Asian Federation Against 
What's Happening
The Right Not to be Disappeared: A Product of the Blood, Sweat and Tears of Victims and Families of Enforced Disappearances around the world
Sixty-five years ago, 48 member countries of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), recognizing “the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
The UDHR inspired many human rights activists and defenders around the world to fight for their human rights. One of such great legends was the revered Nelson Mandela, whose recent death brought back memories of his anti-apartheid struggle and his 27 years of imprisonment. His and the struggles of many women, men, girls and boys who were or have been human rights defenders before us further defined and sharpened the various aspects of human rights resulting in the crafting of specific human rights treaties and declarations.
Immediately Release Mr. ASM Nasiruddin Elan, Director of Bangladeshi human rights organization, Odhikar and stop the attack against human rights defenders
“The recent rejection of the bail application of Mr. ASM Nasirrudin Elan on charges similar to those filed against its recently released Secretary, Mr. Adilur Rhaman Khan only means that Odhikar is effective in its human rights reports because it unmasks the government’s false claim of complying with its human rights obligations,” AFAD Chair Mugiyanto said in a statement.
Mugiyanto recalled that it was only last August when Mr. Khan was arbitrarily arrested in his home and jailed, only to be released on temporary bail due to increased international pressure. “Now, we have to reach out for international support again for Mr. Elan and this will bring more attention to the worsening human rights situation in the country,” he further said.
AFAD, as Focal Point of ICAED
The Convention on Enforced Disappearances: The Urgency of Universal Ratification and Implementation
Room V, Palais des Nations
13:15 – 15:00 hrs, 11 November 2013
I. Inspirational Message
Mr. Alberto Pedro D'Alotto
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Mission of Argentina in Geneva
II. The Status of the CED vis-à-vis Civil Society
Professor Emmanuel Decaux
Chairperson, UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances
III. The Role of the UN WGEID vis-à-vis Universal Ratification of the Convention
Mr. Ariel Dulitzky
Chairperson, UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances
IV. The WGEID and the definition of enforced disappearances or how the WGEID is also promoting the Convention
Mr. Olivier de Frouville
Member, UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances
V. Best Practice on Campaigning for the Convention
Delphine Patetif
FIACAT Permanent representative to the UN
VI. Closing Remarks
Mary Aileen D. Bacalso
ICAED Focal Person
Moderator:
Mr. Ian Seiderman International Commission of Jurists
