ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) on LinkedIn: #parliamentaryinquiry #aphr (2024)

JAKARTA, 3 August 2024. APHR are deeply disturbed by the news received on July 31, 2024, of another six-month extension of the state of emergency, the sixth since the junta took power in the 2021 coup. The military reasoned that the extension was necessary to ensure “stability and security” while preparing for a general election and the transition to civilian administration."The extension of the state emergency is against the wish of the Myanmar people. Stability and security in Myanmar only can be achieved by respecting human rights, ending violence; and releasing political detainees and military returning to barracks. We call on the Military to ensure full protection of the human rights of all persons in Myanmar," said Mercy Chriesty Barends, APHR Chair, Indonesian MP.APHR are alarmed that people continue to be arrested in connection with online posts, which creates an atmosphere of self-censorship. The military continued to use unlawful association laws to prosecute its perceived opponents. It is becoming increasingly difficult to stage peaceful protests both virtually and otherwise in Myanmar. "Humanitarian assistance should be distributed without discrimination and should not be politicized. It is important that ASEAN to scale up humanitarian assistance to all people in need in Myanmar and ensure the full protection, safety, and security of humanitarian and medical personnel," said Barends. "The international community must urgently step-up efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need and hold the junta accountable for grave violations of human rights," added Barends.https://lnkd.in/gTE3svAi#FreeMyanmar #DemocracyinMyanmar #EndViolenceinMyanmar #APHR

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Denise Fontanilla, Communications Lead of Parliamentarians for a Fossil-Free Future, emphasized the importance of engaging with inquiry mechanisms and also developing the inter-national human rights institution.During day 2 of Regional Conference on Climate Change: Strengthening the Roles of Parliamentarias, the second panel discussed the clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a constitutional right.Watch the livestream at https://lnkd.in/gisDnwjh#ClimateChangeConference#APHR

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JAKARTA, 2 August 2024 - ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) expresses serious concerns over repeated attempts by the Thai government to silence lawmakers by politicising the courts. They point out that the Thai Constitutional Court’s ruling on the dissolution of the Move Forward Party over their proposal to amend the lèse-majesté law could have serious repercussions on the 44 Members of Parliament, who supported a draft measure amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code during the previous parliamentary term in 2021.“In light of these circ*mstances, we urge the Thai judiciary to maintain its independence and carefully consider the consequences that its overreach into the prerogatives of the legislature may have on Thailand's political and economic stability, as well as its international reputation,” said APHR Chair and member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Mercy Chriesty Barends.In the past twenty years, there have been four major cases of party dissolutions. A guilty verdict against the Move Forward Party would mark the fifth. It is noteworthy that in 2020, the Future Forward Party, the predecessor to the Move Forward Party, became the fourth victim of what some consider a judicial coup.“The Thai parliament is at risk of losing its function as a check on power when parliamentarians are constantly at risk for advocating reforms through their mandates,” said APHR Co-Chair and former Malaysian MP Charles Santiago.APHR therefore calls upon those exercising de facto power in Thailand to refrain from politicising the courts as an instrument to silence parliamentarians on charges that contravene universal democratic principles, for their political longevity and motivation. In sharp contrast, APHR encourages the Constitutional Court to consult the Venice Commission's guidelines on the prohibition and dissolution of political parties.“The dissolution of a political party should only be considered as the last resort in extreme cases and must be implemented with utmost care, caution, and proportionality. The fact alone that a party advocates a peaceful change should not be sufficient for its dissolution,” said Arlene D. Brosas, Philippine Member of Parliament and Board Member of APHR. “We call on the Thai Constitutional Court to follow internationally recognised principles in deliberating their decision,” added Brosas.Read more on https://lnkd.in/gCfMQWqr#StopJudicialHarassment#StandWithMFP#FairCourtsMatter #APHR

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Sharina Abdul Halim, Associate Professor at LESTARI UKM, explained how climate change affects the human system across the region and how those who contribute the least to it are also the most vulnerable.During Day 1 of Regional Conference on Climate Change: Strengthening the Roles of Parliamentarias, the first panel discussed the current state of the climate crisis.Watch the livestream at https://lnkd.in/gisDnwjh#ClimateChangeConference#APHR

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🚨CALL FOR EVIDENCE To investigate further into the vast impacts of nickel mining, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) in partnership with Commission 4 (Agricultural, Plantations, Forestry, Maritime, Fisheries, and Food Affairs) and Commission 7 (Energy, Mineral Resources, Research and Technology, Environmental Affairs) of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia conducted an international parliamentary inquiry (IPI) on the Adverse Impacts of Nickel Mining on the Environment on the 22nd of July 2024. To aid in this process, we invite you to share your experiences, knowledge, and evidence in writing related to nickel mining and deforestation in Indonesia. You can submit through https://lnkd.in/gHseRWP6 Your input is crucial to inform the ongoing parliamentary inquiry. Please submit your information by 30th August 2024.For questions or concerns, please contact Savita Saravanan through savita(at)aseanmp(dot)org#ParliamentaryInquiry#APHR

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Gerry Arances, Executive Director of Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), talks about the importance of having uniform standard for air pollution within the region.During Day 2 of Regional Conference on Climate Change: Strengthening the Roles of Parliamentarias, the fourth panel discussed the policy perspectives & collaborative solutions on transboundary haze.Watch the livestream at https://lnkd.in/gisDnwjh#ClimateChangeConference#APHR

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APHR launched "A Toolkit for Parliamentarians: Advancing Sustainable Climate Finance Policies and Action" to empower legislators in Southeast Asia with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive transformative action in the fight against climate change. At its core, it is designed to equip parliamentarians to effectively advocate for, allocate, and oversee financial resources dedicated to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building efforts across the region.This toolkit serves as an indispensable companion for legislators committed to advancing effective climate action within their respective jurisdictions and as a guide to empower legislators in navigating the complex landscape of climate finance.Download the toolkit on our website https://lnkd.in/gSJyxiKy#ClimateFinance#APHR#Toolkit

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Pita Limjaroenrat, APHR Member and Thai MP, talks about the role of parliamentarians in solving the climate change problems.During Day 2 of Regional Conference on Climate Change: Strengthening the Roles of Parliamentarias, the third panel discussed transitioning to net zero: developing regional best practices. Watch the livestream at https://lnkd.in/gisDnwjh#ClimateChangeConference#APHR

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APHR and International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief are co-organizing "Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB): 2024 Parliamentarians Regional Conference in Southeast Asia." The conference will be held in Jakarta on 24-25 August 2024 and attended by Southeast Asian MPs, representatives from FoRB violations survivors, and FoRB experts and advocates.Southeast Asia is home to a rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity. However, this region also faces significant challenges in protecting and promoting the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). State-sanctioned discrimination, restrictive laws, and the rise of extremist ideologies threaten individuals and communities who express their faith or beliefs, often deemed 'deviant.' Parliamentarians play a crucial role in advancing FoRB, advocating for legislative measures that protect these freedoms, and championing inclusive policies. It is imperative to discuss the ongoing challenges, including how parliamentarians can openly address issues without facing potential public backlash. To achieve this, it is crucial to understand the situation in the region and develop an action plan outlining what parliamentarians can do and identifying the support required.*this is an invitation-only event, please contact forb(at)aseanmp(dot)org for more information.#FoRBConference#APHR

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