LAWASIA Statements & Resolutions

As an internationally representative organisation, LAWASIA takes seriously its responsibility to make public statements on behalf of the regional legal profession on issues that are important to the protection of legal and human rights. It is able to do so in situations where local bodies may be compromised in their efforts to speak out. Many of these are collected below.

They are supplemented by other interventions - e.g. letters from LAWASIA to governments or individuals indicating that LAWASIA is taking an active interest in a situation that may contravene human or legal rights.

LAWASIA Statements & Resolutions: 2008

LAWASIA Statements Concerning Myanmar Lawyers

LAWASIA expresses serious concern about the recent arrests and conviction of lawyers in Myanmar as they attempt to perform their professional duties as lawyers.

Statement issued 21 November 2008

LAWASIA Statement Concerning 2008 Attack on Sri Lankan Lawyer

LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific expresses its serious concern over the recentincident in Sri Lanka where Sri Lankan lawyer, Mr JC Weliamuna and his family were subject to a grenade attack, thought to be related to his appearance as counsel in a number of sensitive cases.

Statement issued 13 October 2008

LAWASIA Statement Concerning ISA Arrest in Malaysia

LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, is seriously concerned by the recent arrests in KualaLumpur of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, MP Teresa Kok and Ms Tan Hoon Cheng under the draconian Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) which allows for detention without trial.

Statement issued 17 September 2008

LAWASIA Statement on cyclone devastation in Myanmar

LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, records its concern and deep regret at the devastation and tragic loss of life that has been inflicted on the people of Myanmar as a result of Cyclone Nargis.

Statement issued 8 May 2008

LAWASIA statement on unrest in Tibet

LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, in noting international concern at recent violent unrest in the Tibet Autonomous Region, adds its voice to those who are encouraging the avoidance of unnecessary force by authorities to maintain order. While LAWASIA condemns the use of violence or force by demonstrators, it urges the Chinese authorities to respect the right of the people of Tibet to freedom of expression and of assembly consistent with internationally recognised human rights standards and principles.

Statement issued 7 April 2008

LAWASIA Statement on the detention of Hindraf leaders under ISA in Malaysia

LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, has noted the continued detention without trial ofHindraf leaders under the Malaysian Internal Security Act (ISA).

Following the lead of its member organisation, the Malaysian Bar Council, LAWASIA voices its concern at the use of the ISA in this context more...

Statement issued 1 April 2008

LAWASIA Statement on recent envent in Timor-Leste

LAWASIA notes with deep concern the recent assassination attempts on Timor- Leste leaders, President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.

It affirms its condemnation of attacks of this nature against the leaders of an elected government in the full knowledge that they pose a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law not only in Timor-Leste, but in the wider region.

Statement issued 13 February 2008

Iftikhar Day Pakistan - Issued 29 January 2008

LAWASIA reaffirms unreservedly its support for its colleagues in Pakistan in their courageous struggle to seerule of law and independence of the judiciary restored in their country. In doing so, we acknowledge the significant hardships faced by members of Pakistan’s legal profession in the current circumstances andapplaud their resolution and unity in this matter.

Letter issued by LAWASIA President, Mr Mah Weng Kwai

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LAWASIA Statements & Resolutions