Bring the Disappeared Home!

On the commemoration of the International Day of the Disappeared (IDD), the Asian Federation Against Enforced Disappearances (AFAD) calls on governments in Asia and the world to BRING HOME VICTIMS OF ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE!  In so doing, these governments must sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, recognize the competence of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearance and enact domestic laws criminalizing enforced disappearances.

Enforced disappearance is when someone is taken away by agents of governments, usually by security forces like the military or police. This act is followed by the denial or concealment of a person’s fate or whereabouts, in effect removing them from the protection of law.

Breaking the Wall of Silence in Laos; Bring Sombath Home

Mission to Lao People’s Democratic Republic

August 25 – 27, 2013

Introduction

From August 25-27, 2013, AFAD Chairperson has joined the EU Parliament for a mission in Lao People’s Democratic Republic  (Lao PDR) to gather information and meet different relevant stakeholders regarding the disappearance of Sombath Somphone.

It is now over eight months since Sombath Somphone disappeared.

Sombath is one of the most respected and influential voices for sustainable people-centered and just economic and social development in Laos. He is the founder and former Director of the Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC), and the winner of the 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership. He was the Co-Chair of the National Organizing Committee of the Asia Europe People’s Forum 9 (AEPF9), which was held in October 2012 in Vientiane, before the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM9).

August 30 is the International Day of the Disappeared. Join the call to: #BringThemHome

Enforced disappearance is when someone is taken away by the government, usually by security forces like the military or police. This act is followed by the denial or concealment of a person’s custody or whereabouts, in effect removing them from the protection of law and society.

All of these disappeared persons belong to families who are in pain, they will continue to search until their lost loved ones are found and brought home.

We believe that every case of disappearance is an attack against families, homes and societies where they exist.

Why Should We Bring Them Home?

AFAD Congratulates Association for Law, Human Rights and Justice (HAK)

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) congratulates the women and men of “Hukum, Hak, AsasidanKeadilan” (HAK) Association [Association for Law, Human Rights and Justice] during your 17th year anniversary celebrations!

We salute your steadfastness and perseverance to rise above a difficult past as a people, where one third of your population was lost to the Indonesian invasion and ensuing struggle for independence from 1975-1999. Through firm determination and dedication to human rights and justice, you have been able to help victims of human rights violations particularly political detainees and victims of enforced disappearances in their quest for justice.