Tag: Human Rights Defenders
Malaysia: Mass arrest of peaceful protesters shows shrinking space for human rights defenders
Today’s arrest of 19 people involved in a peaceful protest against the demolition of a historical village in Malaysia shows once again how the country’s authorities are taking a hard line against human rights defenders, Amnesty International said.
“If any more evidence was needed that the Malaysian authorities are restricting...
Malaysia: As activists clash over human rights, PM says country big enough for all
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 5 — Malaysia can be accommodating when it comes to discussions over human rights, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today, as activist groups from opposing ends of the spectrum lock horns over safeguarding minority and majority interests.
The prime minister said that his administration is willing to listen...
Imprisoned Vietnamese blogger Dieu Cay wins PEN Canada’s One Humanity Award
TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2013 -- /CNW/ - Vietnamese blogger Dieu Cay will receive the One Humanity Award at PEN Canada's annual benefit at the 34th International Festival of Authors (IFOA) on October 24, 2013. The award recognizes Dieu Cay's courageous dissent and continued advocacy for human rights in Vietnam...
Indonesia: Calls to End the Death Penalty Continue
As far as legal issues go, few are as contentious as the death penalty. The United Nations announced that the drive to end this form of punishment continues to pick up steam and by the end of last year, 140 countries had abolished it officially or on a de...
Myanmar: Karen Human Rights Group wins TFD award
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy announced Nov. 4 its eighth Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award laureate as Thailand-based Karen Human Rights Group.
KHRG is a grassroots nongovernmental organization operating in southeast Myanmar, TFD said. The charity was established in December 1992 by Canadian teacher Kevin Heppner, who began to...
Filipina human rights activist wins international prize for work vs enforced disappearances
Filipina human rights activist Mary Aileen D. Bacalso won the Emilio F. Mignone International Human Rights Prize from the Argentinian Embassy last October 31 “in recognition of her work against enforced disappearance in Asia and the world.”
Nominated by the Embassy of Argentina in Manila, the Asian Federation against Involuntary...
Viet Nam: Report documents how scores remain imprisoned for speaking out
The Vietnamese authorities must end their alarming crackdown on dissent and immediately put in place measures to protect activists from further harassment and imprisonment simply for exercising their rights, Amnesty International said in a new report today.
Silenced Voices: Prisoners of Conscience in Viet Nam examines how laws and decrees...
Malaysia: Rome Statute won’t cut Syariah court powers, says ICC lawyer
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Malaysia’s Syariah courts will not see their powers lessen if Putrajaya ratifies international human rights conventions, including the Rome Statute, a lawyer representing the International Criminal Court (ICC) said today in the wake of tensions between Islamic law proponents and civil law activists.
According to...
Laos facing possible aid review over missing activist, says Euro MP
A European parliamentary delegation says the Lao government has yet again failed to offer a credible explanation as to the whereabouts of a well-known rights activist.
It's almost 11 months ago since the disappearance of the internationally-recognised development worker and teacher, Sombath Somphone.
And for the second time this year, a...
Activists Criticize Vietnam’s Election to UN Rights Council
International human rights groups are voicing concern over Vietnam's election to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, said he believes Vietnam, which became one of 14 new members on Tuesday, will play a negative role.
"I hope the government of Vietnam...
