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Category: Press Releases

  • Saab receives order for Carl-Gustaf M4 from Australia

    Saab has received an order from the Australian Department of Defence for the supply of additional Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapons. The order value is AUD 56 million with deliveries during 2024-2025. The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons will be delivered with Saab’s new Fire Control Device, FCD 558. “This order continues Saab’s longstanding relationship with the Australian Defence […]

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  • JFD launches its Fourth Generation Submarine Rescue System ‘Agile’

    The first system fully transportable in commercial aircraft. System design enables the fastest possible response within the 72 hours’ Time to First Rescue (TTFR) window. Built on 40 years’ proven submarine rescue expertise working with navies across the world. JFD is proud to unveil its ‘Agile’ Submarine Rescue System (SRS), based on 40 years’ experience, […]

    The post JFD launches its Fourth Generation Submarine Rescue System ‘Agile’ appeared first on Asian Military Review.

  • [Media Lines] Thailand: FORUM-ASIA applauds the dismissal of charges against Thai activists

    The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) welcomes the acquittal of Thai pro-democracy human rights defenders Ekachai Hongkangwan, Boonkueanun Paothong, Suranat Paenprasert and two others, including a minor, of blocking traffic during pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020.

    The case dates back to 14 October 2020, concerning a rally in Bangkok calling for democratic reforms, including ones about the country’s monarchy. In the rally, pro-democracy protesters allegedly confronted a motorcade carrying members of the royal family.

    The Bangkok Criminal Court decision came in a case brought under  Section 110 of the Criminal Code, a rarely used law which punishes anyone who commits acts of violence against the Thai royal family with either life imprisonment or imprisonment of sixteen to twenty years prison sentence. On 28 June 2023, the court ruled that the defendants did not intend to obstruct or harm the royal convoy as it passed through the rally, citing insufficient evidence. The court claimed that the police had not sufficiently informed the public–including the defendants and other protesters–that the motorcade would be in the area. The defendants were also found to lack access to confidential government information about the motorcade’s  route. The court blamed the police for failing to prepare proper passage for the royal limousine.

    In addition, the court determined that the defendants were likely unable to see the approaching motorcade since there were several rows of  police officers surrounding the vehicles.

    While FORUM-ASIA applauds the momentous acquittal of the said protesters, we  remain deeply concerned regarding  the judicial harassment still endured by a great number of human rights defenders in Thailand.

    As of May 2023, there have been  at least 1,218 cases against 1,914 individuals who were prosecuted as a result of their political participation in pro-democracy demonstrations from 2020 to 2023, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. FORUM-ASIA asserts that these cases should have never been subjected to prosecution in the first place.

    We urge the Thai authorities to uphold people’s fundamental freedoms, including their right  to peaceful assembly without fear of reprisals.

     

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • Australia defense budget to register CAGR of 5.2% through 2028, forecasts GlobalData

    Amidst escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, evolving geopolitical challenges, and growing strategic competition, Australia recognizes the necessity of addressing these factors by building a modern military force. As a result, Australia’s defense budget is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, growing from $39.5 billion in 2024 to $48.3 billion […]

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  • [Media Lines] Cambodia: Cambodia: Meta Oversight Board’s call to suspend Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Facebook and Instagram accounts can deter others from delivering  hate speech

    The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) applauds the recommendation of Meta’s Oversight Board to suspend Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for six months for violating rules regarding violent threats and removal of the video.

    The Oversight Board operates independently but is funded by Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram.

    The decision came on 29 June 2023, focusing on Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Facebook post featuring a video wherein he threatened his political opponents to choose between legal action and a beating stick.

    The said political opponents alleged that Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party stole votes during the country’s local elections in 2022.

    The video was reported for violating Meta’s Violence and Incitement Community Standards, but moderators decided to keep the video online, citing its ‘newsworthiness allowance’ which allows such content since its public interest value is said to outweigh risks of possible harm.

    The Oversight Board, however, found that Hun Sen’s video contained unequivocal statements of intent to commit violence against his political opponents. It claimed that Meta was wrong to apply a ‘newsworthiness allowance’ in this case as the harm caused by keeping the video on the platform outweighs its public interest value.

    Only hours after the oversight’s board’s decision, Hun Sen deleted his Facebook account, announcing his shift to Telegram.

    FORUM-ASIA believes that the oversight board’s recommendation could set a precedential value and should be regarded as highly persuasive when the facts, applicable policies, or other factors are substantially similar, particularly in other authoritarian governments in Asia with upcoming elections, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar. This move could also assist Meta in reshaping its policies and guidelines to be more aligned with international human rights principles and standards.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • [Press Release] Human rights defenders across Asia suffer numerous violations

     

    For immediate release

    22 June 2023

    Human rights defenders across Asia suffer numerous violations

    FORUM-ASIA launches a new report highlighting the many forms of injustice and harassment endured by human rights defenders working in Asia.

    • In 2021 and 2022, as many as 1,636 violations were committed against human rights defenders across 22 monitored Asian countries.
    • The highest number of violations were logged in Myanmar, followed by Thailand and India.
    • Pro-democracy defenders were the most targeted group, followed by women human rights defenders.
    • Judicial harassment was the most reported violation, with 1,033 documented cases.
    • This was followed by physical violence, with 516 recorded cases, including 84 cases of targeted killings. Media workers were the most affected by this kind of violation.
    • Incidents of intimidation and threats were also persistent, with 316 recorded cases.

     

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—At least 4,450 human rights defenders–including their families, organisations, and communities–were affected by violations perpetrated by state and non-state actors across 22 monitored Asian countries in 2021 and 2022.

    Such findings are based on ‘Defending in Numbers: Rising Together Against All Odds,’ a biennial publication by the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), which identifies the patterns of harassment experienced by defenders in Asia.

    The publication analyses evidence captured by FORUM-ASIA’s Asian HRD Portal, a database for documenting violations against defenders in the region. It also provides recommendations for governments, UN agencies, and corporations on how to better support defenders.

    In recent years, the promotion of human rights in Asia has encountered significant hurdles as long-standing issues were compounded by new challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as drastic political changes and turmoil that shook the region. This has created a hostile environment for those engaged in human rights work. Nevertheless, defenders have boldly persisted in their pursuit of justice and equality.

    ‘In 2021 and 2022, human rights defenders adapted to unprecedented contexts and confirmed their role as key agents in the advancement of human rights in the region. It is lamentable that 25 years since the unanimous adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, this report that chronicles the continuing rights violations of defenders in Asia, will be launched,’ said Mary Aileen D. Bacalso, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA.

     

    Violations against defenders

    Any person who protects and promotes human rights through peaceful means is a defender, such as pro-democracy defenders; women human rights defenders; media workers; SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) rights defenders; land, indigenous, environmental, and community-based defenders; student and youth defenders; non-governmental organisations; minority rights defenders; and artists.

    Defenders put their own lives–as well as their families–at risk as they protect fundamental freedoms; document human rights violations; and investigate and expose wrongdoings.

    At least half of the harassment against Asian defenders was related to judicial harassment. This included arbitrary arrest and detention, the denial of a free trial, and charges or judicial actions which intimidate, interfere, or undermine the rights and activities of defenders.

    Physical violence was the second most reported violation, followed by intimidation and threats. Other widely documented cases included administrative harassment, restrictions of movement, vilification, and abduction.

     

    Call to action

    FORUM-ASIA has been raising the alarm on the abuse faced by defenders working across Asia. In the period under review, pro-democracy defenders were the most targeted group, followed by women human rights defenders.

    We have consistently demanded for the protection of all defenders, recognizing their crucial role in advancing human rights and strengthening civic space. In Myanmar, for example, defenders–including teachers and students–have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement to counter the attempted coup. In Afghanistan, women human rights defenders have been leading protests against the Taliban’s severe restrictions. And in Sri Lanka, youth defenders and activists have non-violently demanded the resignation of the nation’s top leaders over their mismanagement of the economy.

    ‘It is of paramount importance to recognize the role of human rights defenders and support them. In this regard, a noteworthy case is that of Khurram Parvez–a leading defender from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Chairperson of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) – now arbitrarily detained due to his peaceful work. He was listed among the 100 most influential persons of the year 2022 by Time Magazine. Khurram has been held in pretrial detention since November 2021. In early 2023, he became a Martin Ennals Award laureate,’ said Bacalso.

    FORUM-ASIA urges governments to uphold their international obligations–particularly under the UN Declaration on HRDs–to support and protect defenders, enabling them to freely and safely do their work and advocacies without fear, intimidation, and harassment.

    We also call for the immediate release and dropping of charges against all detained defenders.

    #

    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. It has a consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, and a consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

    For media inquiries, kindly contact communication@forum-asia.org. Download the full report here.

    This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.

  • Leonardo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries sign contract for additional MCH-101 helicopters and the start of a mid-life update programme for the type in Japan

    The MCH-101 is a licence-built version of the world-class Leonardo AW101 helicopter, operated by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force. The signing coincides with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), Leonardo, and Marubeni Aerospace Corporation celebrating a 20-year partnership in the helicopters market. Leonardo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) signed a contract for additional MCH-101 naval helicopters for […]

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  • Thales to reinforce Indonesia’s Sovereign Airspace Protection capabilities with PT Len

    PT Len Industri has ordered 13 Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range air surveillance radars with the associated SkyView Command and Control system to strengthen Indonesian airspace sovereignty, creating a bubble of airspace protection. The airspace protection system installed across the Indonesian archipelago will enable Indonesia’s armed forces to benefit from a single air picture integrating […]

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  • EM Solutions signs acquisition contract to deliver Naval SATCOM Solutions under SEA1442 Phase 5 Program

    The Commonwealth’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) has selected EM Solutions to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy’s SATCOM systems across its existing fleet of vessels. This is by far the largest contract ever signed by EM Solutions and demonstrates how support for the Sovereign Defence Industry, particularly Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), can deliver […]

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  • thyssenkrupp Marine Systems hands over second frigate for Egyptian Navy

    The Egyptian Navy accepted the MEKO® A-200 EN frigate at a ceremony in Bremerhaven. During the handover ceremony, the vessel was named “AL-QAHHAR”. It is the second in a series of four ships ordered by the Egyptian Navy. On May 26th, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems handed over a frigate to the Navy of the Arab Republic […]

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  • thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited express their intention to build submarines for and in India

    Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius thyssenkrupp Marine Systems responsible for engineering, design and consultancy support, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for construction and delivery Construction of submarines in India – significant local content expected thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supplied boats to India in the past and now […]

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  • Legal Filing Argues that Netflix Can’t be Held Liable for Depicting Suicide in its Series 13 Reasons Why Under the First Amendment

    (NEW YORK) – PEN America, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), and the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) on Monday jointly filed an amicus brief to support the First Amendment rights of Netflix in a lawsuit over the series 13 Reasons Why, which depicted suicide. Netflix is being sued for […]

    The post Legal Filing Argues that Netflix Can’t be Held Liable for Depicting Suicide in its Series 13 Reasons Why Under the First Amendment appeared first on National Coalition Against Censorship.

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

  • 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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  • 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 […]

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  • 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 […]

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  • 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.

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  • 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 […]

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  • [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 […]

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  • 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.

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  • 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 […]

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  • [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 […]

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  • 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 […]

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  • 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 […]

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  • [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 […]

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  • 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

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  • 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 […]

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