[Bunn Nagara] ASEAN way of consensual decision-making
Too often are standard arguments repeated at international conferences, particularly those of a regional strategic nature, regardless of whether those arguments are true or correct.
There is, for example, the one about ASEAN’s supposedly flaccid process of consensual decision-making. But even if a demonstrably better alternative exists, which critics typically...
Law officials gather to discuss ASEAN legal cooperation
VIENTIANE, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Legal cooperation between ASEAN members dominated the agenda of the two-day 15th ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), which concluded here in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday.
"ASLOM has made progress in carrying out its works and mandates in the implementation of various legal cooperation...
Malaysia: Umno declares war on Shia Muslims, deviants and gays
Umno has declared war on Shia Muslims, gays, lesbians, trans-sexuals, liberals and those who have insulted Islam, saying the government should set up a commission to protect the country's official religion.
The country's largest party of Muslims today tabled a resolution in its assembly to introduce a bill in the...
US, UN Call for Probe into Thai Trafficking of Rohingya
BANGKOK — The United Nations and the United States called Friday for investigations into the findings of a Reuters report that Thai immigration officials moved Burmese refugees into human trafficking rings.
The report, published on Thursday and based on a two-month investigation in three countries, revealed a clandestine policy to...
Thai officials should be sued for selling Muslims: Activist
A human rights campaigner has called for legal action against Thai officials suspected of selling Rohingya Muslims fleeing from persecution in Myanmar to human traffickers, Press TV reports.
“This is a very serious thing, selling people, selling human beings to another country for their own benefit; and therefore, there has...
Indonesia: Just a matter of time before Indonesian Policewomen wear hijabs
Jakarta (Antara News) - The debate surrounding the introduction of headscarves for policewomen in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, continues to rage on, with authorities denying accusations of a slow response to the issue.
"Starting tomorrow, women who wish to wear headscarves can do so on duty," stated the new...
The Philippines: Lacson’s appointment as rehab czar, Bonafos promotion worry human-rights advocates
THE human-rights watchdog Karapatan on Saturday scored the appointment of former Sen. Panfilo Lacson as rehabilitation czar and the promotion and designation of Maj. Gen. John Bonafos who was recently appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines’s Central Command chief.
In a statement, Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay expressed fear that the...
Indonesia: Democracy incomplete in 15 years of reform
In commemoration of Human Rights Day on December 10, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is issuing a brief report on the state of human rights in Indonesia. Using the examples of events which took place in 2013, the report highlights three crucial subjects which have been ignored by...
Chin ethnics flee Myanmar en masse to avoid human rights abuse, political insecurity
YANGON—More than 100,000 Chin ethnic people have fled Myanmar due to human rights abuses and political insecurity, Lyan Bwe Hsan from the Chin Human Rights Organization said yesterday at the Chin National Conference.
“I think about 70,000 Chin people are staying as refugees in India. And 40-50,000 Chin refugees are...
Myanmar: War victims in Kachin State face human rights abuses
YANGON - Displaced communities in Kachin State are facing growing human rights abuses as skirmishes continue between the government and Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
There are currently more than 100,000 internally displaced peoples (IDP's) in Kachin State, and many do not have access to relief or aid and remain vulnerable...
