption that their identities need to be buried to adequately cover the policing and prison landscape in this country. 

    With planning currently underway, The Real News and Just Media are reaching out to both community and funding partners for their guidance and support in shaping this pilot program. Targeted recruitment of emerging journalists (18-24 years old) will begin later this summer and fellows will begin their work in Fall 2022.

    According to The Real News Executive Director John Duda, “The kind of journalists covering policing and mass incarceration that Baltimore needs are exactly the kind of journalists the status quo is designed to exclude, because they come from the communities this carceral system harms the most. With P.O.W.E.R., we are flipping this script.”

    Just Media’s past fellowship programs have had a meaningful impact on a growing network of young movement journalists. “I enjoyed being able to talk about something that is barely addressed,” a former Just Media fellow said. “I also loved interviewing people who are actually making a change within my community.”

    “Young journalists of color need a space that encourages them to grow, learn, and expose the truth — and that’s exactly what we’re trying to build here,” said Clarissa Brooks, program director at Just Media. 

    The program is actively seeking funds and supporters. A $250 donation hosts a fellow for one week of the program. A $1,000 donation hosts a fellow for one month. And a $5,000 donation secures a fellow’s complete six-month participation in the program. 

    Learn more about Baltimore P.O.W.E.R. here.


    ###

    About Just Media

    Just Media is a national hub telling a new story about justice—and supporting the next generation of storytellers. Our work revolves around two core strategies: Community-centered, impact-driven media: With our core fellowship program, we support young, emerging journalists to cover grassroots and electoral politics on these issues at local and national outlets. Grassroots communications: Just Media communications support and training to youth and community-based justice groups following a national needs assessment. We convene community-based dialogues to engage local organizers and decision-makers in our work. 

    About The Real News Network

    The Real News Network (TRNN) is a non-profit media organization that makes media connecting you to the movements, people, and perspectives that are advancing the cause of a more just, equal, and livable planet. TRNN highlights the voices and ideas not just of academics and pundits, but of the people on the frontlines of fights against injustice.

    This post was originally published on The Real News Network.

  • New Zealand Army Selects BISim’s VBS4 for Tactical Command and Control Training

    Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is pleased to announce that the New Zealand Army is the latest to join a growing list of military customers around the world to choose its simulation software, VBS4, for tactical command and control training. BISim has proudly served the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for over 15 years and looks […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • By criminalizing abortion, The United States states joins the ranks of countries hostile to human rights and gender equality — and puts countless lives at risk both home and abroad

    American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading global Jewish human rights organization, decries the United States Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade, the nation’s landmark abortion rights law AJWS Executive Vice President Venus Devnani McClelland released the following statement: Though we had anticipated – with incredulity and disbelief – that the U.S. Supreme …Read More

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

  • Thales selected by Airservices Australia to carry out drone surveillance trials at Sydney airport

    Airservices Australia has chosen Thales as its primary system integrator for an Integrated Drone Surveillance System (IDSS) trial at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. The system of systems provided by Thales for the IDSS program integrates several sensors and an advanced command and control system to classify, recognise and identify potential threats in airspace around aerodromes. […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Through Wall Imaging Technology: NovoQuad’s 2D & 3D See Through Wall Radar Systems

    When police force, law enforcement, rescue organizations perform missions, real-time information of live targets behind walls and obstacles is critical to strategic planning and mission success. The invention of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radar makes it possible to obtain the accurate target position and movement information and target number behind concrete, soil, rock, mixed brick […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Leading Nations Join the UAV Technology Conference 2022

    SAE Media Group reports: The nations confirmed to speak have been announced for the UAV Technology Conference, taking place in London, this September. Given the significance of the evolving trend and popularity of drones and UAVs in the military industry, the UAV Technology Conference will return to London, UK, on 26th and 27th September 2022, […]

    The post Leading Nations Join the UAV Technology Conference 2022 appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • The 3rd Annual Future Soldier Technology USA Conference to take place in 2 weeks

    SAE Media Group reports: Registration closes in less than two weeks for the Future Soldier Technology USA Conference, taking place in Arlington, VA, on June 7th and 8th, 2022. Registrations will close soon for the highly anticipated Future Soldier Technology USA Conference, which will return as a live, in-person conference in Arlington, VA, on June […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Redback infantry fighting vehicle demonstrates maneuvers for ROK Army trial

    The ROK Army trial of Hanwha Defense’s Redback IFV has ended successfully after six weeks of pilot run The Redback showcased its high-performance maneuvrability in off-road environments during a media invitation event The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced intent to acquire the “Korean version of Redback” through a “fast-track R&D program” Shortlisted for Australia’s LAND […]

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  • Expanding Maritime Partnership: Thailand, U.S. 2022 CARAT Exercise

    Royal Thai and U.S. navies begin maritime training during the 28th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, May 23. Taking place in the Gulf of Thailand, the exercise highlights U.S. and Thailand’s cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific that is vital to regional peace, security, and stability. “Twenty eight years of […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • SAE Media Group announces the inaugural Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA Conference 2022

    SAE Media Group reports: The latest addition to SMG’s sell-out unmanned conference portfolio – Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA, is set to take place in Arlington, VA, this September. The development of unmanned systems in the land and air domains has grown rapidly over the last decade, and the importance of unmanned systems in the […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • The US Army to Announce Updates on UGV Development and Integration at Military Robotics and Autonomous USA Conference 2022

    SAE Media Group reports: US Army speakers will be sharing valuable insights on this key topic at the upcoming conference in Arlington, VA, next month. The US Army is placing an ever-greater emphasis on uncrewed systems as it seeks to improve soldier protection while also enhancing operational efficiency. The army is working on developing and […]

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  • Vietnam chooses innovative R&S Series5200 ATC radios and CERTIUM VCS from Rohde & Schwarz

    The new CERTIUM radios and voice communications systems will provide Vietnamese regional towers with reliable communications and a state-of-the-art air traffic control solution. Rohde & Schwarz and its local partner have been contracted by the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) to equip nine regional towers across the country with reliable communications solutions. Rohde & Schwarz will provide the […]

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  • SEATROOPER: ADSB’s multi-mission landing craft

    The SEATROOPER is a next generation multi-mission landing craft. It delivers robust reliability, multiple configurations, high speed and heavy payloads. ADSB has been involved in the development and production of landing craft for decades. Drawing on its vast experience and aided with the valuable operational knowledge and feedback from customers, the Abu-Dhabi based company can […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Republic of Korea Selects Bell 505 as Its New Military Helicopter Trainer

    Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced the selection of the Bell 505 as the new Republic of Korea military helicopter trainer. The new Bell 505 helicopters will be used by both the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) to train their next generation of helicopter pilots. The contract, […]

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  • Further expands global C-130 customer base with Indian Air Force

    Marshall Aerospace has underlined its credentials as the world’s leading Lockheed Martin approved C-130 Heavy Maintenance Centre for C-130J aircraft by securing a contract with Lockheed Martin to carry out the 12-year maintenance inspections on the Indian Air Force’s fleet of C-130J Super Hercules.   The contract will see the company carry out the in-depth […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Sentient global growth strategy and blue-chip partnerships demonstrate significant appetite for its industry leading maritime ViDAR sensors

    [Sentient Vision Systems: Booth # 4C16] – Sentient Vision Systems’ roll out of award- winning sensor software products and announcements of contract awards across the maritime domain place the company in an enviable position to dominate the SAR (Search and Rescue) and the passive ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) market. INDO PACIFIC has been chosen by […]

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  • [Joint Press Release] Myanmar: ASEAN must move beyond consensus to facilitate cross-border humanitarian aid

    (Bangkok, 6 May 2022) ‒ In the lead up to the high-level meeting on ASEAN humanitarian assistance to Myanmar taking place today, civil society organisations voiced their grave concerns in a webinar[1] titled ‘Beyond ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus: Humanitarian Assistance in Myanmar’ held yesterday.

    ‘We condemn ASEAN’s inaction and its failure to make tangible progress in addressing Myanmar’s catastrophic political, human rights, and humanitarian situation. The junta has shown no intent to respect nor implement the Five-Point Consensus, undermining ASEAN’s spirit by continuing its systematic violations that amount to atrocity crimes. The junta is the root cause of the humanitarian catastrophe, and they must not be given a seat at the table to make decisions on how aid is carried out to the most vulnerable,’ said the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), Progressive Voice and CIVICUS.

    ‘The number of people in need of protection and asylum will only rise as the humanitarian crisis and food insecurity caused by the junta’s ongoing violence worsens, driving people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Cross-border assistance through local civil society and humanitarian organisations, who have served the conflict-affected communities for decades, must be supported in order to effectively provide humanitarian aid to those most in need,’ said the rights groups.

    Myanmar’s situation has become dire since the military’s failed coup attempt on 1 February 2021.  From 1 February 2021 to 15 April 2022, there were 10,786 armed clashes and attacks on civilians recorded, more than in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, or Afghanistan in the same period.[2] Conflict and violent bloodshed between military forces and local defence groups has caused the number of internally displaced persons in Myanmar to skyrocket. Based on estimates by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, this number has surpassed 800,000 people.[3]

    Key Issues Discussed

    It is crucial for ASEAN leaders to recognise that channelling humanitarian aid through cross-border routes, local humanitarian networks and ethnic service providers is imperative to ensure civilians have access to life-saving aid. The webinar was joined by: Naw Htoo Htoo of Karen Human Rights Group; Salai Za Uk Ling of Chin Human Rights Organization; Adelina Kamal, Associate Senior Fellow of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and Former Executive Director of the AHA Centre; and Kasit Piromya, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) Board Member and former Thai Foreign Minister. The event was moderated by Marzuki Darusman of Special Advisory Council for Myanmar.

    Panellists in the webinar, among other things, discussed the following:

    • It is vital for ASEAN members to move beyond relying on the ASEAN-ledhumanitarian mechanism, including the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) as the operational entity for aid provision. The AHA Centre was set up to address natural disasters. It does not have a mechanism to provide aid to those in need and in which its main partner that would deliver aid in the affected country is the main perpetrator of atrocity crimes and cause of the humanitarian disaster. It must not be manipulated for the junta’s own political and tactical advantage. ASEAN should join forces with the United Nations in taking a lead coordinating role with local humanitarian organisations on the ground as their equal partners, leveraging their extensive expertise in managing humanitarian crises. ASEAN and the UN must exert collective global pressure in urging the world to allow humanitarian access, including through cross-border aid efforts. Support channels through the State Administration Council of Myanmar (SAC) cannot be seen as neutral nor viable. SAC has stated that ASEAN must focus solely on humanitarian aid but humanitarian aid must work in tandem with other four principles agreed upon by ASEAN. SAC has also blocked the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer from attending the ASEAN’s consultative meeting on Myanmar.
    • Cross-border channels are critical in ensuring ethnic groups are able to receive aid. Through such routes, a larger and a more diverse population can be reached. Airports and seaports are not the sole entry points forhumanitarian aid. There are diverse local networks that have been delivering aid to communities in dire need. The junta asserts that airports and seaports are the only entry points as means to keep humanitarian aid under their control.
    • Humanitarianaid cannot be supplied through the junta, which is the cause of the crisis and the principal aggressor. Relying solely on the junta to channel humanitarian aid is not feasible because they are not in a position to fully operate in the country, especially along the Thai-Myanmar border. Trusted local non-state actors and the broader existing network as a potential entry point in the border must be considered, including ethnic community-based health or faith-based organisations that have been providing health, education and other essential services to conflict-affected populations along the borders for decades.
    • ASEAN should suspend SAC’s participation in all decision-making and activities, including and especially those involving aid distribution.
    •     Meanwhile, other ASEAN countries should welcome Malaysia’s call for the regional group to talk to the National Unity Government and National Unity Consultative Council who represent the will of the people, and discuss how ASEAN could best address thehumanitarian needs of the crisis-affected people.

    The panellists agreed on the need to move beyond the Five-Point Consensus and the AHA Centre, and urge ASEAN to provide humanitarian aid through cross-border channels. They also called on Myanmar’s neighbouring countries to play a stronger proactive role to protect regional human security and stability.

    The webinar, organised by FORUM-ASIA, Progressive Voice and CIVICUS, discussed recommendations for the ASEAN’s high-level humanitarian consultative meeting today that will discuss ways and means of providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, as well as for the upcoming ASEAN-US Special Summit on 12 – 13 May. A recording of the webinar is available here: http://l.forum-asia.org/AseanMN.YouTube

    — END —

    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

    CIVICUS is a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world with 8,500 members in more than 175 countries. Based out of Johannesburg, CIVICUS has offices in New York and Geneva. www.civicus.org

    Progressive Voice is a participatory rights-based policy research and advocacy organisation rooted in civil society, that maintains strong networks and relationships with grassroots organisations and community-based organisations throughout Myanmar. https://progressivevoicemyanmar.org/

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Communication and Media Programme, FORUM ASIA, communication@forum-asia.org

    Related materials:

    [Joint Press Release] Myanmar: ASEAN’s Humanitarian aid to Myanmar must not legitimize military junta http://l.forum-asia.org/GreatExpectationsPR

    [Briefing Paper] Great Expectations: Analysis of ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management: http://l.forum-asia.org/GreatExpectationsBrief

    **

     

    For the PDF version of this statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • Sentient targets global expansion driven by SAR/ISR market leadership position in sensors, software and hardware applications worldwide

    [Sentient Vision Systems: Booth # 4C16] – Sentient Vision Systems is setting its sights on further international expansion close on the heels of a number of impressive contract and test wins including the US DOD’s Foreign Comparative Technology (FCT) test for the U.S. Marine Corps, Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, European and Middle Eastern applications and […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • PRESS STATEMENT: Schiebel Pacific SEA 129 Phase 5

    Schiebel Pacific welcomes the decision of the Commonwealth of Australia to speed up the provision of its UAS capability by initiating a single source acquisition of the CAMCOPTER® S-100. This will enable the RAN to accelerate the capability acquisition they need and together with our local partners, we are committed to deliver the best UAS […]

    The post PRESS STATEMENT: Schiebel Pacific SEA 129 Phase 5 appeared first on Asian Military Review.

  • Inauguration of Rafael’s Spyder Air Defense System Simulation and Training Center for Philippine Air Force

    Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has inaugurated the SPYDER Defense System Simulation and Training Center in the Philippines in a ceremony held in the facility at an Air Base in Floridablanca, Philippines. “This is yet another milestone in the ongoing Ground Based Air Defense System project and it is definitely a very important one. Certainly, the […]

    The post Inauguration of Rafael’s Spyder Air Defense System Simulation and Training Center for Philippine Air Force appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • AJWS President and CEO Robert Bank on the Leaked SCOTUS Roe v. Wade Draft Decision

    Leader of global Jewish human rights organization decries the draft decision which signals that the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark abortion rights law “Though the leaked draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade is not final, we are deeply disturbed by the national and global implications of this potential Supreme Court ruling. …Read More

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

  • New Capabilities Extend Naval Power Beyond the Horizon

    The sea has always been a strategic playground for the nation all over the world. In the past, projecting naval forces to the high seas was sufficient to demonstrate a nation’s military might. Today, national interests also focus on littoral areas and inner seas – as vessels operate closer to the mainland, the battlespace becomes […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • TIDCO & GE to establish Centre of Excellence for Aviation Research in Tamil Nadu

    An investment of about ₹141.26 crores over five years is proposed to be co-funded by TIDCO and GE. The Centre of Excellence will work towards researching and developing new technologies in Additive Manufacturing. GE Aviation, a world leader in aircraft engines and technology development, has partnered with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (TIDCO) to […]

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  • Sri Lanka: Stop using force against protestors and protect fundamental freedoms

    (Bangkok/Kathmandu, 29 April 2022) – The excessive use of force by security personnel on peaceful protestors in Sri Lanka on 19 April has led to the death of a peaceful protestor. FORUM ASIA strongly condemns the crackdown by Sri Lankan authorities on the peaceful protestors who were exercising their fundamental rights.

    The Police’s excessive and disproportionate use of force in Rambukkana, Sabaragamuwa Province on 19 April, where live bullets were fired at unarmed protestors under the pretext of dispersing them, resulted in the death of one person and injured 14 others.

    ‘Such repressive tactics are antithetical to the constitutional guarantees of the fundamental freedom of peaceful assembly in Sri Lanka, as well as its international human rights obligations,’ said FORUM-ASIA.

    FORUM-ASIA has been closely monitoring the mass protests in Sri Lanka organised by the public against the country’s spiraling economic crisis and the government’s mishandling of it. The protests started in late March and the crackdown on protestors followed shortly after, with over 50 protestors[1] and six journalists covering the protests[2] arrested on 31 March. In the first week of the protests alone, some 500 protestors, including civil society activists, journalists, and students were arrested.[3] Despite the arrests, threats, and acts of intimidation, the protests swelled in number and spread to different parts of the country over the past month.

    FORUM-ASIA calls upon the Commission of Inquiry formed by the Ministry of Public Security and the delegation of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka conducting investigation on this grave matter to conduct a fair and impartial investigation and regularly apprise the public of its progress.[4]

     

    Sri Lankan authorities must cease the excessive use of force

    FORUM-ASIA also calls on the Human Rights Commission to ensure the people of Sri Lanka can continue exercising their fundamental freedoms. The court proceedings[5] in this incident will be pivotal in bringing the perpetrators to justice as the court has ordered the arrest of police officers who ordered to open fire on the protestors in Rambukkana[6].

    Given the rapidly evolving situation on the ground and the heightened possibility of violence escalating, FORUM-ASIA urges the authorities to cease the excessive use of force and calls on the authorities to allow peaceful protestors to continue without violence, fear, threat, or any other acts of intimidation. Journalists and media workers should be allowed to cover the protests without obstruction, harassment, and intimidation. Any such incident targeted toward the protestors or media workers must be thoroughly, swiftly, and transparently investigated.

    ‘We urge Sri Lankan authorities to ensure, protect and respect the democratic principles embedded in the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and refrain from excessive use of force against peaceful protests. We call on the international community to condemn the action of the Sri Lankan government and security forces’ said FORUM-ASIA.

    ‘The Sri Lankan government must find a peaceful, democratic, and rights-centric resolution to address the demands of the people. We firmly support the people of Sri Lanka who are exercising their hard-won rights to the freedom of peaceful assembly, association, and expression.’

    -END-

    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 media inquiries, please contact:

    • Communications and Media Programme, FORUM-ASIA, communication@forum-asia.org

    For further information, please contact:

    • South Asia Programme, FORUM-ASIA, sasia@forum-asia.org

    [1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/31/tear-gas-as-sri-lanka-protesters-try-to-storm-presidents-house

    [2] https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/sri-lanka-several-journalists-assaulted-and-detained-during-mirihana-protests.html

    [3] https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/sri-lanka-several-journalists-assaulted-and-detained-during-mirihana-protests.html; https://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/5728-sri-lanka-lift-restrictions-on-fundamental-freedoms-and-investigate-violations

    [4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-curfew-in-rambukkana-probe-begins-on-police-firing-at-unarmed-protesters/articleshow/90973081.cms

    [5] https://www.dailymirror.lk/recomended-news/Unrest-in-Rambukkana-State-level-contradictions-galore-as-victims-await-justice/277-235614

    [6] https://www.newswire.lk/2022/04/27/rambukkana-incident-court-issues-arrest-orders/

     

    **

    For the PDF version of the statement, click here

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • Israel-Shipyards Presents One-Stop-Shop Capabilities at the ADAS 2022 in Manila

    Israel Shipyards, a leading shipbuilding and repair company in the Eastern Mediterranean, will showcase its One-Stop-Shop capabilities. The company provides complete, customized, and cost-effective defense and security solutions to meet customer needs for the Naval arena. The company presents three main vessel families, all operationally proven, mission-ready and in use by Naval and law enforcement […]

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    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • QX series demonstrate ADASI’s impressive strides in autonomous capabilities

    Today’s unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are becoming lighter, more capable, and more affordable than their first-generation predecessors. With ADASI, the UAE is rapidly becoming a leader in unmanned systems. ADASI’s QX series encapsulates the next generation of unmanned systems, designed to enhance operational effectiveness with technological expertise and bring cutting-edge autonomy capabilities to the […]

    The post QX series demonstrate ADASI’s impressive strides in autonomous capabilities appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.