Human rights defenders

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is writing to you on the occasion of the second anniversary of the murder of human rights lawyer Munir Said Thalib. September 7, 2004 is an unforgettable day for us. It is a day that has had lasting and resounding effects on countless thousands of people not only in […]

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is writing to you to express our deep concern over the continuing detention of Mr. Yengkokpam Langamba Meitei alias Thabi, the Publicity Secretary of the Threatened Indigenous People’s Society (TIPS), Manipur and Mr. Leitangthem Umakanta Meitei, the Secretary General of the TIPS. Mr. Umakanta is a member of the […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) deeply regrets to inform you that three more activists have been killed in separate incidents in the Philippines on August 20, 22 and 24. According to information received from various sources on August 20, peasant leader Hermelino Marqueza was killed in his house in Tandag, Surigao del […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2006 AS-200-2006 Closing statement of the 6th Human Rights Folk School of the Asian Human Rights Commission ASIA: Still a long way to go to rule of law & human rights in Asia The 6th Human Rights Folks School of the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was held in Hong […]

[NOTICE: The AHRC have developed a new automatic letter-sending system using the “button” below. However, in this appeal, we could not include e-mail addresses of some of the Cambodian authorities. We encourage you to send your appeal letters via fax or post to those people. Their fax numbers and postal addresses are attached below with this appeal. […]

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes to you in advance of your State on Monday, July 24. While we look forward to what you will be reporting regarding the present situation of your country and future plans, we would like to draw your attention to the state of human rights in the Philippines, which […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from the Padang Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Padang) in West Sumatera, Indonesia that Mr Kamzul Abrar, coordinator of the Forum Peduli Nurani Rakyat Sulit Air (Forum of Sulit Air Care Society) was kidnapped by unknown persons at the Solok market, Sulit Air district, Solok, […]

PHILIPPINES: Threats against human rights and political activists; inaction by authorities to ensure their security and protection; inadequate police investigation; violence against women; complete collapse of rule of law —————————————————— Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes with deep concern regarding the safety of another four activists who have received threats from unknown […]

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is writing to you further to open letters to the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Lawyers Council of Thailand regarding the apparent lack of a response from the government of Thailand to the alleged attempt to abduct a member of the NHRC, Vasant Panich, who […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is outraged at a systematic attempt to intimidate and possibly abduct a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand. Vasant Panich has informed us that on June 28 his vehicle was followed and that there was a clear pattern of surveillance on him and […]

[RE: UP-20-2005: THAILAND: Human rights lawyer still missing after nearly one year; Action needed today to have case transferred; UP-24-2005: THAILAND: Thai minister refuses to act on missing human rights lawyer case; UP-37-2005: Thai PM orders action on missing human rights lawyer, while court hears of torture; UP-45-2005: Wife of missing human rights lawyer intimidated; […]

[UA-119-2006: BURMA: Court appeal against lawyer jailed for helping farmers contact ILO headed for Supreme Court; UA-071-2006: BURMA: Two villagers jailed for reporting extortion; UP-054-2006: BURMA: Appeal again thrown out of one court; another ridiculous day in another] ——————————————————————— BURMA: Extortion; impunity; illegal detention; un-rule of law; attacks on human rights defenders ——————————————————————— Dear friends, […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has come to learn of the Cambodian government’s intention to enact a law which would highly restrict the rights and activities of NGOs in the country. The decision to do this has come at a time when leading political figures have openly criticised the role of NGOs […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the disbanding of a peaceful gathering held by victims of the 1965 massacre, in Bandung, Indonesia on 20 May 2006 by civil militia groups. About one hundred persons belonging to the Laskar Siliwangi (Siliwangi Army) and Pemuda Panca Marga (The Youth of Military […]

The Asian Human Rights Commission expresses deep sadness on the occasion of the passing away of Suranjith Hewamanna in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Hewamanna was one of the bravest lawyers in the country during one of the hardest times faced by the judicial and legal professions. He embodied the fearlessness and conviction associated with advocacy at […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes to inform you that unidentified men riding motorcycles reportedly spied upon human rights lawyer, Jobert Pahilga and activist, Ms. Marissa Dumanjug-Palo in separate incidents. Pahilga reported that two men riding on a motorcycle pursued him through his neighborhood when he went for a court hearing. On […]

The numerous appointments to key national commissions by the executive president, contravening constitutional requirements, are a very clear indication of Sri Lanka’s drift from a law-based society to one in which the law plays a significantly reduced role.  While criticism against presidential actions has pointed to matters including the fact that no person is above […]

[RE: FA-06-2004: THAILAND: A human rights lawyer Mr. Somchai Neelaphaijit missing… UP-20-2005: THAILAND: Human rights lawyer still missing after nearly one year; Action needed today to have case transferred; UP-24-2005: THAILAND: Thai minister refuses to act on missing human rights lawyer case; UP-37-2005: Thai PM orders action on missing human rights lawyer, while court hears […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2006 AS-092-2006 A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) INDONESIA: Flawed state institutions unable to uncover Munir’s killers Close to two years after the death of Indonesia’s leading human rights activist Munir Said Thalib, little has been revealed regarding why he was killed and who was responsible. Local […]

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes to inform you about an attempt made on the life of labour leader Gerardo Cristobal (35) in Imus, Cavite at around 6am today. Cristobal and his companion, Juliet Tayoto, were riding a car passing a crowded street in Barangay (village) Anabu, Coastal when another car, in […]