“SURFACE!”

(Artists’ Gathering in Support for the Campaign to Surface the Lao RMAF Awardee Sombath Somphone, Jonas Burgos and All Other Desaparecidos)

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), in partnership with the Free Jonas Burgos Movement (FJBM) presents: “SURFACE!” A gathering of artists to support the continued search for the “Lao” Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, Sombath Somphone, for Jonas Burgos, and other victims of enforced disappearance, the event aims to bring to the general public's awareness, particularly, the artists and art lovers, the enforced disappearance of Sombath. With the upcoming commemoration of Jonas Burgos’ disappearance on April 28, the gathering intends to continuously remind the public of their disappearance as well as other cases not only in the country but in all Asia. It also aims to strengthen international solidarity against enforced disappearance particularly in the Asian region.

Statement of Concern: On the Safety of the 17 Muslim Student Activists Arbitrarily Arrested in Narathiwat Province

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), a regional federation of human rights organizations working directly on the issue of enforced disappearances, expresses deep concern over the safety of 17 Muslim student activists who were arbitrarily arrested and detained without charges after a warrantless search of their dormitories at Muang District, Narathiwat, on 2nd April 2015.

Arbitrarily detained without charges are the following students:

Crimes Against humanity in Bangladesh Necessitate ICC's Legitimate Action

6 April 2015

HONORABLE JUDGE SILVIA ALEJANDRA FERNÁNDEZ DE GURMENDI

President
International Criminal Court
PO Box 19519
2500 CM, The Hague
The Netherlands

Honorable Madam President,

Re: Crimes Against humanity in Bangladesh Necessitate ICC's Legitimate Action

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) is deeply concerned with the unabated spate of human rights violations in Bangladesh that falls under the category of the ‘crimes against humanity.’ It has become an almost daily phenomenon in Bangladesh where the law enforcement agencies and paramilitary forces arbitrarily arrest and detain people.

Enforced disappearances are allegedly perpetrated by the paramilitary forces and the police of Bangladesh. Almost daily, such crimes are being committed amidst the current political and constitutional crisis. The ruling Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led 20-Party Alliance are in a dispute over free, fair, credible and participatory national elections under a neutral interim government. The government’s refusal to holding an inclusive credible elections has resulted in widespread violence and human rights violations in Bangladesh.

STATEMENT on the 3rd Anniversary of Aminul Islam’s Disappearance, Torture and Extrajudicial Killing

It’s been three years after the brutal torture and murder of Aminul Islam and the climate of impunity continues in Bangladesh.

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) deeply condemns the murder of Aminul Islam, a human rights defender who helped garment factory workers demand their basic human rights and challenge the unjust system.

Abducted, Aminul Islam was brutally tortured and murdered as a direct result of his work to improve the working conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers. Apparently, this form of human rights violation sent a direct clear message to those working in the industry of what their future would hold if they attempt to exercise their labor rights and make demands for humane and better working conditions.