ASIA: Weekly Roundup, Episode 73

In this week’s Roundup, AHRC TV brings to you critical stories from the region. The programme begins with an update on Nepal, where a second major earthquake has rocked the nation. Renewed rescue efforts, along with relief work, have recommenced, but are inadequate for the needs of the people of the Himalayan nation. 

Staying in Nepal, AHRC TV turns to the consider the efforts of Kiran Joshi, Hollywood animator turned Nepalese innovator, who had worked to warn his country of the possibility of a major earthquake-led disaster and help his people prepare for it to minimise potential destruction. AHRC TV brings you one of the short animation videos Joshi helped create. 

Next, the programme moves to the Kerala state of India, where AHRC TV tracks the story of a woman who was raped by her own husband’s friends, in collusion with her husband, and has since been forsaken by the criminal justice institutions supposed to protect rape victims, prosecute offenders, and provide support and redress. AHRC TV speaks with the victim in person. Furthermore, to better contextualize the story, Bijo Francis, Executive Director at the Asian Human Rights Commission, is also interviewed in this week’s Roundup. 

The programme then moves to another South Asian nation, Sri Lanka, which is being visited by the Danish organisation DIGNITY, in the island nation to learn more about torture and activism against the same. AHRC TV brings you footage of Karin Verland, Director General of DIGNITY, and Danish TV personality and DIGNITY celebrity ambassador Sarah Grunewald, engaging in discussions with victims and activists in Panadura, Kandy, and Negombo. 

Lastly, the programme offers viewers a teaser trailer of the powerful documentary film Healing Manipur, which is set for its 19 June 2015 world premiere in Geneva, Switzerland, where it is being screened in conjunction with the June Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

We welcome both human rights feeds to be considered for weekly news bulletin, and your suggestions to improve our news channel. Please write to news@ahrc.asia. You can also watch our Weekly Roundup on Facebook