FORUM-ASIA Statement - Thailand: Human Rights Situation Rapidly Deteriorating as Political Impasse Continues

FORUM-ASIA Statement: 27 May 2014

Thailand: Human Rights Situation Rapidly Deteriorating as Political Impasse Continues

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), a regional human rights group with 47 member organisation across 16 countries in Asia, registers its deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Thailand following the imposition of martial law since 20 May 2014 and subsequently a military coup on 22 May 2014. Increasing restrictions have been imposed on the exercise and enjoyment of basic rights and freedoms while violations continue unabated without any accountability or safeguard mechanisms put in place by the military government.

In a time of deep political turmoil and uncertainty, the restrictions on press freedom – through the initial silencing of TV stations and channels, sweeping restrictions on print, broadcast and online media, blocking of websites and threats to shut down social media – are particularly worrying as people are denied access to crucial information, critical analysis and the opportunity to discuss issues of national importance. This is further exacerbated by the recent summons and arrests of academics, journalists and other media practitioners who continued to report on or speak out against the coup and for alternative solution.

FORUM-ASIA calls for the rescinding of all restrictions that prevent the access of the public to timely and accurate reports and called on the authorities to allow the media to operate in an environment that is conducive for the discharging of their professional duty.

We are also disturbed by the arbitrary arrest and detention of persons, including politicians, political activists, academics, journalists and anti-coup peaceful protesters, by the military. To date, the whereabouts of a number of those detained have not been disclosed. They have also not been duly informed of the reasons for arrest or formally charged in court. This is in clear violation of Thailand’s international legal obligations as a State party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which stipulates the strict and limited application of emergency powers. This is further compounded by the recent announcement by the military to subject violators of security laws and standing orders to court-martial proceedings.

FORUM-ASIA is further deeply concerned by the incidences of clashes and the use of excessive force between military personnel and civilians during anti-coup protests that have been held in various parts of Bangkok. We urge the National Council for Peace and Order for restraint and its soldiers to observe maximum tolerance in handling voices of dissent and protestors to maintain diligence to avoid further violations of rights.

Finally, FORUM-ASIA calls for the prompt re-establishment of the rule of law as well as respect and protection of human rights in this turbulent period. We stress that these concerns must not be disregarded even as the country attempts to find a way out of the political impasse. We further emphasise that it is imperative for all actors involved to find, at the earliest, a democratic solution to the current political situation.

Released by the Executive Committee of FORUM-ASIA:

1.     Mr. Henri Tiphagne, People’s Watch, India (Chairperson)

2.     Mr. Peter Jacob, National Commission for Justice and Peace, Pakistan

3.     Mr. Adilur Rahman Khan, Odhikar, Bangladesh

4.     Sister Crescencia L. Lucero, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), Philippines

5.     Mr. Haris Azhar, The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Indonesia

6.     Ms. Chalida Tajaroensuk, People’s Empowerment Foundation, Thailand

7.     Mr. Taeho Lee, People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), South Korea

On behalf of the following member organisations of FORUM-ASIA:

Bangladesh

1. ASK – Ain O Salish Kendra
2. MLAA – Madaripur Legal Aid Association
3. Odhikar
4. RIC – Resource Integration Center

Burma

5. HREIB – Human Rights Education Institute of Burma

Cambodia

6. ADHOC – Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association
7. LICADHO – Cambodia League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights 

India

8. ADHIKAR – Center for Social Action Documentation Research & Training
9. Dalit Foundation
10. FARR – Friends’ Association for Rural Reconstruction
11. MASUM – Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha
12. PW – People’s Watch
13. PVCHR – People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights
14. RDS-LRSA – Rural Development Society
15. SICHREM – South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring

Indonesia

16. AJI – The Alliance of Independent Journalists Indonesia
17. HRWG – Indonesia’s NGO Coalition for International Human Rights Advocacy – Human Rights Working Group
18. IMPARSIAL – Inisiatif Masyarakat Partisipatif untuk Transisi Berkeadilan
19. KontraS – The Federation of Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence
20. PBHI – Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association
21. SAMIN – Yayasan Sekretariat Anak Merdeka Indonesia
22. YLBHI – Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation

Malaysia

23. ERA Consumer – Education and Research Association for Consumers
24. SUARAM – Suara Rakyat Malaysia

Mongolia

25. CHRD – Center for Human Rights and Development
26. GI – Globe International

Nepal

27. CSRC – Community Self Reliance Centre
28. INSEC – Informal Sector Service Center
29. WWS – Women’s Welfare Society

Pakistan

30. B4A – Bytes for All (ICTs for development, democracy and social justice)
31. HRCP – Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
32. NCJP – National Commission for Justice and Peace
33. PODA – Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy
34. SPARC – Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child

Philippines

35. PAHRA – Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates
36. PLRC – PILIPINA Legal Resources Center
37. TFDP – Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
38. Tanggol-Kalikasan – Public Interest Environmental Law Office

Singapore

39. Think Centre

South Korea

40. KHIS – Korean House for International Solidarity
41. PSPD – People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy

Sri Lanka

42. INFORM – Information Monitor
43. LST – Law and Society Trust

Taiwan

44. TAHR – Taiwan Association for Human Rights

Thailand

45. People’s Empowerment Foundation

Timor Leste

46. HAK Association – Perkumpulan Hukum, Hak Asasi dan Keadilan (Law, Basic Rights, and Justice Foundation)
47. JSMP – Judicial System Monitoring Programme

Post-Museum Post (31 July 2013): Intro to Bukit Brown & SRRFM

Wondered what was the Post-Museum Post (31 July 2013) -- see here. 

Dear friend,

We hope this week has been great for you so far!

If you haven't yet joined us for a walk in Bukit Brown, please do so this coming Sunday. It'll be the last tour before Hungry Ghost month starts!

Also, please mark your calenders for the next Singapore Really Really Free Market session on 25 August(Sun), 1-6pm in Marsiling!

More info below.

Thanks and see you soon!

Yours,

Jennifer.

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1. Sun (4 Aug), 4-6pm

OutPost 47: Intro to Bukit Brown

Main gate of Bukit Brown (Lor Halwa)

Pay-what-you-want

FB: http://www.facebook.com/events/421711884612162/

Registration required: admin@post-museum.org (please indicate name, tel and number of spaces required)

Join us for a lovely Sunday late afternoon walk around the endangered Bukit Brown Heritage Park!

We'll meet just outside the main gate for a 1hr+ walk introducing you to Singapore's first Municipa Chinese Cemetery. On this walk, you'll enjoy the lovely greenery and serene environment, spot some of Singapore's wildlife, visit some of our forefathers and find out why we have to save this historical and natural treasure trove.

Please note:

i. RSVP is a must as we have only 15 spaces available. Please email admin@post-museum.org with name, tel and number of spaces required and we'll get back to you.

ii. Contributions received will go into Post-Museum's Bukit Brown project.

iii. We will be walking mainly on paved roads. Rain or Shine.

iv. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or use a natural insect repellent.

v. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as some areas have lots of leaves, roots and stones, safety is important.

vi. Bring water, light snacks, rain gear/umbrella, a sunhat and waterproof your electronics and delicates.

vii. Do go to the toilet before. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby

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2. Sun (25 Aug), 1-6pm

Singapore Really Really Free Market 25

Blk 8 Marsiling Drive

Free

FB: http://www.facebook.com/events/165053233680343/

Join us for this session of the temporary market based on the concept of giving and building a community based on sharing resources, caring for one another and improving the collective lives of all. Everything is free! Come share your stuff (books, cds, toys, food, etc) or skills (tarot card reading, hair cutting, poetry writing, singing, etc) by giving them to others who need them!

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Singapore Really Really Free Market Human Rights Day 2013

WorkFair Singapore's statement on the Comittee of Inquiry

A statement released by WORKFAIR Singapore. 

Workfair Singapore is a civil society organisation concerned about the rights of workers in Singapore. Through our activities we are working towards the improvement of labour conditions. See their website: http://workfairsingapore.wordpress.com

I am glad Workfair have issued a statement (see below). It seems that the Little India Riot have gotten so many people talking and voicing their opinion. I am particularly impressed with the self-initiated efforts of individuals who have conducted their own investigations. Going around Little India - interviewing people and trying to make sense of what happened. 

Because the mainstream media only released selective information. These people feel compelled to do their own investigation. I see in them the need to seek the truth and sense they are suspicious of how the government will handle the situation. They are also afraid that innocent workers will not get fair trial. Mind you, this observation is within the first few days of the riot and way before any deportation happened. 

I feel encouraged by these people. Many of them are not the usual suspect from civil society. They just believe in seeking justice and afraid that the marginalised cannot speak up like the 'bus strike'. I encouraged them to work with civil society groups like Workfair. 

Some people told me that Singapore is different now. People speak up more loudly these days with the internet. 

Perhaps so but I believe that people have always believe in simple things like fairness and justice. It is how they act that will illustrate that more clearly. 

Recommendations to the Committee of Inquiry into Little India Riot

BY WORKFAIRSG on DECEMBER 27, 2013

1. Workfair Singapore welcomes the Prime Minister’s remarks on Christmas Eve regarding the conduct of the Committee of Inquiry into the Little India Riot. The Committee, formed by the Minister for Home Affairs, carries the following Terms of Reference:

a. Establish the factors and circumstances that led to the riot in Little India on 8 December 2013.

b. Establish how the riot unfolded and how the response forces managed the incident.

c. Consider whether current measures to manage such incidents in areas where foreign workers congregate such as Little India are adequate, and recommend any further measures to improve their management and reduce the risk of such incidents.

d. Conduct itself in accordance with the provisions of the Inquiries Act.

e. Make and submit a report of its proceedings, findings and recommendations to the Minister for Home Affairs within six months.

2.  In order that a full and detailed inquiry is carried out, it is essential that the Committee is allowed to operate on a fully independent and public basis so that probity is ensured and seen to be ensured. We therefore make recommendations to the Cabinet on the conduct of the Inquiry.

3. The Prime Minister and several cabinet ministers have made widespread pre-emptive pronouncements on the causes of the incident which have been widely reported in the press. In order to safeguard the integrity of the Committee, we request the Cabinet to:

a. Desist from making further pronouncements of their views on the causes of the incident.

b. Publicly announce the full independence of the Committee.

c. Undertake to publish the full report and proceedings of the Committee together with all the evidence received by it.

4. No similar incident has occurred in more than four decades. Therefore, neither the Minister for Law nor members of the Committee have experience of the conduct of such a Committee. We request the Minister for Law under Section 16 of the Inquiries Act (Chapter 139A) to implement the following Rules in relation to the Committee’s proceedings:

a. Begin the deliberations of the Committee after the criminal proceedings have been concluded so as to ensure that there is no conflict of process or of evidence and that the evidence and judgment from the criminal proceedings can form part of the evidence considered by the Committee.

b. Hold all proceedings of the Committee in public at a publicly accessible venue and open to members of the public as well as the local and international media.

c. Appoint an independent Assessor under Section 7 of the Act who will ensure the independence of the Inquiry and that these Rules of the Committee are adhered to.

d. Allow and enable written affidavits by members of the public to be submitted to the Committee in evidence.

e. Allow and enable expert witnesses such as migrant labour activists, migrant worker non-government organisations (NGOs), academics with a specialism in public behaviour, rioting, and migrant labour to give evidence either orally or in writing to the Committee.

f. Allow evidence based on academic research into crowd behaviour, rioting and other related matters to be allowed into evidence.

g. Allow and enable migrant workers who were present at the scene of the incident as well as other migrant workers who are acquainted with them and those who are experienced in the conditions of migrant labour in Singapore to give evidence orally or in writing to the Committee.

h. Allow such affidavits to be collated with the assistance of the migrant worker NGOs or others available to assist the affidavit writers.

i. Ensure that all evidence presented to the Committee be made available to the public on a publicly accessibly platform.

5. Acknowledging that the incident may be susceptible of a range of interpretations and open to various causal explanations, we request the members of the Committee of inquiry to:

a. Take a broad interpretation of the Terms of Reference in order not to prevent any information from reaching the Committee in evidence or preclude any particular explanation from being considered and assessed.

b. Make facilities for the widest possible range of evidence to be presented to the Committee including the provision of interpreting and translation facilities to ensure that migrant workers are heard.

c. Make provisions with employers to ensure that no migrant worker desirous of giving evidence at the Committee’s hearings is prevented from doing so. This should include facilitating the costs of attending the hearing and compensation to employers for releasing their employees to attend the hearings.

6. Given the gravity of the incident, we request Dr Ng Eng Hen, the Leader of the House to ensure that a full debate on the findings of the Committee’s report is held in Parliament.

7. We are aware that the entire nation is anxious that we learn all the lessons of the incident so as to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. We trust that the Cabinet as well as members of the Committee of Inquiry share our view that the above recommendations will contribute to the fitness of the proceedings and the production of findings that all members of society will have faith in.

For media enquiries, please contact Jolovan Wham at workfairsg@gmail.com

Listing Lists

Wonderful Veggie Breakfast in Chiang Mai. (Thanks Kheaw and Kamin for bringing this to us)

Lists - the end of year, we see lists appearing. Lists like best 10 , power lists - summarizes the year. Here is best 10 interesting blogs in Singapore. 

I remember 1 year when yi-sheng publishes his 'alternative' power list. 

Summarizing the entire experience of something is not limited to media machines. It's for everyone. You can make your list. As long as more people read and agree with your list. Your list will be all powerful too. I wish everyone a happy christmas and merry new year. Share your list with me. I will 'like' it.

Finally, a set of photos from the Awaken the Dragon project.