This week Just Asia is marking its completion of 250 episodes. Since October 2013, AHRC TV’s news programme has been providing a weekly broadcast of human rights news. Just Asia is the first online news report of its kind in Asia, bringing together stories and cases from victims, activists, journalists and all those concerned with human rights. Just Asia is a platform not only for the voiceless to share their narratives, but also an alternate source of information for those wanting to learn and act on human rights in Asia. On this occasion, Just Asia brings you a message from the Asian Human Rights Commission’s chairperson Jack Clancey, and director of policy and programme development, Basil Fernando.
Just Asia has regularly taken up stories from Indonesia, passionately provided by the AHRC’s country staff, Chris Biantoro. Chris shares some of his experiences regarding the programme, how it benefits the people he works with on the ground, as well as future challenges.
One of the key aims of the news programme has been to bringing the voices of victims to a wider audience. Towards this end, the program has consistently interviewed victims and encouraged them to share their stories. One such person is Mr. Bedjo Untung, a survivor of the 1965-66 massacre in Indonesia. Today, Mr. Untung shares his views and feedback regarding Just Asia.
Based in Hong Kong, Just Asia has always paid attention to issues of human rights and democracy affecting the territory. Just Asia’s former news anchor and HK resident, Annie Lin, speaks about her experience of the news program.
Indigenous groups and marginalized sections of society often find it particularly difficult in getting their voices heard and issues addressed. Just Asia has frequently taken up such stories from India’s north east region, where numerous human rights violations occur. Urikhimbam Jenison, Coordinator at the North East Dialogue Forum, India shares his message.
As one of the AHRC’s most regular and established programs, Just Asia is well known to AHRC staff, many of whom contribute to the broadcast in various ways. Sr. Marya Zaborowski, editor at the AHRC, shares her unique take on the programme.
Regional and international networking and advocacy is another goal of Just Asia. One issue where this is greatly needed is the plight of Burma’s Rohingya minority, a topic Just Asia has consistently highlighted. Adem Carroll, a regular contributor and resource person on the Rohingya issue, gives his opinion on the news program.
Lastly, Just Asia thanks all of its contributors, supporters, and audience, for making the program possible.
The bulletin can be watched online at www.alrc.asia/justasia and AHRC TV YouTube. We welcome both human rights feeds to be considered for weekly news bulletin, and your suggestions to improve our news channel. Please write to news@ahrc.asia. You can also watch our Weekly Roundup on Facebook.
