Tag: Rule of Law / Justice
Lao PDR urged to Increase Investigation Efforts
A group of United Nations human rights experts today urged the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to increase its efforts in the investigations into the enforced disappearance on 15 December 2012, of Sombath Somphone, a prominent human right activist working on issues of land confiscation...
Indonesia: Jakarta courts sentence innocent teenagers for murder, ignoring torture claims
According to Johanes Gea of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta), the case against his clients was split into two criminal proceedings. Four of his clients – AP (13), F (14), FP (16) and BF (16) – had murder allegations against them examined in a juvenile court; whereas...
Thailand: Ten years on, another cover-up in Somchai’s disappearance
The Thai government needs to account for missing documents in the case of the enforced disappearance and presumed murder of a prominent Muslim human rights lawyer nearly a decade ago, Human Rights Watch said today. On March 12, 2004, Somchai Neelapaijit was pulled from his car in Bangkok, allegedly...
Suaram: Cops’ professionalism undone by IGP threat
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 — Human rights NGO Suaram today raised concerns over a recent warning of impending action against anti-assessment hike protest organisers by the country’s top cop, arguing that such action would go against international and local conventions on freedom of assembly.
Suaram coordinator R. Thevarajan said whatever...
Indonesia: Don’t worry, we don’t look back: ICC President ensures
The House of Representatives Commission I, tasked to deliberate the ratification of the Rome Statute, is apparently unconvinced of the urgency of the treaty’s ratification. Some worry that the treaty might be used to bring those allegedly responsible for past human rights abuses to justice, which according to some...
Rights groups question Singapore’s swift deportations of 52 Indians and Bangladeshi
Activists called on Singapore to ensure due process and address migrant worker grievances after the government said it would deport 52 Indians and one Bangladeshi for their alleged involvement in a rare riot in an Indian enclave.
(Pictured, arrested South Asians avoid the press cameras as they are brought to...
Joint Statement – Sombath Somphone one year on: 62 NGOs call for a new investigation into his enforced disappearance
We, the undersigned 62 regional and international organizations, express outrage over the Lao Government’s ongoing failure to shed light on the enforced disappearance of prominent activist and civil society leader Sombath Somphone.
To read the Lao version, click here.
December 15, 2013 marks the one-year anniversary of Sombath’s disappearance. Sombath was...
Singapore: Handling of riot aftermath exposes national laws and practices that violate international standards
On the night of 8 December 2013, an unfortunate fatal accident sparked off a spontaneous outbreak of rioting by migrant workers in Singapore. At least 28 persons involved in the act had been incriminated and are currently facing trial in the local courts of justice. Another 57 workers were...
Burma Releasing Remaining Political Prisoners
Burma's government says it will release its remaining political prisoners on Tuesday.
Hmu Zaw, a senior official in the presidential office, told VOA's Burmese service on Monday the amnesty includes not only those convicted of political offenses, but those whose cases are still being prosecuted.
Hmu Zaw says there are five...
Malaysia’s changing mindset on children’s rights
Kuala Lumpur: When we talk about children’s rights in Malaysia, what comes to mind is the Child Act 2001.
The Child Act 2001 serves to consolidate the Juvenile Court Act 1947, the Women and Young Girls protection Act 1973, and the Child Protection Act 1991, which were enacted to fulfill...
