Human rights defenders are people who act with humanity, serve humanity and who contribute to and bring out the best in humanity. They are key to our daily lives – they work so our governments are more transparent and accountable, our environment cleaner and safer, our schools and workplaces fairer, and our futures more sustainable. [ Read more ]

Regional analysis Asia at a glance In the period considered in this analysis, Asia has witnessed an overall repression of civic spaces, coupled with widespread hostility towards HRDs and their work. This precarious regional context was exacerbated by the ongoing crises that affected some Asian countries, and whose effects are still taking place and impacting [ Read more ]

The undersigned organisations call for the immediate and unconditional release of Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez, who was arrested one year ago on November 22, 2021 on politically motivated terrorism and other charges. Parvez, the Coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and Chairperson of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances [ Read more ]

Threats against free expression and artistic freedom in Asia continue to rise, with artists becoming increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks, censorship, and persecution. Artists throughout the region have been particularly impacted by a recent spate of legislative efforts that seek to encroach on digital security rights, curb “fake news,” and suppress criticism against the government [ Read more ]

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) expresses concern over the implications to human rights and democracy of the continued application of certain provisions of the Republic of Korea’s (South Korea) National Security Act (Act No. 11042, or the NSA). FORUM-ASIA has submitted an amicus brief to the Constitutional Court of Korea for [ Read more ]

Discrimination against women in Afghanistan is so systematic and violent that it could be called gender apartheid. To discuss the ongoing crisis FORUM-ASIA, OMCT, FIDH, SRMO, AICHRM, and FrontLine Defenders is holding a side event during the 51st Regular Session of Human Rights Council to address this issue.

51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan   Delivered by Hafizullah Saeedi On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)  12 September 2022   Mr. President, Since the Taliban take over of Afghanistan on [ Read more ]

51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the on the situation of human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan   Delivered by Horia Mosadiq On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)  13 September 2022   [ Read more ]

An initiative of ProtectDefenders.eu, the EU Human Rights Defenders Mechanism implemented by international civil society Human rights defenders have the right to carry out their legitimate work safely and to access support and protection when they are at risk, especially those who operate in the most difficult contexts. Their right to defend rights has been [ Read more ]

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, stand in solidarity with Mongolian human rights defender Sukhgerel Dugersuren and strongly condemn the criminalization and smear campaigns against her, which we identify as an attempt to prevent her from conducting her crucial work in defense of human rights and the environment. We urge the Mongolian government to ensure [ Read more ]