The Issue The surge in violence, repression and instability in numerous countries around Asia in recent times has taken its toll on rule of law, democracy and the basic human rights of citizens. States are becoming increasingly militarized, utilizing force as a means of social control and punishment. There are many justifications spouted for the […]
Lesson Series 59: The protection of human rights defenders
The Issue In a region where the realization of human rights is low, and where governments and public institutions are responsible for many rights abuses, human rights defenders are viciously targeted for exposing such abuse and helping victims to obtain redress. It is in societies where all manner of rights are routinely denied ‘be they […]
Lesson Series 58: Racial discrimination legislation in Hong Kong
The Issue Racial discrimination is an issue that goes to the very root of equality before the law and the human dignity of all. Together with more violent forms of racial discrimination, there also exists a quieter form of institutional discrimination. While legislation prohibiting any form of racial discrimination is meant to be a protection, […]
Lesson Series 57: Arbitrary deprivation of life in the Philippines
The Issue While the right to life is a fundamental human right that forms the basis of all international human rights norms and principles, there are unfortunately numerous forms of arbitrary deprivation of life that occur throughout Asia. These include enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The existence of such gross human rights violations belies the […]
Lesson Series 56: Forced evictions and the right to land in Cambodia
The Issue While the right to land and housing is a basic right under international human rights law, it is one that is violated frequently, particularly under the guise of development in various Asian countries. It is also a right that is interlinked with many other rights, including the rights to effective remedies, fair trial, […]
Lesson Series 55: Reparation as an effective remedy for human rights abuse
he Issue Reparation for human rights abuse is very important. In fact, it is a key component of the effective remedies states are obligated to provide to victims of violations. Not only does it serve as an acknowledgment of the wrong suffered by individual victims and a means to compensate for this wrong, it also […]
Lesson Series 54: Human rights monitoring in Sri Lanka
The Issue Human rights monitoring is an old concept. It is important for a variety of reasons, many of which are specific to the country situations. Monitoring missions under the UN umbrella have been used worldwide at various times, to curb atrocious human rights abuse by state and non state actors, as well as to […]
Lesson Series 53: From victims to healers: Rehabilitation for victims of human rights abuse
The Issue One of the most immediate needs of victims of grave human rights abuse is rehabilitation. Not only is this important with regard to assisting individuals in dire situations, but it is also important in enabling the individuals to regain their dignity and sense of worth, which will have been greatly affected in most […]
Lesson Series 52: Militarization and human rights in Bangladesh
The Issue Emergency and martial laws are increasingly common around Asia. These laws grant-inordinate power to governments, be they civilian or military, while curbing the civil liberties of ordinary citizens. The laws also tend to give the government supremacy over institutions such as the police and judiciary. In this way, there are no longer any […]
Lesson Series 51: Case study of judicial activism: The Supreme Court of India’s Best Bakery judgment, 2004
THE ISSUE Innumerable cases of delayed trials or courts acquitting human rights abusers can be found around Asia. A common reason for this is faulty investigation. When the investigation mechanism fails, the role of other justice institutions is also endangered. At such times, it is necessary for these institutions to take up their roles more […]