Asia Justice and Rights - AJAR

30/04/2026

Last Tuesday, April 21, the Asia HRD Learning Hub hosted a critical discussion on the situation of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in the post-election landscapes of Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

From sham elections in Myanmar to suspicious reporting in Thailand and the arrest of activists in Bangladesh, the path to democracy in Asia faces a steep climb.

Swipe through the graphics below to see a visual summary of the Talk Series!

27/04/2026

On 21 April 2026, the Jakarta Administrative Court rejected the lawsuit against Indonesia’s Minister of Culture for denying the May 1998 mass rapes despite extensive evidence. For Survivor, this desicion is another painful reminder that their experiences are still questioned.

Despite many CSOs, including AJAR, sending Amicus Curiae, the court's decision to reject the lawsuit shows how a culture of denial and impunity has hindered efforts to pursue justice, accountability, and guarantees of non-recurrence. Shame!🔔

17/04/2026

Asia HRD Learning Hub Talk Series: Post Election Situation for HRD in Myanamr, Thailand, and Bangladesh

Human rights defenders (HRDs) play a crucial role in promoting democracy, protecting freedoms, and ensuring accountability, especially during elections. However, in the post-election period, they often face increased risks amid political tensions and restricted civic space. What challenges do HRDs encounter after elections, and how can we strengthen protection and solidarity?

Find the answer in our Talk Series on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 14.00 GMT+7. Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/HRDPostElectionRSVP

See you on Tuesday!

09/04/2026

In February, AJAR and Taman 65 Bali organized a memory tour for Global Learning Hub for Transitional Justice. Participants traveled around Bali to see the other side of the Land of the Gods, where mass human rights violation and genocide were hidden in plain sight, masked with tourism and overdevelopment of the island.

Participants not only visit places of mass violence, but also got a chance to discuss with the survivor of the 1965 genocide in Bali. The study visit like will keep the memory alive, learning from past mistake, so that we will not repeat them in the future. They may try to bury us, they didn't know we are seeds.

Also read the full story on our website:
https://asia-ajar.org/2026/02/04/regional-the-silent-smile-balis-violent-past-and-silences-tourism-keep-hidden/

01/04/2026

For International Womens Day, we produced a short documentary, "Still, We Rise". While it was a from International Womens Day, the message is very much still relevant.

We celebrate the bravery, determination, and resilience of women who survive in the face of challenging circumstances. The short documentary "Still, We Rise" highlights the voices of women who, despite obstacles, focus on their dignity, leadership, and hope. These messages serve as a reminder that women's voices cannot be muted, even in the most trying situations. Let us stand together to celebrate their resilience and amplify their voices.

31/03/2026

Photos from the documentary launch event during the commemoration of the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀 in 24 March 2026.

31/03/2026

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵. 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

We are happy to share our new documentary
𝗕𝗨𝗞𝗔𝗘: 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲, a collaborative efforts between Pirilampu, Asia Justice and Rights - AJAR and Assosiasaun Chega Ba Ita - ACbit, and supported by Global Survivors Fund.

The film shares the voices of women survivors who speak about their experiences during the conflict and their continuing struggle for recognition and justice.

▶ Watch the film here:
𝗕𝗨𝗞𝗔𝗘 - 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗲
https://youtu.be/-sFLCEsF5vg

We have screened the film in Dili for Arts & Advocacy: Day for Truth and Dignity, marking the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀, on 24 March 2026.

Please watch and share the movie so that the truth can reach more and more people!
_________________________

BUKAE: Sobrevivente La’o ba JustisaFeto sobrevivente sira husi Timor-Leste nian fahe sira nia istória moruk kona-ba violénsia no esperansa, no sira nia prose...

14/03/2026

I’m hearing extremely concerning news that Andrie Yunus, the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared & Victims of Violence (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan - KontraS) suffered an acid attack carried out by unidentified individuals, resulting in serious injuries across his body. I call on the Indonesian authorities to carry out thorough investigations into this horrific attack. Impunity for violence against HRDs is unacceptable.
Kementerian Luar Negeri RI

14/03/2026

We strongly condemn the acid attack against Indonesian human rights defender Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, on 13 March 2026 in Jakarta.

This violent act is not only an attack on an individual, but also a threat to the broader Indonesia civil society movement and to those who speak out against injustice. Violence and intimidation against human rights defenders must never be tolerated.

"This is no longer an alarm about democracy's decline; we are already in the democratic abyss." -Dimas Arya, KontraS Coordinator.

We urge Indonesian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure accountability for all perpetrators, and guarantee protection for human rights defenders.

23/02/2026

Since the February 2021 military coup, migration from Myanmar to Thailand has shifted dramatically. What was once largely labour-driven movement is now shaped by militarization, state violence, economic collapse, gendered insecurity, digital surveillance, and transnational repression. As borders tighten, many are forced into informal and precarious pathways, facing heightened risks of trafficking, exploitation, and detention—especially women, LGBTQ+ people, and youth.

This panel moves beyond humanitarian narratives to examine the political and structural forces behind migration: Who enables and profits from it? Who governs it? And who bears the costs?

Join us for the last panel discussion, "Migration, Transnational Repression, and Solidarity between Myanmar and Thailand after 2021” and more activities to end the Blooming in Crisis exhibition.

📆 28 February 2026
⏰ From 13:00-17:45
📌 Exhibition Gallery, 3rd Floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
💌 See the agenda below in comment
🗣️ The panel will be conducted in English with Thai Translation

08/01/2026

Good opportunity for friends in Thailand!
Researchers, students, young leaders, and civil society practitioners residing in Thailand, especially those from Myanmar and Thailand are encourage to apply!

Fellowship period: February to September 2026
Application deadline: 20 January 2026

Please visit the link https://rcsd.soc.cmu.ac.th/uncategorized/call-for-applications-transitional-justice-fellowship-2026/ to begin the online application process

The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, in collaboration with Asia Justice and Rights - AJAR, invites applications for the Transitional Justice Fellowship 2026.

This nine month fellowship is open to scholars, early career researchers, students, young leaders, and civil society practitioners residing in Thailand, particularly from Myanmar and Thailand. The program combines in-person workshops in Chiang Mai, online learning, research mentorship, and academic writing support, with opportunities for selected fellows to receive small research grants and present their work at ICBMS 2026.

Fellowship period: February to September 2026
Application deadline: 20 January 2026

Please visit the link https://rcsd.soc.cmu.ac.th/uncategorized/call-for-applications-transitional-justice-fellowship-2026/ to begin the online application process