- Category: Statements
On the International Day of the Disappeared, the human rights organization Odhikar notes with deep concern the increase in incidents of disappearances in Bangladesh and the inability of the government to deal with such heinous acts – thus reinforcing the politics of intimidation and fear. Odhikar is particularly concerned about the manifested lack of sensitivity to the issue and absence of any steps that could assure the government’s commitment to good governance with regard to disciplining the law and order enforcement apparatus of the country. The enforced disappearance of political leaders is an alarming trend and has already thrown Bangladesh into political instability and uncertainties. The disappearance and killing of labour leader Aminul Islam has significantly reduced the government’s international image and graphically proved again the horrendous state of intimidation and repression suffered by garment workers, who are the backbone of export earnings for the country.
- Category: Statements
Enforced disappearance keeps taking place, with 67 cases reported in Bangladesh after the assumption of office by the Awami League-led government.
International Day of the Disappeared will be observed today in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world.
According to rights group Odhikar, although the number of people who disappeared is high, 67 cases after the Awami League and Jatiya Party-led alliance government came to power in 2009 are clearly of the category of ‘enforced disappearance’ as defined by the international human rights law, particularly the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
- Category: Press Releases
ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS
OF DISAPPEARED PERSONS
The Bund Amira Kadal, Srinagar – 190001, Jammu and Kashmir
Tel: +91-8803929741
+91-9419013553
Email:
Today on the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared, the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) organized a seminar on the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and Institutional Violence and Denial of Justice by India. Various members of the Civil Society addressed the importance of the ratification of the international Convention against Disappearances.
Further, the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) today submitted 507 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances from Baramulla and Bandipora districts to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) for conducting investigations.
- Category: Press Releases
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.
- Category: Statements
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.
- Category: News
(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.
- Category: Statements
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.
- Category: Open Letters
Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
The President of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 345 8595
Fax: +62 21 3483 4759
Dear Mr. President,
INDONESIA: President's commitment to tackle disappearance cases on test
The Asian Human Rights Commission (the AHRC) is writing to bring your attention to the unofficial visit of a member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Mr. Jeremy Sarkin, to Indonesia on the 4-6th of June 2012. We would like to use this opportunity to remind your government of the obligations and promises you owe to the people of Indonesia regarding the enforced disappearance cases that took place in 1997-1998.