Human Rights Correspondence School

This lesson is based on the case of Michael Anthony Fernando, who was sentenced to one year imprisonment for contempt of court. The lesson looks at the factors that made his campaign successful, as well as built a movement addressing issues of judicial accountability in Sri Lanka.

This lesson is based on a presentation made by the ICAC, which describes the reasons for its success, namely, institutional independence, adequate resources and accountability. These three tenets are essential to the effective functioning of institutions.

Even though many Asian countries have signed and ratified the Convention against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), this does not necessarily translate into effective domestic legislation.

This Human Rights Correspondence School lesson on refugees provides information and statistics as well as case examples on refugees and their situation. Every part of the lesson has some accompanying questions for discussion. Questions are not all inclusive, they are only starting points for the discussion and for bringing out your own views and knowledge on the matter. The idea is to start from your own experiences and knowledge, so that discussion is created and you can learn from each other. Feel free to use information and cases according to your own needs and use other examples if needed. This lesson is mainly based on the web pages of UNHCR and Human Rights Watch.

This lesson is based on a discussion about the war against Iraq. The war against Iraq has been surrounded by much debate. It will be useful to look into a summary of international principles regarding war.

This lesson is based on the following case of sexual assault, rape and torture of a woman by police officers in Sri Lanka.

AHRC’s Statement in conjunction with the International Day Against Torture gives a number of practical suggestions for actions to eliminate torture. We hope that it will stimulate not only discussion on and awareness of the occurrence of torture, but more importantly, action against torture.

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.

As Asian states rush to revive old laws or enact new ones to “counter terrorism”, the people need to be clear about what these new measures mean and their consequences on human rights. These lessons, comprising several readings and many questions, aim to aid in the process of these reflections.

This lesson addresses the issue of discrimination against children based on birth status, and examines some of the problems faced by Japanese-Filipino children. This is just one particular case study of how some children must suffer due to circumstances beyond their control - when States neglect their duties to protect the rights of the child.