Odhikar observes International Justice Day

Odhikar observes International Justice Day International Justice Day is observed throughout the world on July 17th to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court by the international community. Odhikar has been observing International Justice Day for many years now. The day has added significance this year as the ICC is also celebrating its 10th year with 121 States Parties and 139 signatories. The ICC has been dealing with the most serious crimes of international concern ‐ genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is, however, yet to exercise its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, a very serious crime that threatens international peace and security.

AFAD Statement On the 18th Anniversary of the Flame of Courage Monument and 27th year of the Disappearance of the Redemptorist priest, Fr. Rudy Romano

A Liberating Sacrifice

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

- Martin Luther King

In Philippine history, a number of religious organizations have played an important role not only in building the moral foundation of society, but also in championing the cause of human dignity and liberty especially under the most difficult and trying situations. In the course of championing the cause of human rights, especially of the wretched of the earth, Church people were and continue to be subjected to persecution.

Somchai Neelapaijit Memorial Fund Prize for Outstanding Human Rights Defenders

(6 July 2012) On 11 July, Somchai Neelapaijit Memorial Fund will give out Somchai Neelapaijit Award to honor and support outstanding human rights defenders. Dr Charnvit Kasetsiri, the Rector of Thammasat University, will be the President of the Ceremony.

This award started with an open nomination of the general public. There were more than 20 individuals and organizations that were nominated for the award. The Committee member of Somchai Neelapaijit Fund shortlisted five individuals out of which one will be given this award. The rest will be giving certificates in recognition of their works. The five names include individuals and organization that is known publicly as well as those who work behind the scene. They all have recognizable record in the fight for rights in the judicial system, labor rights, community rights, and others.

AFAD Statement on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Stand United Against Torture

The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture once again reminds us of all victims and survivors of torture worldwide and of our corresponding responsibility to stand united against torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It likewise reminds us of all those who disappeared, many if not all of them have been and continue to be victimized by torture.

Torture is an abominable offense under international law. It is absolutely prohibited and unjustifiable under any circumstances in any place in the world. After twenty-five years since the entry into force of the Convention Against Torture (CAT), as a legally binding international instrument against the act of torture, this odious practice is still taking a terrible toll on millions of people around the globe. But despite this global commitment of the United Nations, many States and private individuals or groups acting with the authority, support, or acquiescence of States, continue without qualms to use torture to inflict physical and mental harm on any person in order to get information, secure a confession, exact punishment or extort money – all in the guise of national security or simply form part of a regular conduct of police investigation.