Human rights advocate Wensislaus (Wensi) Fatubun was working as a Program Manager of the Secretariat Justice and Peace Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Indonesia in Jakarta (JPIC MSC Indonesia) when he attended the 22nd Annual Human Rights and People's Diplomacy Training program in Timor-Leste in 2012. Since 2019, he has been working as a human rights advisor for the Papuan People’s Assembly, a governmental body set up under the Special Autonomy Law.

In Northeast Thailand, Pranom “Bee” Somwong who works with Protection International points out that it is women who are leading community opposition to potash mining. The Network has highlighted that during Covid-19 shutdowns environmental activists are harassed and prosecuted while mining surveys and operations are approved.

The Covid-19 pandemic affects over 10 million Bangladeshi migrant workers and their dependents. Dismissals, non-payment and underpayment to workers in the receiving countries means the impoverishment of their families back home. The Awaj Foundation demands action from the government and others and the creation of a special fund for the migrants and their families left behind at home to enable them to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. Migrant Forum in Asia has launched a call for a global response.

Human Rights Civil Society Groups in Porgera raise concerns with the PNG government about the human rights and environment issues related to the Porgera Gold Mine owned by Barrick Gold and Zijin Mining – and who will address the terrible human rights and environmental legacies of the mine. Sent by McDiyan Robert Yapari

Indonesian seafarers working in conditions of modern day slavery on commercial fishing vessels has attracted international attention. Indonesian advocates are urging their government to take the latest cases, including reports of Indonesian fisherman being thrown overboard, to the UN Human Rights Council, and to boost their diplomacy for Indonesian seafarers. Sent by Dina Nuriati

International and Indian trade unions condemn draconian Indian government action using Covid-19 to suspend labour laws and extend workday from 8-12 hours and other measures, including discrimination against women and senior citizens in distribution of food aid. Indian trade unions are calling for a nationwide protest.

Human rights and environmental groups are calling for action having documented the assault and death of Indigenous Papuan civilian Marius Betera by a policeman at the office of the PT. Tunas Sawa Palm Oil company. It is alleged that palm oil companies in West Papua engage Indonesian military and police who use violence to put pressure on the community, labourers, and environmental human rights defenders. Sent by Ruth Ohoiwutun.

DTP’s PACIFIC partner, PIANGO calls for a moratorium and meaningful public debate on the proposal to carry out deep sea mining in the Pacific. An analysis of the scientific evidence reveals that damage/impacts would be extensive, severe, and last for generations, causing essentially irreversible species loss, and would not deliver claimed benefits to local communities and Pacific island countries. For World Ocean Day June 8, sign the petition to protect the oceans.

MALAYSIA A group of UN Special Rapporteurs have strongly condemned the Malaysian Government for its crackdown on migrants, journalists and civil society in the context of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. They call on the government to strongly oppose xenophobia and hate speech against migrants. For background, read this piece by DTP alumnus Aslam Abd Jalil “‘Malaysian Malaysia’: The Rise of Xenophobia”.

ASIA The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the practices of business on their impact on human rights. DTP partner FORUM-ASIA together with the UNDP and OXFAM are conducting an impact analysis of this across the Asia region. You are invited to contribute here (confidentiality guaranteed)

ASIA Clothing companies should not cancel their orders during the Covid-19 pandemic so as to protect vulnerable workers in factories throughout Asia. Some companies have committed to pay in full for orders completed or in production. Others have not. Help convince them to do so. READ MORE

CAMBODIA The Cambodian authorities have taken the cover of the fight against Covid-19 to accelerate illegal logging in forest sanctuaries and to harass and intimidate Indigenous environmental defenders. READ MORE

SOUTHEAST ASIA Multinational groceries chain Tesco issues a yearly modern slavery statement. This year’s report documents abuses against migrant workers in Thailand and Malaysia in its stores and distribution centres. READ MORE

AUSTRALIA In an action with global significance, Youth Verdict is taking legal action to stop mega coal mine for human rights impacts linked to climate change. READ MORE

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 #103 June 2020

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