Josef Benedict
@josefroy2.bsky.social
📤 114
📥 77
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Asia-Pacific Researcher with the CIVICUS Monitor -
https://monitor.civicus.org/
New brief on
#SriLanka
by CIVICUS reviewing the
#civicspace
record of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a year since he came to office. Concerns remain on the targeting of
#activists
&
#journalists
and restrictions on expression and peaceful assembly.
web.civicus.org/SLBriefSept25
22 days ago
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#Nepal
: Youth-led anti-corruption
#protests
forced political change, despite a lethal crackdown by security forces that left scores dead. Protesters and civil society are now demanding for
#accountability
and
#reforms
Our latest
#civicspace
update:
web.civicus.org/NepalSept2025
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Nepal: Anti-corruption protests force political change despite violent crackdown - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/NepalSept2025
24 days ago
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#China
: The state of
#civicspace
remains 'closed'. In recent months, the regime has continued to criminalise
#activists
, increase digital restrictions and deploy transnational repression against
#protesters
More here:
web.civicus.org/ChinaSept2025
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China: Regime continues to criminalise activists, increase digital restrictions and deploy transnational repression against protesters - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/ChinaSept2025
25 days ago
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#Afghanistan’s
#civicspace
has collapsed, CIVICUS Calls for Urgent Action at the UN Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session, Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan with the Special Rapporteur
www.civicus.org/index.php/me...
about 1 month ago
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#India
: The state of
#civicspace
is rated as 'repressed'. In recent months, the govt has continued to deny bail to
#activists
detained under the UAPA, ban books in
#Kashmir
, block social media and crackdown on protests. More here:
web.civicus.org/IndiaSept2025
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India: Ongoing detention of activists without bail, criminalisation of dissent and ban on books - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/IndiaSept2025
about 1 month ago
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#Myanmar
: Repression including
#torture
and death of political prisoners and targeting of
#journalists
continue, as junta announces sham elections Our new
#civicspace
update:
web.civicus.org/MyanmarAug2025
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Myanmar: Repression including torture and death of political prisoners continues as junta announces sham elections - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/MyanmarAug2025
about 2 months ago
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#Bangladesh
: A year after the fall of the regime, positive steps have been taken to improve
#civicspace
. However, our new brief shows that more must be done to protect
#activists
&
#journalists
, repeal restrictive laws & strengthen
#accountability
More here:
web.civicus.org/BDbriefAug24
2 months ago
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#Thailand
: 5 years ago, activist Arnon Nampa was arrested for participating in a protest. He now faces 29 years in prison on multiple charges, primarily for royal defamation. We call on Thai authorities to release him & drop all charges. See chronology here :
web.civicus.org/Timeline-Arnon
2 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
CFHK Foundation
3 months ago
📰NEWSLETTER:
#HK
diaspora media mergers,
#TransnationalRepression
of
#HongKongers
in the spotlight and World Justice Project comes under fire for helping
#HongKong
authorities whitewash repression. Read it in full:
thecfhk.org/transnationa...
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The CIVICUS Monitor has added
#Indonesia
to its watchlist. It assesses that within Indonesia, instances of state intimidation, legal manipulation, and the violent suppression of dissenting opinions are rampant, placing the nation's civil space in a concerning state.
en.tempo.co/read/2034134...
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Indonesian Civil Liberties on CIVICUS Watchlist
CIVICUS Monitor includes Indonesia in its watchlist. Prabowo Subianto's government is deemed to suppress civil liberties.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2034134/indonesian-civil-liberties-on-civicus-watchlist
3 months ago
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The new CIVICUS Monitor
#civicspace
Watchlist, launched today, highlights serious concerns regarding the exercise of civic freedoms in El Salvador, Indonesia, Kenya, Serbia, Turkey and the United States of America . More here:
web.civicus.org/WatchlistJul...
3 months ago
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A joint UPR submission by CIVICUS and the Melbourne Activist Legal Support (MALS) where we assess
#Australia’s
compliance with its international human rights obligations to ensure a safe and enabling environment for civil society and civic space Submission here:
www.civicus.org/documents/up...
3 months ago
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#Indonesia
: The state of
#civicspace
is rated as 'obstructed' In recent months, the
#Prabowo
government has targeted
#humanrights
defenders & journalists, cracked down on
#protests
& pushed problematic law revisions More here:
web.civicus.org/IndonesiaJul...
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Indonesia: Civic space regresses with targeting of activists, brutal crackdown on protests and problematic law revisions - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/IndonesiaJuly2025
3 months ago
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An op-ed I co-wrote, on the increasing use of restrictive laws to jail
#humanrights
defenders across the Asia region
thediplomat.com/2025/07/repr...
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Repressive Laws Are Increasingly Being Used to Silence Activists Across Asia
From Hong Kong to India, governments are passing and weaponizing new laws to pursue and jail whoever speaks up for human rights.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/repressive-laws-are-increasingly-being-used-to-silence-activists-across-asia/
3 months ago
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#SriLanka's
#civicspace
is rated as 'repressed'. Since early 2025, President Dissanayake's government has silenced critical voices & disrupted student
#protests
. The government has also retained the restrictive Online Safety Act. More here
web.civicus.org/SriLankaJune...
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Sri Lanka: New government silences dissent and disrupts protests while impunity for past crimes persists - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/SriLankaJune2025
3 months ago
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#India
: The state of
#civicspace
is rated as 'repressed'. In recent months, critical online commentary on the conflict with Pakistan was
#censored
,
#journalists
targeted, while communities in Chhattisgarh face military operations. Our latest update:
web.civicus.org/IndiaJune2025
4 months ago
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#Pakistan
: It has been 3 months since human rights defender Dr. Mahrang Baloch was unjustly arrested by police during a peaceful sit-in to protest police violence. She is being detained in Hudda Jail. We call for her immediate & unconditional release.
4 months ago
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🇮🇳
#India
: Today Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez will celebrate his 48th birthday in prison. He has been in detention for three & a half years now. Together with rights groups, we call for his immediate release:
web.civicus.org/Khurram
#FreeKhurram
#StandAsMyWitness
4 months ago
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#Afghanistan
: Today the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, presents his report on 'Access to justice & protection for women and girls and the impact of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.' Full report here:
www.ohchr.org/sites/defaul...
4 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
The Guardian
4 months ago
Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong hit with new charges
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Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong hit with new charges
Wong accused of conspiracy in move rights groups condemn as ‘outrageous’ attempt to keep influential dissident imprisoned Jailed pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been hit with further national security charges, a move rights groups said showed the Hong Kong government was trying to keep dissidents behind bars for as long as possible. Wong, a well-known activist who has been in jail for more than four years either awaiting trial or serving sentences, is accused of conspiracy to collude with a foreign country. He appeared in court on Friday to hear the charge and did not apply for bail. Continue reading...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/07/jailed-hong-kong-democracy-activist-joshua-wong-hit-with-new-charges?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&CMP=bsky_gu
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#Thailand
: Conviction of
#humanrights
defender & lawyer Arnon Nampa to 2 years in jail on 28 May for his speech on monarchy reforms is outrageous & must be overturned. He faces a total sentence of 24 years under the
#lesemajeste
law. We stand in solidarity and call for his release
#StandAsMyWitness
5 months ago
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🇦🇺#Australia: As the Labor government starts its second term in power, the authorities have continued to criminalise
#protests
, police with
#impunity
and increase restrictive legislation & policies Our latest
#civicspace
update:
web.civicus.org/AustraliaMay...
5 months ago
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The
#civicspace
situation in
#ASEAN
continues to regress with 3 countries rated 'closed' and 5 rated 'repressed'.
#Malaysia
as the 2025 Chair must seriously address the backsliding of fundamental freedoms in the region, including the ongoing crisis in
#Myanmar
#ASEAN2025
5 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
Justice For Myanmar
5 months ago
In
#Myanmar
, ASEAN stands for complicity in A - Atrocities S - Sanctions evasion E - Economic crimes A - Arming war criminals N - Negotiating with terrorists 🪧✊🏽 Ready to take it to the streets? Download a sign for your demonstration 👉🏽
buff.ly/CNMLSjo
#DirtyOver30
#ActNowASEAN
#ASEAN
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UN Special Rapporteur wrote to the Government of
#Thailand
about the criminal proceeding & charges pressed against several human rights defenders for their participation in a Malay-Muslim cultural gathering in Pattani province
srdefenders.org/thailand-cri...
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Thailand: criminal proceeding and charges pressed against human rights defenders for their peaceful participation in a Malay-Muslim cultural gathering (joint communication)
This is the summary of a joint communication sent to the Government of Thailand about the criminal proceeding and charges pressed against Muhammad Aladee Dengni, Hasan Yamadibu, Sukiplee Kamae, A Nas ...
https://srdefenders.org/thailand-criminal-proceeding-and-charges-pressed-against-human-rights-defenders-for-their-peaceful-participation-in-a-malay-muslim-cultural-gathering-joint-communication/
5 months ago
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#Cambodia
: The government has fabricated evidence to criminalise & jail, dozens of opposition politicians,
#activists
, trade unionists & critics. Now they are going after their critics abroad and the Anwar Ibrahim govt &
#ASEAN
chair is facilitating
#TransnationalRepression
add a skeleton here at some point
5 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
RSF
5 months ago
#China
: a coalition of 58 NGOs led by RSF is sounding the alarm over the arbitrary and prolonged detention of journalist
#ZhangZhan
on the 5th anniversary of her arrest. Her health is deteriorating in detention. It’s time to
#FreeZhangZhan
!
rsf.org/en/china-rsf...
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China: RSF and coalition of 58 NGOs demand release of ailing journalist Zhang Zhan on 5th anniversary of her arrest
A coalition of 58 press freedom and human rights NGOs led by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called for the release of Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan on 14 May, the 5th anniversary of her first arrest....
https://rsf.org/en/china-rsf-and-coalition-58-ngos-demand-release-ailing-journalist-zhang-zhan-5th-anniversary-her
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#HongKong
: National security police have arrested the father and brother of
#humanrights
defender and director of Hong Kong Democracy Council, Anna Kwok
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
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Hong Kong police arrest father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok
Hong Kong national security police have arrested the father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok for allegedly dealing with her finances, local media reported on Friday, in the first use of the city's security law on family members.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hong-kong-police-arrest-father-brother-wanted-activist-anna-kwok-2025-05-02/
6 months ago
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#Malaysia
: More than 1,500 people gathered today to take part in a Labour Day rally. Among the key demands were an increase in the national minimum wage to RM2,000 and the implementation of a comprehensive affordable housing policy.
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nat...
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More than 1,500 join Labour Day rally in KL
The participants demand better rights for workers, a RM2,000 minimum wage and the implementation of a comprehensive affordable housing policy.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/05/01/more-than-1500-people-join-labour-day-rally-in-kl
6 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
LabourStart
6 months ago
TAIWAN: Unions protest against Taipei Metro over lost paid leave
www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6098441
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Unions protest against Taipei Metro over lost paid leave | Taiwan News | Apr. 30, 2025 20:38
Labor group claims seniority reset for outsourced cleaning staff resulted in NT$3 million wage loss | Apr. 30, 2025 20:38
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6098441
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
Justice For Myanmar
7 months ago
We condemn Thailand & BIMSTEC’s decision to allow Min Aung Hlaing to attend the Summit. Welcoming a
#WarCriminal
responsible for atrocities in disaster-stricken regions is disgraceful, tarnishing BIMSTEC's image. BIMSTEC: put Myanmar's people's lives above economic ties!
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Myanmar junta leader’s Bangkok visit starts today despite ea
Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to Bangkok for the Bay of Bengal region summit, scheduled for this Friday, is still confirmed, Thai Fo
https://buff.ly/dyERv8G
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
RSF
7 months ago
#Cambodia
: RSF condemns the physical assault on 3 journalists from news site
#EagleNews
who were reporting on a deforestation case on 24/02 when 4 unidentified men attacked. We call for a thorough investigation into the crime & urge the 🇰🇭 gov to ensure the protection of environmental journalists.
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs
7 months ago
Hearing disturbing news about the harassment of CSO KontraS, reportedly linked to its advocacy against recent legislative reform expanding the military’s role in domestic affairs.
#Indonesia
must ensure that civil society & HRDs can voice their legitimate concerns without restriction.
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
Human Rights Index 💙
7 months ago
Disturbing news from Pakistan: Mahrang Baloch, a powerful voice for the voiceless, has been detained. ⚠️ Her fight for justice is a human right — not a crime. She must be released. 🕯️🇵🇰
#ReleaseMahrangBaloch
#HumanRights
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
Justice in Southeast Asia Lab (JSEALab at UW-Madison)
7 months ago
STARVING FOR JUSTICE: Academic Freedom and Human Rights in Thailand 25 March (Tuesday), 8 pm CDT (Madison) 26 March (Wednesday), 8 am ICT (Bangkok) Register here:
bit.ly/4kJU4J5
Organized by the JSEALab and Article 112 Project at UW-Madison.
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🚀 The CIVICUS 2025 State of Civil Society report is out!
#SOCS2025
It covers conflict, democracy, economy, climate, tech, gender rights, migrants' rights & the United Nations. Read & download the full report
publications.civicus.org/publications...
7 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
RSF
7 months ago
#USA
Trump administration has abruptly placed all VOA staff on administrative leave. RSF condemns this decision as departure from the U.S.'s historic role as a defender of free information & calls on the U.S. government to restore
#VOA
& urges Congress to take action against this unprecedented move
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Trump administration decision to put all VOA personnel on administrative leave is the latest abandonment of US’s historic role in championing press freedom
The Trump administration has abruptly placed all Voice of America (VOA) personnel on administrative leave. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns this decision as a departure from the U.S.'s histori...
https://rsf.org/en/trump-administration-decision-put-all-voa-personnel-administrative-leave-latest-abandonment-us-s
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New
#civicspace
watchlist looks at the deterioration of rights in: 🇵🇰Criminalisation of HRDs/journalists 🇷🇸Protesters, CSOs under attack 🇨🇩Journalists, HRDs targeted, censorship 🇮🇹Restrictive draft security law 🇺🇸Gross abuses of executive power ➡️
web.civicus.org/WLMarch2025
7 months ago
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The United States has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, which identifies countries that the global civil rights watchdog believes are currently experiencing a rapid decline in civic freedoms.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
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US added to international watchlist for rapid decline in civic freedoms
Civicus, an international non-profit, puts country alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan and Serbia
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/09/watchlist-decline-civic-freedoms-civicus?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1
7 months ago
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On International Women's Day, I stand in solidarity with women human rights defenders in
#Asia
who are in prison for their activism & demand their release
#IWD2025
- Chow Hang-Tung (#HongKong) - Pham Doan Trang (#Vietnam) - Phuon Keoraksmey (#Cambodia) - Gulfisha Fatima (#India)
7 months ago
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🚨🆕
#CIVICUSVoices
Season 4 is out! 🌎✊ Dive into how protests disrupt the status quo, challenge injustice & demand change. Tune in to Episode 1 🎧🎙️
web.civicus.org/Podcast-S4
8 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
CHRD人权捍卫者
8 months ago
🚩 NEW REPORT: “In a Prison Cell Waiting for Daybreak” documents 1,545 prisoners of conscience in
#China
(2019-2024). Our findings support
#UN
concern that the scope and scale of arbitrary detentions may constitute
#CrimesAgainstHumanity
.
youtube.com/shorts/9eazm...
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Arbitrary Detention in China may Constitute Crimes Against Humanity
YouTube video by CHRDnetwork
https://youtube.com/shorts/9eazmEvGFDc
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#Indonesia
: Crackdown on
#protests
, stifling of expression and repression in
#Papua
continues in
#Prabowo’s
first four months in power More here:
web.civicus.org/IndonesiaFeb...
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Indonesia: Crackdown on protests, stifling of expression and repression in Papua continues in Prabowo’s first four months in power - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/IndonesiaFeb2025
8 months ago
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reposted by
Josef Benedict
Justice in Southeast Asia Lab (JSEALab at UW-Madison)
8 months ago
IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE: In Pursuit of Justice: Arnon Nampa, Article 112 and Human Rights in Thailand Zoom Webinar Wednesday, 5 March 2025 7 am CST | 8 am EST | 8 pm ICT Registration:
bit.ly/4gTghBq
Speakers: Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate (TLHR) Akanit Tadi (Freedom Bridge ) Frank Munger (NYLS)
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#Thailand
: Prosecution of activists and transnational repression persist as the government takes its place on the UN Human Rights Council. The country is currently on our
#civicspace
Watch List More here:
web.civicus.org/ThailandFeb2...
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Thailand: Prosecution of activists and transnational repression persist as government takes its place on UN rights body - Civicus Monitor
https://web.civicus.org/ThailandFeb2025
8 months ago
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#Malaysia
: Extremely worrying that
#humanrights
defenders Sevan Doraisamy & Azura Nasron from SUARAM are going to be charged under s5 of Protected Areas and Protected Places Act. This is a clear form of judicial harassment to stifle their activism
t.co/IERfyI3aew
8 months ago
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CIVICUS joined 11 human rights organisations in a joint letter urging the EU to take action on human rights concerns in
#India
, ahead of the College of Commissioners visit. This includes the crackdown on peaceful dissent, press freedom & civil society
www.civicus.org/index.php/me...
8 months ago
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#Australia
: CIVICUS speaks with Brenna McNeil the coordinator of Melbourne Activist Legal Support (MALS), about increasing restrictions on the right to protest as states introduce increasingly restrictive legislation & police adopt more aggressive tactics
lens.civicus.org/interview/at...
8 months ago
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In an interview with CIVICUS, CFU’s Executive Director Rushan Abbas highlighted the urgent need to protect
#Uyghur
refugees in Thailand and facilitate their safe resettlement. The world cannot stay silent as China expands its transnational repression.
lens.civicus.org/interview/th...
8 months ago
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#Myanmar
: Four years since the coup, the junta continues its deadly attacks on civilians & systematic repression of activists. We call on
#ASEAN
to end its complicity with the junta, take serious steps to restore democracy & act to ensure accountability 🔗
web.civicus.org/EndComplicit...
9 months ago
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