Human Rights Correspondence School

The Issue Effective campaigning for human rights is important in correcting human rights violations and creating a movement for successful change. Such a movement accompanied the case of Michael Anthony Fernando (Tony). The Lessons Lesson 1: Key factors that contributed to the success of Tony’s campaign Lesson 2: A discussion of judicial accountability and impartiality […]

The Issue In order for governmental or other agencies to function effectively in promoting and protecting the human rights of all peoples, it is necessary for the agencies to have an independent mandate and structure. Especially in Asian countries, this is both vital as well as rare: in a region where societies are still ‘transitioning’ […]

The Issue Torture is prevalent in most Asian countries, even though many of them have signed and ratified the Convention Against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). (See lesson series 07). The problem is that unless ratification translates into effective domestic legislation, there is no improvement in the conditions that give […]

The Issue It is important to understand the plight of refugees and the struggles and issues that they face, starting with why they flee in the first place. By examining some recent cases in Asian countries, it is also possible to delve into some issues faced by the hosting countries, as well as examine how […]

The Issue The war against Iraq has been surrounded by much debate. It will be useful to look into a summary of international principles regarding war. The Lessons Lesson 1: Summary of positions regarding war in international law

The Issue Sexual assault and torture of women in custody is not an uncommon phenomenon in Asia. It is related to issues including illegal detention, torture, weaknesses of the judicial system, and deprivation of basic rights to food and medical treatment during detention and prison. The Lessons Lesson 1: A case study of rape and […]

The Issue June 26 has been designated International Day Against Torture by the United Nations some years ago. It is sad that it appears to be necessary to institute such a day to remind ourselves that the practice of torture is widely prevalent in Asian societies today. Although many countries are signatories to the International […]

The Issue Effective campaigning is crucial in gaining support and solidarity for human rights issues. Good campaigns may include the use of technology and communication facilities, networking, community actions or the monitoring of legal and government processes. The Lessons This lesson series is related to earlier lessons on human rights campaigning: Lesson Series 5: Due […]

The Issue As Asian states rush to revive old laws or enact new ones to “counter terrorism”, people need to be clear about what these measures mean and their consequences on human rights. The Lessons Lesson 1: Reflecting on the tragedy of September 11, 2001 Lesson 2: Terrorism, counter terrorism and international law

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. This document marked a milestone in human rights terms, because it is the first legally binding code of child rights in history, and acknowledges that children are holders of rights, rather than passive recipients of benefits. […]