Second Asian Regional Human Rights Defenders’ Forum, 28-29 November 2006

The second Declaration expressed concern about the human rights situation in Asia particularly highlighting the ongoing military dictatorships, the escalation of internal violence, increasing culture of impunity, violations to ESC rights and prevalence of poverty among many others. The Declaration outlines challenges faced by HRDs in the region and provides recommended actions for Asian governments, NHRIs, the OHCHR and the HRDs themselves.

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First Southeast Asia Human Rights Defenders Forum (SEA-HRDF), 14-18 November 2006, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This regional meeting aimed to coordinate understanding and address key issues and challenges confronting HRDs. The Declaration highlights the human rights situation in Cambodia with the conviction that international solidarity is key. The Declaration also addresses the challenges to fulfilling economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights as well as the repression of democracy and disregard for rule of law in Southeast Asia. The Declaration outlines commitments and recommendations for Southeast Asian governments, ASEAN, human rights institutions and the UHCHR and various UN agencies.

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The First Northeast Asian Human Rights Defenders Forum, 16-20 August 2006, Nukht, Mongolia

The First Northeast Asian Human Rights Defenders Forum outlined the human rights challenges in Mongolia, explored issues of ESCR in the changing socio-economic context of Northeast Asia, discussed the promotion of a human rights-based approach to ODA and finally offered recommendations on how to strengthen the role of human rights defenders.

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Participants from the South Asian sub-region gathered in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 13-16 July for a training workshop and consultation on internally displaced persons (IDPs). Outlining the current issues facing IDPs in Sri Lanka, the workshop then tackled the emerging trends and challenges of IDPs in South Asia. A critical assessment was made on protection mechanisms recommendations were made to South Asian governments, UN agencies and experts as well as national human rights institutions.

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The Asian Civil Society Forum for Democracy (ACSFD) was held as a follow up to the International Civil Society Forum in 2003 (ICSF-2003) under the theme of “Promoting Further Democratic Reform”. The aim was to assess the achievements of promoting and installing democracy in Asia. After outlining the values and principles reflected in ICSF-2003, a discussion on democracy in the region and democratization processes took place. Country and region specific challenges were addressed. Challenges and opportunities for civil society were also addressed. Assessments on the implementation of ICSF-2003 in Asia were made and international initiatives for Asian democratization was also outlined. The Statement concludes with calls to action upon Asian governments, civil society and democracy advocates.

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First Human Rights Defenders’ Forum in South Asia (HRDF-SA), 6-8 June 2006, Dhulikhel, Nepal

This Declaration on HRDs in South Asia addresses the mainstreaming of human rights in the democratization and peace-building process in Nepal during their transition period. In addition, it highlights the importance of strengthening the role of HRDs for the pursuit of social justice. The Declaration outlines the various challenges facing the South Asian sub-region’s democracy and peace situation with focuses on structural poverty, caste-based discrimination, access to fundamental rights, among others.

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