518 International Solidarity Program

New 2009 Grantees Announced

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:36:00 +0000

FEDO and Kalikasan-PNE Receive 518 Grants

This year’s call for the 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA), received 26 applications where two organizations will be supported for one year. The grant is awarded to non-government organizations that continually play a significant role in strengthening people’s participation and empowerment in creating a civil society that respect human rights and protect democracy and peace and encourages international solidarity.

Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) of Nepal and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) of the Philippines will receive this year’s 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA). The one-year grant support amounts to KRW 3,000,000.00.

Protest against the Demolition of Old Provincial Hall

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:33:00 +0000

On a chilly Saturday afternoon of 13 December 2008, Gwangju citizens and mostly protectors of the memory of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising (popularly known as 518) marched from Chonnam University to the Old Provincial Hall to demonstrate and protest the City administration’s plan of demolishing Gwangju’s symbol of democracy to give way to a Asia Culture Complex.

The parade from Chonnam University was lead by a salmunori group followed by a multisectoral bearer of a big Korean flag, one of the bearer was an old man who walked all the way through the parade limping with his cane. A streamer was held by an all men–old guards of 518 carrying the main message of the protest. Contingents of the mobilization came from different civil society groups including their friends and allies.

From 왜가리

The more than 5 km walk that stopped in front of the Old Provincial Hall occupied a single lane where protesters set up a stage and raised the issue to the public and commuters of Geumnamro through songs and speeches. Candles where lighted and slogans shouted. The program that started by a lively drum beats was ended with a community singing of a protest song made popular in the 80s.

Statement of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Winners on the 60th Anniversary of UDHR

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:27:00 +0000

Message on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the Laureates of the Gwang...

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Activism Politics universal declaratio the may 18 memorial

Please visit and check these links:

Gwangju Prize Winners' Statement - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=413&page=1

Mr. Muneer Malik's Message - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=412&page=1

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi's Message - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=410&page=1

Nomination is Now Open for 2009 Gwangju Prize

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:10:00 +0000

“We feel vindicated that our struggle has borne some fruit and we expect that the democratic forces shall forever close the door to military intervention in the body politic by strengthening all the institutions of the state to perform the functions assigned to them under the Constitution. We feel that we have woken up the slumbering giant – the people of Pakistan- to take charge of its own destiny. Our movement does not end with the reinstatement of the deposed judges. It continues and is in fact a never ending journey during the course of which we shall continue to strive for an independent judiciary, for maintaining the supremacy of the Rule of Law, the Constitution and the establishment of civilian supremacy in running the affairs of the Pakistan. And we shall continue to draw inspiration from the Gwangju Democratization Movement of May 1980”.

Those were the concluding statements of Mr. Muneer Malik’s valedictory speech when he received his 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award. The 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee chose Mr. Malik for his fight against military rule in Pakistan. His struggle for the restoration of democracy and human rights is laudable. The award bestowed on him is a message of encouragement to all the citizens, human rights activists and lawyers in Pakistan, who are fighting all together with Muneer A. Malik.

Now, on its 10th year, the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights is open for nomination. Since its inception, this prestigious award has been given to 10 individuals and a Korean organization. In 2006 and 2007 saw co-winners receiving the award. Among the winners include Xanana Gusmao (Timor Leste), Daw Aung San Suu Kyii (Burma), Wardah Hafidz (Indonesia), Malalai Joya (Afghanistan) and Irom Sharmila (India).

For 2009, the prize at stake is 50 Million Korean Won (KRW 50,000,000.00), a gold medal and a certificate. The winner will be invited to grace the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Night on 18 May 2009, in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. This yearly award is sponsored by the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising by recognizing both individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace in their work. The prize is awarded by the citizens of Gwangju in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude from those whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization. It is hoped that through this award the spirit and message of May 18 will be immortalized in the hearts and mind of humankind.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights which is given yearly has the following aims:
1). To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by awarding individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad on their contribution to improving human rights and peace throughout the world.
2). To reward individuals, groups and institutions in Korea and/or abroad for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward unification and cooperation.

Deadline for submission of application form is 20 March 2009.

Please follow this link if interested to nominate (form is available from this link):

http://www.518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=392&page=1&key=&keyword=

AFAD Strongly Condemns the Abduction, Beating and Detention of Atty. Parvez Imroz

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:58:00 +0000

AFAD Strongly Condemns the Abduction, Beating and Detention

of Atty. Parvez Imroz, Firdous Ahmed Sofi and Ajaz Ahmed Mir of India

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), a regional federation of human rights organizations working directly on the issue of enforced or involuntary disappearance, strongly condemns the arrest, beating and detention of Atty. Parvez Imroz and his two associates, Firdous Ahmed Sofi and Ajaz Ahmed Mir. The arrest took place at 12:30 noon on Monday, November 17, in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. To this writing, the three are still detained.

AFAD learned about this condemnable incident from an urgent appeal sent by the Jammu & Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), our partner-organization in Kashmir. According to said appeal, JKCCS President Parvez Imroz along with a team of around 50 volunteers composed of journalists, human rights activists, trade union activists from within and outside Kashmir, were monitoring the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly Election.

Monitoring the elections is a usual activity of the JKCCS along with civil society groups from various parts of India. It is recalled that the group also monitored the Assembly Elections of 2002 and the parliamentary elections in 2004. Accordingly, Advocate Parvez Imroz and his two companions, Firdous Ahmed Sofi and Ajaz Ahmed Mir, were arrested when they reached the place where a protest demonstration was going on.. The three were allegedly beaten up by the police in front of media men and were later taken to the Police Station in Bandipora.

December 9, 2008 is the 10^th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Moreover, December 10, 2008 is the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this connection, abducting, beating and detaining human rights defenders like Atty. Parvez Imroz and his two companions should never be done by agents of the Indian government.

Atty. Parvez Imroz is an internationally-known human rights defender and a recipient of the Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize in 2006. He was also the representative of their human rights organization, the Srinagar-based Association of the Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), during the initial conceptualization and founding of our Asian-wide Federation for the disappeared and is presently AFAD's Council member. It is, indeed, absurd to abduct, beat and detain him and his two companions because of their human rights activities. Certainly, their continuing detention is detrimental to the international posturing of India which poses itself as the "biggest democracy" in the world.

It is worrying to note that because of his work, Parvez Imroz has indeed earned the ire of the powers-that-be in the country that boasts itself as the biggest democracy in Asia. It has been more than three years since his passport has not been renewed and very obviously, such act by the Indian government can be obviously interpreted as constraining Imroz' mobility with the desperate intention of keeping his mouth shut on the sorry state of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir, thus, constraining his capability to tell the international security about the skeletons inside the closet in this beautiful yet sad valley of Kashmir.

Furthermore, on June 30, 2008 at 10:00 p.m., 4 armed men, believed to be policemen, knocked at the house of Mr. Imroz. When asked of their identity by Mr.. Imroz' wife, Rokhsana, the men were aggressively calling on Mr. Imroz to open the door and come out. Aware of the intimidation he received days earlier because of the work of the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights, Mr. Imroz immediately informed his brother, Sheik Mustaq Ahmad through the backdoor. Mr. Ahmad reportedly shined a torch at Mr. Imroz door and asked the persons in front to identify themselves only to be aggressively ordered to put off the torch. Mr. Imroz nephew came out of Mr. Ahmad's house, afraid that Mr. Imroz might have been taken away. This forced the armed men to leave, but only after firing a shot in the dark believed to be pointing towards the direction of Mr. Imroz' nephew. The perpetrators threw a grenade that exploded in Mr. Imroz' compound. On their way back, the perpetrators beat a male neighbor.

In view of the above, AFAD strongly calls on the Indian government -

· To release Atty. Parvez Imroz, Firdous Ahmed Sofi and Ajaz Ahmed Mir from detention at the soonest possible time, and

· To ensure that those who are responsible for the arrest, beating and detention of the three human rights defenders be brought to justice in urgency.

· To be true to India's being a signatory to the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance which provides for the right of families of the disappeared and their organizations to organize themselves, thus, the government should give Parvez Imroz and his colleagues in the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons their freedom to form their association and work for truth, justice, redress, memory for the disappeared and other victims of human rights violations.

In positively responding to our urgent calls above, India proves that it is, indeed, "the biggest democracy" in the world.

Signed and authenticated by:

MUGIYANTO MARY AILEEN D. BACALSO

Chairperson Secretary-General

Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD)
Rms. 310-311 Philippine Social Science Center Bldg.,
Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, 1103 Quezon City

Phone: 00-632-9274594
Telefax: 00-632-4546759
Website: www.afad-online.org

Sharing 2nd edition E-Newsletter of PPDD

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:49:00 +0000

As partner of Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD) we would like to share this information to our friends and partners.

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Comrades:

Greetings!

In behalf of the whole staffs and supporters of Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD), we are sending you the 2^nd edition of our E-Newsletter which gives you idea on the development and progress of our work as an organization. Please feel free to give us feedback and comments if you have any.

Thank you and I wish you all the best!

Yours sincerely,
Anna

Anna Malindog
Executive Director
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD)

(Please click link to download the PDF Newsletter)

http://518.org/eng/html/download.php?idx=364&file_chk=1

The Singapore 18: Prosecution or persecution?

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:17:00 +0000

(Reposting - received from the e-mail)

Timothy Cooper
Washington Times
7 Nov 2008

The names Gandhi Ambalam, Chia Ti Lik, Chong Kai Xiong, Jeffrey George, Jaslyn Go, Chee Siok Chin, Govindan Rajan, Chee Soon Juan, Jufrie Mahmood, Jufri Salim, Surayah Akbar, Ng E-Jay, Seelan Palay, Shafi'ie, Carl Lang, John Tan, Francis Yong and Sylvester Lim aren't exactly household names -- but they should be. This week 18 Singaporeans -- the Singapore 18 -- are standing trial for purported crimes against America's 11th largest trading partner – Singapore.

Indicted for violating the Miscellaneous Offences Act for assembling peacefully without a permit to register their concerns over escalating housing costs, they claim that they're innocent by virtue of their right under the Singapore constitution to enjoy the guarantees of freedom of assembly and expression. Historically, however, Singapore has viewed political dissent through a lens darkly, treating protest as a threat to social tranquility and economic prosperity, rather than what it is -- a fundamental right and necessity in any democracy.

While Singapore claims to be a constitutional democracy, it nevertheless routinely arrests Singaporeans for attempting to assert those rights articulated under the constitution in the open light of day. A democracy, it's not quite.
Ironically, while their trial is about their right to public assembly in numbers more than four without a permit, and to free speech, they view it as a test about whether Singapore's judiciary is independent enough to interpret the country's constitution objectively. In effect, Judge Chia Wee Kiat, who's presiding magistrate over the case, is on trial, too. Many Singaporeans will be watching how he rules. Americans should be watching, too.

That's because Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs, Wong Kan Seng, appears to refuse to be bound by the affirmative rights guaranteed under the country's basic law. Last February, he stated that [w]e have stopped short of allowing outdoor and street demonstration … Our experiences in the past have taught us to be very circumspect about outdoor and street protests. His reference is to the race riots in Singapore during the 1960s -- almost 50 years ago. Which is like saying that because Washington, D.C. experienced race riots in the 1960s, the residents of Washington must be denied the right to protest government policies. That argument simply doesn't wash.

But the judge in the case will likely rule accordingly, regardless of the plain language of the constitution.
The late Singaporean politician, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam, stated in an interview shortly before his death that his main concern was that the public had the perception that its judiciary was not independent. He himself had been made a bankrupt by defamation lawsuits filed against him by his political opponents and the high damages awarded them by Singapore courts. After paying off his debts, he'd recently committed to heading a new political party, whose primary agenda was calling for the independence of the judiciary.

He was not alone. In July, the International Bar Association (ABA) issued a 72-page report on the state of Singapore's judiciary noting that there are concerns about the objective and subjective independence and impartiality of Singapore judges. The report's final recommendations advocate tenure be granted Singapore judges and that the transfer of judges between executive and judicial roles be banned. They also call on the government to prohibit defamation as a criminal offense, and forbid public officials from initiating criminal defamation suits, which detractors claim are used by government to silence its critics.

One of those critics is Chee Soon Juan. He's been jailed seven times on a potpourri of politically-related charges, including speaking without a permit, contempt of court, and even for attempting to depart Singapore in order to attend an international rights conference. He's been fined nearly $1 million to date and made bankrupt by defamation suits brought against him by former Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong, and Singapore's current Minister Mentor, Lee Hsein Loong. In the next few months, he faces six more trials and an indeterminate amount of jail time. Yet all he wants is for the courts to properly enforce the spirit and letter of the Singapore constitution. Barred from leaving the country, he's been put under country arrest and is a prisoner of conscience.

Were the Singapore 18 living in China or Russia, they'd be enjoying considerable support from the U.S. Instead, they're victims of a sad neglect. They've been cut loose by a nation otherwise preoccupied. But the next Congress and administration should take up the cause of freedom in Singapore. They should exert their influences on Singapore to open up its political space to peaceful dissent and to embrace the benefits of political pluralism. Economic prosperity and political freedoms are not mutually exclusive in Singapore or anywhere else.

Above all, this country should call for judicial reform in Singapore because as J.B. Jeyaretnam would no doubt agree without independence there can be no rule of law.

Timothy Cooper is executive director of the human-rights group Worldrights.
(Link)

The 18 activists charged:

Gandhi Ambalam

Chia Ti Lik

Chong Kai Xiong

Jeffrey George

Jaslyn Go

Chee Siok Chin

Govindan Rajan

Chee Soon Juan

Jufrie Mahmood

Jufri Salim

Surayah Akbar

Ng E-Jay

Seelan Palay

Shafi'ie

Carl Lang

John Tan

Francis Yong

Sylvester Lim

NHRCK Gwangju Launched Human Rights Theme Hall

noreply@blogger.com (May Eighteen 1980) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:07:00 +0000

Last Friday 31 October 2008, the NHRCK Gwangju regional office launced its Human Rights Theme Hall” in KIM Dae-Jung Convention Center Metro Station to promote the 60th anniversary of the UDHR. Walls and post of the metro station are addorned of posters and colorful photos and installation making it alive and vibrant. There's a video and info kiosk in Korean containing information about the UN and UDHR and the commitment that Korean government had made on international treaties.

Below is a slide show photos of the Metro Staition and a press release from the commission:

PRESS RELEASE

Opening Ceremony of “Human Rights Theme Hall” in a Metro Station
2008.10.31

The NHRCK Gwangju regional office holds an opening ceremony on “Human Rights Theme Hall” in KIM Dae-Jung Convention Center metro station on October 31, 2008. For the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, Gwangju regional office has promoted to build permanent human rights theme exhibition hall in a metro station to ruminate significance of human rights and to raise human rights awareness in our daily lives.

Source: http://www.humanrights.go.kr/english/activities/view_01.jsp
Rights: NHRCK

518 Citations and Awards

noreply@blogger.com (May Eighteen 1980) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:41:00 +0000

View Album

Get your own

PRESS RELEASE - VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:29:00 +0000

VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK

14550 Magnolia St., Suite 203, Westminster, CA 92683

Tel.: (858) 837-2152; Fax: (619) 291-3807

E: vnhrnet@vietnamhumanrights.net; Web: www.vietnamhumanrights.net

PRESS RELEASE

October 29, 2008

VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK ANNOUNCES THE RESULTS OF THE VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD 2008

Little Saigon - California – Today, October 29, 2008, the Vietnam Human Rights Network (VNHRN) released the lists of persons and organizations in Vietnam selected to receive the Vietnam Human Rights Award 2008.

The list includes two individuals and one organization, Venerable Thich Thien Minh, independent journalist Nguyen Van Hai - known under the pen names of Hoang Hai and Dieu Cay - and Freedom of Press Magazine. These award recipients have been selected from a list of 10 candidates, nominated by 12 individuals and organizations in Vietnam and around the world.

The Vietnam Human Rights Award was founded in 2002 with the purpose of providing recognition and support to the works of outstanding human rights activists who have made significant contributions to the cause of human rights and civil rights of the Vietnamese people. It is also an opportunity for the Vietnamese people around the world to demonstrate their solidarity with and support for those involved in this relentless fighting for basic rights and justice.

Since its establishment the Vietnam Human Rights Award has been presented to a number of human rights activists in Vietnam, including Most Venerable Thich Quang Do, Father Nguyen Van Ly (2002; Mr. Nguyen Vu Binh, Mr. Le Chi Quang, Doctor Pham Hong Son, Mr. Nguyen Khac Toan (2003); Mr. Pham Que Duong, Doctor Nguyen Dan Que (2004); Rev. Le Quang Liem, Father Phan Van Loi, Venerable Thich Tue Sy (2005); Mr. Do Nam Hai, Mr. Nguyen Chinh Ket (2006); Mr. Hoang Minh Chinh, Lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, and Lawyer Le Thi Cong Nhan (2007).

The 2008 Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights at Westminster City Hall, California, on December 14, 2008 at 2:00 PM.

The Vietnam Human Rights Award includes a recognition plaque and a cash prize of 6,000 US dollars. VNHRN welcomes financial support from groups or individuals to maintain and strengthen this meaningful endeavor.

Following are brief summaries of the award recipients' accomplishments:

The Venerable Thich Thien Minh

Born in 1955 in Bac Lieu with secular name Huynh Van Ba, Venerable Thich Thien Minh became a monk in 1972 at the pagoda Long Phuoc, in Bac Lieu province. After taking power in 1975, The Communist government has dictated a policy of religion and human right repression. Thich Thien Minh, led by his conviction in basic rights and freedom, began his non-violent resistance to the government’s oppression. He was arrested on March 28, 1979, tried by the people’s court for plotting to overthrow the government, and sentenced to life in prison. In 1986, in the prison camp Xuan Phuoc, he was savagely tortured. Worthy of note is that the Communists opened another trial in the camp, and gave him another life sentence. In 2004 Mr. Abdelfattah Amor, the U.N. Special Rapporter on Religious Intolerance visited Venerable Thich Thien Minh in the prison camp; and in a press conference later, he acknowledged Thich Thien Minh as “the prisoner of conscience of Vietnam”. Under international pressure, the Communists had to release him on 2005 Vietnam’s Tet holiday. Although having spent 26 years in prison, Thich Thien Minh refuses to be intimidated and continues his relentless fight for the release of all political and religious prisoners in Vietnam. In October 2006, Venerable Thich Thien Minh, along with other former political and religious prisoners, founded the Vietnamese Political and Religious Prisoners Friendship Association in Vietnam whose goal is to advocate for the legitimate rights of former prisoners, as well as the freedom and basic rights of 85 million people in the country.

Independent journalist Nguyen Van Hai

Usually known under his pen names of Hoang Hai and Dieu Cay, Mr. Nguyen Van Hai was born in 1953 in the city of Hai Phong. He has been the most courageous writer working on Internet blogs in Vietnam. He founded the Independent Press Club, a group of reporters dedicated to covering the factual aspects of Vietnamese social reality and the collective psyche and aspiration of the Vietnamese people. They join together in fight against the repressive and exploitive land policy and real estate nationalization of the Communist government. He created two web sites: the first one, “The People’s Press”, featuring reportages and articles by journalists of the Independent Press Club; the second one, called “The Peasant’s Pipe” featuring personal reflections on social plagues of Vietnamese society. In addition, he participated in the mobile manifestations against the invasion of Spratly Islands (Truong Sa) and Paracel Islands (Hoang Sa) by Red China at the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008. Subsequent to the demonstrations, the repressive police machine systematically harassed him by forcing him to report to police stations whenever required with the intention to intimidate him into giving up all his social endeavors and struggles for human rights. He was arrested on April 19, 2008, and tried on the fabricated charge of “tax evasion”. He was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison and incarcerated on September 19, 2008. Several international human rights organizations, along with the Vietnam Human Rights Network, have voiced their protests, and demanded his release.

Freedom of Speech Magazine (Ban Nguyet San Tu Do Ngon Luan)

Freedom of Speech Magazine Is a collective effort of several members of Bloc 8406 with Fr. Chan Tin as the Editor-in-Chief. The editors board, among other contributors, includes Fr. Nguyen Van Ly, Fr. Phan Van Loi, lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, and journalist Nguyen Khac Toan…

Freedom of Speech Magazine is a breaking point in the long attempt by the Bloc 8406 activists to fight for freedom of speech and information for the Vietnamese people. Through 61 issues, with specific goals (non-violent fight for basic rights, unmasking Ho Chi Minh and his followers, and abolishing the totalitarian communist regime) and covering diverse contents and topics (legal, religious, political, and social), the 32 A4 format page bi-weekly magazine represents a true testament to the determination, perseverance and sacrifice of those who continue to fight for freedom of speech, which is the most effective means to assist in building democracy and human rights in Vietnam.

Currently, Freedom of Speech Magazine’s founder, Fr. Nguyen Van Ly, and an editor staff, Lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, are both in jail. The acting representative, Fr. Phan Van Loi, is currently under tight watch, libeled, and harassed by security agents. Others cooperators and readers throughout Vietnam also continue to face constant interrogations, intimidation and physical attacks because of their involvement with the magazine. Those coordinated efforts by the government aim to destroy Freedom of Speech Magazine, a source of genuine information and an open forum discussion on the most urgent issues of the country. In spite of those difficulties, the editorial staff is determined to keep the Magazine going.

Contact: Nguyen Thanh Trang

Tel: (858) 484-1428

UDHR@60 - a 518 Multimedia

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:51:00 +0000

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
ABRIDGED VERSION

We are all free and equal. We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way.

Democratization Song

(click to play music)

임을 위한 행진곡

Im-eul Wi-han haeng-jin-gok

사랑도 명예도 이름도 남김없이

Sa-rang-do meong-ae-do i-rum-do nam-kim-eob-si

한평생 나가자던 뜨거운 맹세

Han-peong-saeng na-ga-ja-den ddeu-geo-un maeng-se

동지는 간데 없고 깃발만 나부껴

Dong-ji-nun gan-dea eob-go gi-bbal-man na-bu-ggeo

새날이 올 때까지 흔들리지 말자

Sae-nal-i ol ddae-gga-ji heun-deul-li-ji mal-ja

세월은 흘러가도 산천은 안다

Sea-wueol-eun heul-leo-ga-do san-cheon-eun an-da

깨어나서 외치는 뜨거운 함성

Ggae-eo-na-seo oi-chi-neun ddeu-geo-eun ham-seong

앞서서 나가니 산자여 따르라

Ab-seo-seo na-ga-ni san-ja-yeo dda-leu-la

앞서서 나가니 산자여 따르라

Ab-seo-seo na-ga-ni san-ja-yeo dda-leu-la

This is an abridged version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. Although the Declaration, which comprises a broad range of rights, is not a legally binding document, it has inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights. These instruments include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which are legally binding treaties. Together with the Universal Declaration, they constitute the International Bill of Rights. For the full text of the Declaration from the United Nations website, go to http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html.

2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia - Call for Proposal

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:18:00 +0000

Announcement!

2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia

Background

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization established on August 30, 1994 by the surviving victims of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, the victims, families, and the citizens of Gwangju. The Foundation aims to commemorate and continue the spirit of struggle and solidarity of the May 18 Uprising, contribute to the peaceful reunification of Korea, and work towards peace and human rights throughout the world. Since its establishment, the Foundation has carried out numerous projects in varying fields, including organizing memorial events, establishing scholarships, fostering research, disseminating public information, publishing relevant materials, dispensing charity and welfare benefits, building international solidarity, and awarding Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. The Culture and Solidarity Team is in charge of the Foundation's international solidarity work throughout Asia and implements this project.

Description

The 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA) supports work that contributes to promoting Democracy and Human Rights and building of international solidarity. This grant shall be awarded to non-government organizations in Asia who continually play a significant role in strengthening people’s participation and empowerment in creating a civil society that respect human rights and protect democracy and peace and encourages international solidarity.

Funding scheme available: (US$ 1 = KRW 1,423.00, as of 24 October 2008)

Schemes

Description

Amount

Short-term grant

2 organizations will be supported for one year project

￦3,000,000

Interested applicants please check this link:

http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=330&page=1&key=&keyword=

Murrilo: Another Victim of Enforced Disappearance Abducted by Alleged CIDG Agents

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:04:00 +0000

Press Release
October 30, 2008
FOR URGENT RELEASE

Another Victim of Enforced Disappearance Abducted by Alleged CIDG Agents

A technical consultant for the farmers’ organization Life and Food for Leyte Evacuees (LFLE) Norberto Murillo was forcibly abducted this morning outside the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) building by three men who identified themselves as operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Murillo was abducted after having a meeting at the DAR to follow up on the papers regarding LFLE’s land claim for alienable and disposal land in Leyte. According to Murillo’s companion, LFLE Chairperson Paulo Dellosa the three men showed Murillo a warrant of arrest and introduced themselves as CIDG operatives after which they forcibly dragged Murillo to a waiting FX vehicle.

Dellosa immediately reported the case to human rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP). As of the time of writing the identity of Murillo’s abductors and the detention area to which he was brought to remains unknown.

Murillo joins the long list of victims of enforced disappearance documented under Gloria Arroyo’s government. He was an active member of the progressive movement during the 80’s and early 90’s but has since left the mainstream to work with farmers organizations as a technical consultant helping them with their land issues.

LFLE which Murillo is currently working with represents farmers who were displaced from their farmlands in Leyte during the late 80’s due to the effect of former President Corazon Aquino’s “Total War Policy”; after being displaced from Leyte these farmers sought temporary refuge at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines under then University President Nemesio Prudente.

518 Call for Application - International Internship Program

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:44:00 +0000

APPLY NOW !

The May 18 Memorial Foundation was founded by Gwangju citizens, sympathetic overseas Koreans, and from individuals who sacrificed and got indemnification from the government. It was created on August 30, 1994 by people who believe it's important to keep the ideas and memories of the 1980 May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising alive and remembered.

The International Internship Program is a program of the Foundation created in 2005 to contribute in the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. It is also an opportunity for interns to learn and experience the history and process of the development of human rights and democracy in South Korea. Specifically the purpose and aim of the program are the following: 1) To improve international solidarity and networking and 2) To promote Gwangju as Asia's Hub for Human Rights Movement.

The Foundation is looking for two interns who will serve for 10 months from March-December 2009. Applicants female or male should not be more than 30 years of age, with a minimum of 3 years NGO or social development work experience on the issues of human rights, democracy and peace. Must be proficient in English and working knowledge of Korean is an advantage. Must be computer literate (email/internet, blog/web page, lay-out/design, etc).

Living allowance will be provided to successful interns. Housing will be provided but utilities (telephone/internet, electricity, and gas) will be paid for by interns. The Foundation will pay for the round trip airfare of interns.

Please download the application form if you are interested to apply from this links/site:

http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=299&page=1

Deadline of application is on 28 November 2008. Short listed applicants will be emailed for an online/webcam interview through Skype or Yahoo messenger.

Link:

www.518.org/eng

518 Documentary

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:51:00 +0000

This video was taken from this source: http://www.thirdtype.net/1285

Recognition of The May 18 Memorial Foundation by California State Senate and City of Los Angeles, USA

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:05:00 +0000

Recognition of The May 18 Memorial Foundation by California State Senate

February 23, 2008

Recognition of The May 18 Memorial Foundation by the City of LA, USA

18 May 2008

Eleanor Roosevelt speech at United Nations GA plenary meeting, 1948

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (U.S.A., 1884 - 1962) Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and assumed a role as an advocate for civil rights. In the 1940s, she was one of the co-founders of Freedom and founded the UN Association of the United States in 1943 to advance support for the formation of the UN. She was a delegate to the UN General Assembly from 1945 and 1952. During her time at the UN she chaired the committee that drafted and approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. source : http://html.knowyourrights2008.org/en/un-archives.html

Fund Raising Initiative of PPDD (Thailand)

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Dear Mr. Chanho,

Greetings!

Please see attached file for the pictures of some of the art works of Burmese artist activists working with Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy. This is in line with our fund raising initiative scheme for our school project here in the Thai-Burma border which actually the foundation has been helping.

Nest time we will be sending sample pictures of the art works of kids in the form of greetings cards. We would like to introduce this fund raising scheme to our network and partner organizations. I hope the foundation can help us on this and can promote this fund raising initiative. This is a product of our regular art workshops to develop the artistic abilities of the kids. We really want to make this fundraising successful to provide for the increasing needs of our school and of the kids at the school as well. We really need the support of our partners in this endeavor. Hopefully the people and the foundation as an organization will help us out on this as well.

We will be selling art works of our kids in the form of greetings cards and paintings. Also, we will be selling art works or paintings of Burmese artist activist. Sample pictures of their art works are provided. If in any case some people from the foundation, or the foundation itself and its network organizations based in Korea and abroad are interested to buy these art works, we are more than willing to send them to whoever will help us and will buy these art goods from us. This is also one way of raising awareness and campaign on the different issues that Burma as a country is facing.

We are re-building our website these days, in a matter of time, we will be uploading all these and people can refer to our website, maybe next month or in the next two months we will have our website redesigned and rebuilt. Anyway, hope to hear from you on this and thank you for all the support.

Warm regards,

Anna Malindog
Executive Director
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy

The following art works are for sale. Please email Ms. Anna Malindog for prices (armalindog@gmail.com):

The artist and his art works with prices:

Convention On Violence of the Invisible 9/11: Reflections on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:48:00 +0000

On 22nd of May 1958, the Government of India promulgated an ordinance called the Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance to meet the challenges of an extraordinary situation arising out of the assertions of the Naga tribes in the then Naga Hills of Assam and parts of the then North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA). This ordinance was a copy from a similar ordinance promulgated by the colonial British on 15 August 1942 to suppress the uprising of Quit India Movement. It gave extraordinary powers to the members of the armed forces, such as arrest without warrant and shoot to kill on the basis of suspicion. The Parliament subsequently converted this ordinance, which was brought in as a temporary measure, into an Act on 18 August 1958, and the President gave his assent on 11 September 1958.

Thus, the unlashing of state’s violent power, or as some called State terrorism, that began on 22^nd May 1958 was retrospectively reaffirmed on that fateful 9/11 as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act began its journey as a permanent instrument to treat the people of North East differently and violently. While the people of Punjab had the taste of the Act very briefly in 1980s, the people of Kashmir have been subjected under the same Act since 1990. But its first and real target, the people of the North East have been reeling under the violence and impunity of the Act continuously for the last 50 years.

While the two MPs from Manipur opposed the Act in the Parliament in 1958 itself, various organizations and individual persons had also challenged the legal and constitutional validity of the Act since the 1980s. However, after sitting over those petitions for almost 15 years, the Supreme Court took up a litigation by NPMHR, and after suggesting that the disturbed condition where the Act has been enforced is not due to arm rebellion and that it does not constitute a threat to the national security, it upheld the constitutional validity of the Act in 1997.

The numerous acts of human rights abuses under the Act came into the fore again in the gruesome murder of a young woman, Manorama by the security forces operating under the Act in 2004. The people of Manipur rose up not only against the murder but also against the Act, which was joined by various civil liberty organizations and concerned citizens from across the country and world. Ultimately, the PMO was compelled to institute the Reddy Committee to look into the matter and explore the possibility of substituting the AFSPA with a “more humane” Act. The Committee submitted its report on 6 June 2005 and recommended that the Act be repealed. Similarly the Administrative Reform Committee headed by Veerapan Molly also recommended the Act to be repealed on 25 June 2007. In February 2007 the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called upon the Indian Government to ensure an immediate repeal of AFSPA. So far, leave alone repealing the Act, the Government has not even made the Jeevan Committee report public, though the Hindu has already leaked out the report.

Providing lip service to democracy and displaying deep rooted prejudices, many continue to encourage and defend the violence of the Act. As a result the people continue to suffer under it. While the struggle, including that of Sharmila who has been on fast for years, against the Act also continues, it is pertinent for us to reflect on what and why of this Armed Forces Special Powers Act in order to strengthen the struggle against this Act and its politics.

Thus, we are organizing a Peace Protest rally from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar on the violence of the Invisible 9/11 at 11 am on 11^th Sept 2008 as a way to remind ourselves of the 50^th year of its becoming a law on 11^th Sept’ 1958 when the President of India gave his assent. As part of the memorandum we will be delivering 50 coffins addressed to the President of India.

50 years of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act

Convention

Violence of the Invisible 9/11

Reflections on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act

11 September 2008

Hotel Tampha, Imphal (Manipur)

Organized by

Just Peace Foundation

PROGRAMME

Inaugural Session (9:30hrs – 10:00hrs)

Welcome by Mr. Irom Singhjit, Managing Trustee, Just Peace Foundation (3 minutes)

Key Note Address: Dr. A. Bimol Akoijam

Chief Guest: Mr. Aribam Syam or Ratan Thiyam (8 minutes)

Guest of Honor: Mr. Elangbam Binoy Singh, President of the Manipur Olympic Association, (8 minutes)

President: Prof. Sadanand, The President of the Senior Citizens (8 minutes)

Vote of Thanks: Mr. Montu Ahenthem (3 minutes)

Tea (10:00hrs – 10:10hrs)

Session 1 (10:10hrs – 11:30hrs)

Constitutionality and Legality of AFSPA

Chair: Justice W.A. Shishak (retd.)

Speakers: Justice RK Manisana (retd.), Mr. R. Daniel, Ms. Nandita Haksar (36 minutes)

Discussant: Mr. Babloo Loitongbam (9 minutes)

Open Discussion (25 minutes)

Concluding Remark by the Chair (10 minutes)

Tea (11:30hrs – 11:40hrs)

Session 2 (11:40hrs – 13:00hrs)

Politico-juridical Foundations of AFSPA

Chair: Dr. A Bimol Akoijam

Speakers: Prof. K M Chenoy, Prof. Arambam Lokendra Pro. Ksh. Bimola (36 minutes)

Discussant: Mr. Pradeep Phanjoubam (9 minutes)

Open Discussion (25 minutes)

Concluding Remark by the Chair (10 minutes)

Lunch (13:00hrs-14:00hrs)

Session 3 (14:00hrs – 15:20hrs)

Civil Society Response to AFSPA

Chair: Prof. Arambam Loken

Speakers: Dr. Dhanibir Laishram, Mr. N. Krome, Mr. Lachit Bordoloi (36 minutes)

Discussant: Mr. Irengbam Arun (9 minutes)

Open Discussion (25 minutes)

Concluding Remark by the Chair (10 minutes)

Tea (15:20hrs – 15:30hrs)

Session 4 (15:30hrs – 16:40hrs)

Open Forum: Way Ahead

Chair: Prof Nabakanta

Lead Discussants: Dr. Lenin Raghuvarshi, Mr. Hijam Rajesh, R.K. Anand (36 minutes)

Observations from the participants (24 minutes)

Concluding Remark by the Chair (10 minutes)

Vote of Thanks: (16:40hrs – 16:45hrs)

Please Join our Final Protest Rally

Violence of the Invisible 9/11

50 years of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act

11 September 2008

11:00 am

From

Mandi House to Jantar Mantar

Organized by

AISA, Asha Parivar, The Othermedia, NAPM, Jagrati Mahila Sangathan, INSAF, Reachout,
Human Right Alert and JMI

RSVP: Sreeprakash - +91-9871880686
Jyotilal - +91 – 981877688
Surjit - +91-9971842187
Rojio - +91-9990157785
Faisal - +91-9313106745
Onil - +91-9818781767

foto source - http://www.e-pao.net/features/images/Irom_Sharmila_4.jpg

Remembering Munir…

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +0000

There is an old adage that says "those who are brave enough to speak out in the face of death inspire the courage of others," This is how Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) remembers its former Chairperson, Munir Said Thalid in the commemoration of his fourth death anniversary as it joins hands in solidarity with his family, friends and colleagues in the human rights community in Asia and in other continents in the pursuit for justice against all forms of human rights abuses and impunity.

In its third book entitled, "Reclaiming Stolen Lives" launched on 29 August 2008, the eve of International Day of the Disappeared, AFAD revisited Munir's life and work through an article written by Mr. Chang Chiu. The article provides accounts of Munir's exemplary contribution to human rights and to the demand for accountability as part of the democratic transition of Indonesia.

Munir as he is popularly known, was the most fearless and outspoken critic of Indonesia's armed forces which committed gross human rights violations in Papua, Aceh and East Timor during the 32-year authoritarian of former Indonesian president Haji Mohammad Suharto. He became the powerful voice of the voiceless victims of human rights abuses as he championed their cause in and out-of-the-courtroom even in the face of intimidation and coercion, including death threats. After the fall of the Suharto government, Munir co-founded the Commission for Disappearance and Victims of Violence (Kontras) to help the families of democratic activists who were kidnapped and murdered by the military to know the truth and to seek justice. He also served as a member of IMPARSIAL, a commission created by the government to investigate the human rights violations in East Timor. It was during this period when he was elected Chairperson of AFAD, a Federation of human rights organizations working directly on the issue of enforced disappearances in Asia.

Read more here: http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=201&page=1&key=&keyword=

Source:

Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances
Rms. 310-311 Philippine Social Science Center Building
Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, 1103 Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: 00-63-2-4546759; Telephone: 00-63-9170792-4958
Website: http://www.afad-online.org

Korean Candlelights in History

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:50:00 +0000

“The people make history,” often an empty rhetorical device in the mouths of politicians, helps highlight the meaning of recent protests. Looking at the “candlelight revolution,” I observe basic elements of the same form of direct-democracy that emerged in the 1960s. Apparently leaderless gatherings with open mikes bring participants from all walks of life rather than monologues from “prominent” individuals. Rotation of events’ organizers encourages the participation of many different groups rather than the stifling control of one “key” group. New sectors of the populace (from middle school girls to religious leaders to workers) have continually emerged to join in. Diverging tactics and multifarious slogans reveal inner tensions in the movement. Far from being reflective of weakness, these differences spring from diversity—and hence strength—a vibrant inner dialectic which motivates development and progress. The new form of protests empowers people directly.

I also detect the enacting of an “eros effect” in which apparently minor protests set off national crisis. The cyber activism of H-generation (Hyperspace) quickly mobilized the entire nation, transforming despondency with 2MB’s election into energetic struggle against him. Dozens of ordinary people were overnight turned into veteran activists. They criticize old-time activists who seek to frame their protests. Like all autonomous movements, they are independent of political parties and guard their precious autonomy by refusing to join any central organization. Rather than merging into old activist (undongkwon) circles, they use cyberspace to synthesize a new form of collective intelligence.

A Decade of Struggle Towards A World Without Desaparecidos…

noreply@blogger.com (518interns) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:23:00 +0000

AFAD Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
by Daisy Valerio

On June 4, 2008, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) celebrated its 10th anniversary in Manila, Philippines. The day was, indeed, a red-letter day for the federation which is presently composed of 8 organizations for the disappeared from Indonesia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. For this special day, delegates of the member-organizations along with partners from Latin America and Eastern Europe gathered together with families of the disappeared and surfaced desaparecidos, victims of other human rights violations, members of the human rights community, non-governmental organizations and peoples' organizations, some representatives of the diplomatic community and from government agencies, people from the academe and the church as well as friends from other sectors. Although not physically present, more friends and partners made their presence felt through their very warm solidarity statements that helped mark this important juncture in AFAD's history.

Looking far back, it took almost a year of conception which started in May 1997 before the federation's core group composed of three organizations for the disappeared in the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Kashmir was launched on June 4, 1998 in Manila. The Latin American Federation of Associations of Relatives of Disappeared-Detainees (FEDEFAM), which then already had years of rich experiences in terms of federation-building, greatly contributed to AFAD's conception and birth. Right from its early beginnings, AFAD envisioned to serve as an Asia-wide response to the regional phenomena of enforced disappearances. At that time, Asian governments could easily project that involuntary disappearance was solely a Latin American phenomenon. Ten years after AFAD was born, these Asian governments cannot anymore do the same as the federation's very existence speaks to the contrary.

The Filipino saying, "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa patutunguhan…" (One who does not know how to look back will never reach one's destination…), is very much entrenched in AFAD's 10th anniversary celebration. On the day itself, two separate but interrelated activities were held. In the morning, AFAD's WEBOPAC (WEB Online Public Access Catalog) was launched at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City and a Solidarity Dinner was held in the evening in Jade Valley also in Quezon City.

Prior to the presentation of AFAD's WEBOPAC during the morning activity, the highlights of the federation's history which included its conception, birth and growth were presented. The presentation was able to capture the AFAD realities, an important part of which is the fact that although regional federation-building on the involuntary disappearance issue was a pioneering initiative in Asia, AFAD was certain with what it wanted to do and where it was leading to right from its early beginning. As presented in the power point, AFAD's clarity of purpose and direction was confirmed by its concrete achievements in the years after its birth particularly its capacity to build itself into an Asian-wide federation of organizations for the disappeared in essence and in form and link up with the international movement against involuntary disappearance which greatly helped pave the way for the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance on the 20th of December 2006.

The music video that followed complemented the power point presentation of AFAD's history. The powerful theme song of the federation which was composed a couple of years ago was given more flesh through the very expressive photos of individual members of AFAD's member-organizations from the different Asian countries during the series of psychosocial processing and self-healing facilitated by the federation over the past years. Indeed, time cannot automatically heal all wounds. Certainly though, people who went through similar experiences although they come from different countries and cultures like that of the families of the disappeared gain strength from one another in their mere togetherness and in their collective efforts to campaign for justice for their loved ones.

The WEBOPAC launching came towards the middle of the activity. To recall, the AFAD Resource Center was established in May 2006 in honor of two human rights defenders, Aasia Jeelani of Kashmir and Munir of Indonesia and dedicated to all desaparecidos particularly in Asia. Being a computerized online catalog of all the resource center's current materials, the OPAC greatly contributes to the advancement of the federation's resource center. Generally, web-based OPACS are also known as iPAC (Internet/Intranet Public Access Catalog). The OPAC will greatly help researchers of the AFAD library as they get information on its contents through the internet. This is another venue for AFAD to go public in order to project the involuntary disappearance issue and gather support to the cause of the disappeared in a much wider manner.

In the evening of June 4, a solidarity dinner was held among AFAD's member-organizations and partners as well as families and relatives of the disappeared and other friends of the federation. The mood that prevailed that night was light, joyful and strengthening as AFAD's council members along with officers and delegates from member-organizations and visitors came up with their unique musical and other presentations. In the main, the warm togetherness on that night serves as a symbol of the unending hope that someday, tears could be wiped away, justice will be achieved for the disappeared and their families and the phenomenon of involuntary disappearance will gradually be eradicated from this planet.

" A Decade of Struggle Towards A World Without Desaparecidos, " the theme of AFAD's 10th anniversary apply captures its accomplishments and its vision of eradicating this most cruel form of human rights violation from the face of the earth.

Related activities

In time for the International Day of the Disappeared, AFAD held a Public forum in cooperation with the Human Rights Center at the Ateneo Law School in Makati City on May 30, 2008. The theme for the forum was: Enforced Disappearance is Anti-life! Sign and Ratify the United Nations Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance." The Invocation was offered by Catholic priest, Fr. John Leydon. Starting from the opening remarks given by former House Rep. Hon. Loretta Ann Rosales and all throughout the forum, focus was given on the calling of all governments especially the Philippine government to sign and ratify said Convention. In line with this, Ms. Aileen D. Bacalso, AFAD's Secretary General, presented the status of the Convention. Her presentation speaks that indeed, much remains to be done prior to its signing and ratification by Asian governments and its eventual entry into force. The gravity of involuntary disappearance in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe were gleaned from the concrete presentations of the AFAD delegates and friends from these countries. Dr. Edita Burgos of the Free Jonas Movement in the Philippines shared her family's experience in searching for her recently-disappeared son, Jonas Burgos, while Jun Lozada, the ZTE Deal star witness, shared his experience as a surfaced desaparecido. Atty. Byron Bocar, the Legislative officer of the office of House Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, spoke on the present status of the bill dealing with enforced disappearances. Chair of the Ateneo Human Rights Center, Atty. Carlos P. Medina shared the concrete experiences of lawyers and judges in the course of their defense of the families of victims of enforced disappearances. The Open Forum after the presentations was very enriching.

Prior to the 10th anniversary celebration, AFAD's Council officers and members, the other delegates, the Secretariat and three guests went through a three-day training from June 1-3. This was titled, "Advocacy and Protection: Maximizing the UN Human Rights Council and its Mechanisms to Attain AFAD's Goal in Fighting Involuntary Disappearances. The training was facilitated by Atty. Cecilia Jimenez, a Filipina lawyer based in Geneva who is well-versed on the UN mechanisms and international lobbying in general. The training is a part of AFAD's bracing up for the tasks and challenges ahead vis-à-vis continuing human rights violations in Asia.

It is also important to note that as soon as representatives of AFAD member-organizations returned to their respective countries, local activities to commemorate the event were conducted at the national level to ensure the participation of families of the disappeared in the commemoration of a Federation that they belong.

Indeed, AFAD's 10th anniversary celebration is a very important milestone in the history of the federation. Strengthened by its experiences over the past years, the 10-year old federation braces itself for greater challenges and tasks ahead.

518 Ourdates (May 2008)

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:29:00 +0000

Dear friends,

Greetings!

Celebration is almost over for the May 18 Commemorative Events. Still, there are few ongoing activities. It was a pleasure to have old and new faces and friends to join us here in Gwangju. For all the rest we hope to meet you some other time again. But for now let us meet online through 518 OURDATES (Update) to you.

1) Mr. Muneer Malik is the 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights winner. You can read the text of his valedictory speech from this link:

http://twurl.nl/lwfzum

2) We are now accepting application for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. One of the perks of successful participants of the folk school is the chance to be endorsed for a year scholarship to MA in Inter-Asia NGO Studies of Sungkonghoe University. This year is the second year of the conduct of this scholarship. So apply now and find out more from this link:

518 web site: http://twurl.nl/ocwqae

518 Google Group: http://twurl.nl/f73cfn

3) We are updating and creating a directory of Asian NGOs that work on peace, human rights and democracy (we plan to make it available online as well). Please visit this link to submit the form and be linked with us.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3131938/directory-form

4) Please visit our new English website and tell us what you think we should further improve. This is the link

http://518.org/eng/

Our best regards,

Culture and Solidarity Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation

AFAD - INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DISAPPEARED STATEMENT

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:25:00 +0000

Enforced Disappearance is Anti-Life…

No to Untold Sufferings….

Sign and Ratify the UN Convention

for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance!

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances joins all families of the disappeared persons around the world in the commemoration of the International Week of the Disappeared from May 26 to June 1. This week of the desaparecidos was first commemorated by the Latin American Federation of Associations of Relatives of Disappeared-Detainees (FEDEFAM) more than a couple of decades ago.

In the observance of this occasion, AFAD affirms the right of every person to life, liberty and dignity and therefore, the right not to be subjected to enforced disappearance. The essential value of one's existence is to live freely without discrimination, prejudices and harm. Enforced disappearance does not only violate these basic human rights by physically removing a person from the protection of the law but it also denies the families of the disappeared persons the right to know the truth and to seek justice.

Enforced disappearance is a global phenomenon. It has been occurring everywhere - down the street, in the barrios, in the upland, on the highway, in the woods, in the desert, at the border, and even in the household. In many points of the globe, there are people who are made to disappear for exercising their rights and for opposing against human rights violations. It is done mostly in the context of widespread and systematic way under a climate of impunity where the perpetrators are free to do what they want without accountability. Asia is now considered the graveyard of the desaparecidos for having submitted the most number of cases to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances in recent years.

The disappearance of every person brings terrible sorrows and sufferings to his or her family. The long and agonizing search for the victims' whereabouts usually ends in fruitless undertaking. The normal life that their families used to have is now shattered by emotional and psychological devastation, economic dislocation, uncertainty… Their lives are even at risk for having to undergo the same fate that their loved ones succumbed for seeking truth, justice, redress and reparation.

But the families of the disappeared refuse to give in to fear. They know that their disappeared loved ones' only hope to return alive and to find truth and justice is for them to be strong and united. Their faith is as clear as the light at the end of the tunnel and as bright as the rainbow after every rain.

The adoption of International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced or Disappearance by the United Nations General Assembly on the 20th of December 2006 sparked a ray of hope for the families of the disappeared. To date, however, only four countries in Asia have affixed their signatures to the Convention. Asia, being the continent which submitted a huge number of cases to the United Nations needs the ratification by its governments of this new treaty and to pass domestic laws criminalizing enforced disappearance.

The International Week of the Disappeared is an expression of solidarity of all families of desaparecidos of the world. It is a celebration of life to honor the historical memory of those who have given their lives for the ransom of many. It is a renewal of commitment of the families of the disappeared and all human rights advocates to keep on the struggle against enforced disappearances and impunity until the dawning of the day when there are no more desaparecidos.

On this occasion, families of the disappeared call for an end to their untold sufferings brought about by this anti-life instrument used to silence their beloved desaparecidos. Despite their physical absence, the desaparecidos refuse to be silenced. For indeed, the perpetrators have miserably failed to silence them by physically eliminating their victims. As we commemorate the International Week of the Disappeared, we reiterate that the desaparecidos remain ever present in our minds and hearts.

Enforced disappearance is anti-life… No to untold sufferings… Ratify the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance!

Signed:

MUGIYANTO MARY AILEEN D. BACALSO
Chairperson Secretary-General

ASIAN FEDERATION AGAINST INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES (AFAD)
Rooms 31-=311 Philippine Social Science Center Bldg.
Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: 00-63-2-4546759; Telephone: 00-63-2-9274594
Website: http://www.afad-online.org

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE on the 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFAD

peterahon@gmail.com (Pete Erlano Rahon) — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:15:00 +0000

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE on the
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFAD
(Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances)

In behalf of the people of Gwangju, The May 18 Memorial Foundation congratulates the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances, AFAD on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary. Your first decade ought to be celebrated with the distinction and achievement you have tirelessly work to attain the status you now enjoy among human rights defenders and the civil society movements in general.

AFAD have come a long way in the collective global struggle against involuntary Disappearances. The success of the organization is attributed to its able leadership and persistent pursuant of preventing involuntary disappearance through various creative ways. Equally important to recognize is your success in persuading the UN Human Rights Council in adopting a UN Draft Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is one with your aim and aspirations of remembering those who forcibly and involuntarily disappeared and continue to remain missing. Victims and families continue to suffer on what befell to their missing loved ones after the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising of 1980. For this reason it is but fitting to commemorate them, those who died and sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy and the rest who are desaparecidos. Memorial programs and activities is our way of giving honor and respect to their spirits and memory.

Our solidarity with your organization is our show of gratitude to nations, groups and individuals who have helped us in times of our need. It is also our commitment to our heroes and patriots to promote and memorialize their enduring legacy for the freedom and democracy that we now enjoy. For this we would want to share and offer our partnership with you so we may collectively work together and live in a world where no one is forced to disappeared, human rights are respected and everyone truly enjoys a liberal and democratic governance.

We laud and congratulate you on your 10th Anniversary and we wish you more success!

In Solidarity,

Yun Gwang Jang
Chairman of the Board The May 18 Memorial Foundation