DTP E-Newsletter 119 - Working Together To Advance Human Rights Since 1989

DTP - BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF ASIA-PACIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENTS 1990 - 2020

This issue of DTP’s E-News has a focus on human rights and democracy in Myanmar as protests continue against the military coup amid mounting international concern and pressure. DTP alumni are active in solidarity with the human rights movements in Myanmar. Please see below for more updates and calls for action on Myanmar and human rights in the region.

Solidarity demonstrations in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Myanmar

Following the military coup, Forum-Asia, Amnesty International and Front Line Defenders joined international human rights NGOs in calling for a special session on Myanmar at the UN Human Rights Council. READ MORE

Forum-Asia and other CSOs also call on HRC member states and observers to act to protect demonstrators. READ THE LETTER

DTP alumni and others in Myanmar have made a plea for international solidarity

DTP alumni in Northern Thailand are among those how have responded with solidarity protests (see pic).

Yuyun Wahiyuningrum and other representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights call for human rights to be respected in Myanmar and for principles of democracy and ASEAN Charter and ASEAN human rights declaration to be upheld.

Indigenous peoples organisations, AIPP, and International Work Group on Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) condemn the coup in Myanmar. READ THE STATEMENT

Other organisations have shared statements of solidarity, including ACFID.

DTP PROGRAMS

CHILDREN'S RIGHTS: In partnership with Youth Law Australia and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, "Applying the Convention on the Rights of the Child to policy and practice - the Scottish experience", the 3rd webinar in our CRC series was held on Tuesday. WATCH HERE. More info on CRC Program here.

HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PACIFIC: Over 100 applications were received for new program on Papua New Guinea and Human Rights - Universal Periodic Review. It starts the 23 February and will support CSO engagement with PNG's review.

DTP ALUMNI IN ACTION

For information on our alumni, click here. If you want to get in contact with any of DTP's alumni, please contact the office at [email protected]

Solidarity Selfie: Louchrisha Hussain

Louchrisha Hussain, CEO of the Citizen's Constitutional Forum speaks about the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Papua New Guinea

Environmental and land defender, Isidor Kaupun arrested with others trying to stop destruction of forests for palm oil through Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABL). CLICK HERE for pictures from the frontline of the battle to preserve cultures, livelihoods, forests and biodiversity.

Cover of Save the Sepik's Seven Success Stories in 2020 report

Papua New Guinea

Emmanuel Peni shares the Save the Sepik’s Seven Success Stories in 2020 report as campaign to stop the proposed Frieda River Mine grows momentum. Many thousands of villagers and fragile ecosystems at risk. READ THE REPORT

Bangladesh

Mong Marma shares the historic long march of Mro people protesting proposed 5 star Marriott hotel development, on their lands in Bandarban, CHT, Bangladesh. UN Human Rights Special Procedures raised their concerns about this case.

Army camp setup at the site of the Shijakamukh Buddhist monastery

Bangladesh

John Tripura shares evidence of the building of 19 army camps on Indigenous land in the Chittagong Hills Tracts contrary to the 1998 CHT Accord and resulting in increased repression.

NEWS FROM THE REGION

AUSTRALIA Media reports of UN members’ criticism of Australia at the UPR for its treatment of refugees, asylum seekers, and Indigenous Australians. READ MORE

SINGAPORE NGO statement on detention of three who protested against LGBT discrimination READ MORE

SOUTH ASIA FORUM ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS 17-19 March Concept note READ HERE. To find out more or to register, contact Harpreet Kaur HERE

Cover of Human Rights, Climate Change and Business Key Messages

RESOURCES AND MORE

CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN RIGHTS Climate change and environmental damage directly affects a range of human rights. OHCHR has developed a series of information materials. READ MORE

THE COMMONS SOCIAL CHANGE LIBRARY An online collection of educational resources on campaign strategy, community organising, digital campaigning, communications and media, and more. VIEW THE FIRST NATIONS RESOURCE

Former DTP intern Jason Deutsch encourages young people interested to apply to the “The Unheard Voices of Conflict: Stories from Around the World” competition organised by the NGO Never Such Innocence. Deadline 19 March 2021. READ MORE

DTP's 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Report is out now.

PLEASE DONATE

DTP relies on donations to provide quality training to human rights defenders so that they can promote and protect human rights effectively in their societies. Please help if you can and donate here. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

Participants on DTP's 2019 Regional Workshop on Ethical Business and Recruitment Practices, Dubai

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

One of DTP's strengths is you, our alumni and networks. As we see the Covid-19 pandemic spreading and the different responses of government, business and communities, you have never been more important in communicating impacts, and enabling/driving solidarity, action and accountability. If you have news, opinion pieces, resources or examples of best practice to share, or have questions on human rights and Covid-19, please send them to us at [email protected]. Please stay safe.

Issue #119 February 2021

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, the Bedegal people of the Eora Nation