We are continuing with a series of contributions by human rights experts on the anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Vienna Declaration. In this issue we feature an opinion piece from Jemina Holmberg, the Programme Manager for Human Rights at the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, in which she asserts that in the face of assaults on democracy and human rights it is important for “We the People” to act in defence of the aspirations in the UDHR. READ MORE

We continue also our profiles of DTP alumni – those on the frontlines of defending human rights – with a profile of Nurul Qoiriah – and share news and calls for action from them.

UN PERMANENT FORUM ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES: AIPP, DTP and partners are convening the side event Securing land and territorial rights for Indigenous Peoples, equitable participation in decision making is central to ensuring the survival of biodiversity, improve planetary health and mitigate climate change, 20 April 1.15-2.30pm. DTP also hopes to catch up with any DTP alumni attending UNPFII and hold a DTP alumni consultation/strategy meeting. Please register interest by emailing [email protected]

AUSTRALIAN RIGHTS OF THE CHILD PERTH WORKSHOP: 17 participants from civil society and the Commission for Children and Young People WA joined DTP, Youth Law Australia and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights for this CRC workshop in Perth at the end of March. FIND OUT MORE

MYANMAR DIASPORA HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY IN ASEAN: 20 participants had sessions with former Thai Foreign Minister, Kasit Piromya, HE Yuyun Wahyunungrum, Chairperson of AICHR, EU and other diplomats, Debbie Stothard and others. The focus was the growing human rights crisis in Myanmar. With IHRP, Mahidol, FORUM-ASIA, Migrant Forum in Asia, AltASEAN, HRDF and WITNESS. FIND OUT MORE

HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY AND MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: Sri Lanka, May 8-12. In partnership with Migrant Forum in Asia. Applicants will be informed of the progress of their applications shortly. FIND OUT MORE

30th ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEOPLES' DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAM: Bangkok, Jan 23 – Feb 3. 29 participants from 13 countries. READ DRAFT PROGRAM REPORT

31st ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEOPLES' DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAM - TIMOR-LESTE: 21 August - 1 September. Calling for applications. With FORUM-ASIA, PIANGO, Migrant Forum in Asia, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, and local partners JSMP and UNTL Human Rights Centre. Applications close 30th April. FIND OUT MORE

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]

FORUM-ASIA says proposed Sri Lankan Anti-Terrorism Act to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act is flawed and allows criminalising of human rights defenders, protestors and minorities READ MORE

FORUM-ASIA condemns the recent judgement by India’s apex court restoring the doctrine of  “guilt by association” which will allow further persecution of HRDs READ MORE

SRI LANKA HRW warns of deteriorating economic and social rights if austerity and VAT conditions are imposed by IMF on loans to Sri Lanka READ MORE

SRI LANKA HRD journalist Ramachandran Sanath summoned to appear before the Terrorism Investigation Department for his outspoken defence of the rights of Tamils TAKE ACTION

MYANMAR National Unity Government of Myanmar publishes Special Issue on ASEAN 5-POINT CONSENSUS READ MORE

MALAYSIA Parliament passes Bill abolishing mandatory death penalty for most crimes and empowers Federal Court to review death sentences and sentences of life imprisonment READ MORE

SINGAPORE Lawyers persecuted and forced to flee by Attorney-General’s Department for making comments critical of the government READ MORE

PHILIPPINES Commission on Human Rights expresses grave alarm over incidences of violence against women and children throughout the country READ MORE

MYANMAR Statement from ASEAN Chair strongly condemns the reported recent air strikes carried out by the Myanmar Armed Forces in Pa Zi Gyi Village, Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region of Myanmar, that claimed the lives of at least dozens of civilians READ MORE

Human Rights Council reaffirms the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and calls on states to protect environmental defenders trying to uphold it READ MORE

UN Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights calls for inputs to inform her thematic report on “Multiple crisis, fiscal systems and human rights”, deadline 8 May. READ MORE