Human Rights Correspondence School

This lesson series discusses the concept of militarization, which exists in differing degrees in various countries of Asia. In particular, the lesson examines the impacts of militarization on human rights and social structures. The lesson also comprises a table comparing the different political, legal, social and moral premises of democracy and militarism. In a region where violence, instability and repression is rising, the study of two opposing systems of governance can facilitate discussion on the effective protection of human rights and rule of law.rights work

This lesson looks at the dire situation of human rights defenders throughout Asia, who face violence, intimidation or implication in false cases for their work. The lesson also discusses who is a human rights defender and the international norms that are meant to afford them protection. Particular experiences of how local human rights defenders were given protection are also shared in the lesson. These experiences may be applied in different countries, as well as serve as an opportunity for further discussion on human rights work.

Equality for all, especially before the law, is crucial for a pluralistic and democratic society. This lesson examines the new race discrimination law passed in Hong Kong. By looking at various instances of racial discrimination, the lesson underlines the need for effective legislation in protecting the rights of all peoples.

In studying the widespread situation of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines today, this lesson documents how arbitrary deprivation of life has become a norm in that society. Such arbitrary deprivation takes numerous forms and occurs under various pretexts. Ultimately, it erodes value for human life and destroys the criminal justice system.

This lesson looks at the situation of land grabbing and forced evictions occurring in Cambodia today. Using specific cases, the lesson discusses how the right to land is linked to many other rights, underlining the indivisibility of all human rights.

This lesson looks at the UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law. Among the elements making up effective reparation are compensation, judicial sanctions and public acknowledgment of the violation suffered. The lesson also briefly examines the situation in Asia, where reparation for human rights abuse is far from satisfactory.

This lesson discusses the role of human rights monitoring missions. In particular, it focuses on how such a mission could help to protect citizens' rights in Sri Lanka, which is facing a particularly dire situation at present. There have been numerous calls for a UN human rights team to be present in Sri Lanka, and this lesson looks at the benefits of such a presence, as well as its possible shape.

This lesson, based on a workshop held for family members of disappeared persons, discusses the importance of counselling and rehabilitation for victims of human rights violations. Using the experience of three human rights defenders in Asia, the lesson also discusses the importance of including victims in human rights campaigns.

This lesson discusses the state of emergency imposed in Bangladesh in January 2007 and its affect on the human rights of ordinary people. Emergency and martial laws are increasingly common around Asia. Their brutality and repression become difficult to discuss both within the respective countries as well as internationally. By sharing the experience of Bangladesh, this lesson hopes to stimulate public debate regarding good governance and the protection of human rights.

This lesson studies a Supreme Court decision directing a retrial into the brutal murder of 14 persons, on the basis of faulty investigation and prosecution. Its significance lies in the Court's emphasis on judges as participants and not mere spectators in a trial. Ineffective justice systems are found not only in India, but around Asia. The Indian Supreme Court in this instance offers valuable insights for courts throughout the region.