(Hong Kong, December 22, 2007)
Four separate presentations on several pressing issues have been presented by the Asian Human Rights Commission on YouTube.
Contempt of court in Burma and the illegal judgement against two lawyers, U Aung Thein and U Khin Maung Shein
These two lawyers at the request of their clients withdrew legal representation as their clients did not have confidence in the court. The lawyers only informed the court the views of their clients. However, as a punishment for the clients, the two lawyers were sentenced to four months rigorous imprisonment. They are now undergoing their sentence. The AHRC in this YouTube presentation challenges the validity of the Burmese ¡¥court¡¦ which is merely an arm of the executive to sentence anyone on the basis of contempt of court. The AHRC calls for the intervention of everyone on behalf of the two lawyers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrMxs_Jsf9Y
Land reforms in the Philippines
In this presentation an AHRC spokesman, Fr. Roberto Reyes, talks about the contemporary struggles of the farmers of the Philippines for land reforms and how these attempts have been met with repression. During early December the farmers fasted and made other demonstrations against an illegal law. The AHRC calls everyone to make efforts to understand this problem and support the famers in their struggle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_owGl_lJXM
Constitution crisis in Sri Lanka
In this presentation the AHRC discusses the recent the recent conflict between the Supreme Court and the government of Sri Lanka on the issue of some judgements. It refers particularly to the judgement which reduced petrol prices which the government has announced that it will not comply with. The presenter tries to connect 40 years of attempts by various governments to suppress the 200 year-old tradition of the independence of the judiciary in the country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6aJABdv8jU
A message for the 60 Anniversary of the UDHR
In this presentation the AHRC tries to change the shift in human rights from the mere propagation of ideas to practical implementation. At a practical level there is even serious deterioration of rights within the last 60 years in most Asian countries. torture, extrajudicial killings, denial of fair trial, limitations on the freedom of expression and association on the one hand and serious denial of right to life, right to adequate living, education and health. The AHRC calls for serious discussion on these matters with a view to achieving the aims of the UDHR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkWWWulqanQ.
