The Immigration Flare Up
A migrant Indian said, “Indian’s in India mimic West, on migration they prescribe their culure “. Incompatible social behaviors, temple projects, noisy street processions and self congratulatory assumption their contribution…
PAKISTAN: Women’s shackle of Matrimony
In Pakistan, for many young women, despite their progress in education or professional advancement, society continues to judge their success through a single lens: marriage. The reality of this pressure…
78 years after Independence – are Pakistani women truly free?
Pakistan celebrates its 78th Independence Day on 14th August with flags, processions, and orations on sovereignty and statehood. But as I sat alone reflecting, one question refused to leave my…
Child abuse in Pakistan
While scrolling through social media, I came across a video that was shocking and heart-wrenching. A young girl was on a bicycle with her little brother in the street when…
How Social Practices override Law of the Land.
A few days back, a shocking video ripped through Pakistan’s timelines: a woman and a man, taken into a desert landscape in Balochistan’s Degari area close to Quetta, shot in…
The Silence Around Honor Killings in Pakistan
In Balochistan’s mountains, where legend and life bleed into one another, stories live longer than their storytellers. Two hundred years ago, a boy named Lal Khan, known as Mast Tawkali,…
MARITAL RAPE, LEGAL AMBIGUITY IN PAKISTAN
In Pakistan, the institution of marriage is habitually used to validate silence, agony, and brutality. countless women suffer physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from their husbands, abuse that, in most…
Sexual Harassment and Institutional Complicity in Pakistan’s Workplaces
The Pakistan Supreme Court has recently delivered a landmark ruling, asserting that a safe working environment is a fundamental right of all citizens, regardless of their gender. Written by Justice…
Unseen Clauses: How The Marriage Contract Silences Women’s Rights in Pakistan
At the very heart of every Pakistani wedding lies a sacred agreement, the marriage contract. But for many women, its pages remain unread, its clauses unexplained, and its rights unclaimed.…
Drone Strikes on Civilians
DRONE ATTACKS IN TWO DOMESTIC LOCATIONS: Pakistan Government forces unloaded firepower through drones in the village of Dashkhe, Makin Tehsil, South Waziristan, in the 2nd Fortnight of June 2025. Bombs…
Transgender Lives Matter
I still recall an incident a few times back during my trip on the metro in Islamabad. A trans woman boarded the bus, graceful-looking but noticeably hesitant. Her body language…
How Many More Women Must Die for Saying No?
It began with a young woman in my neighborhood, around 20 years old, gunned down by her father for rejecting a marriage proposal from his nephew. She had dared to…
Climate and Gender: The Missing Link in Pakistan’s Energy Transition
Pakistan is among the few developing countries with an “on track” status for SDG 13, reflecting progress in climate change mitigation. Initiatives such as the “Clean and Green Pakistan,” “Ten…
Behind Closed Doors: Confronting the Silence Around Marital Rape in Pakistan
When Naila married at 22, she believed her life was a beginning chapter of mutual respect and companionship. Instead, she spent 9 years enduring what no one around her would…
AFARSIAB KHATTAK – Human Rights in Pakistan
https://youtu.be/-V1FGNUGbmo?si=pJr4XQoKR1FePyXI
To what extent can trade build peace in Kashmir between India and Pakistan?
To what extent can trade build peace in Kashmir between India and Pakistan? Blois Maéna Abstract In more than 70 years of conflict, Kashmir has been the theater of Indo-Pakistani…
A Lonely Fight for Myanmar’s Democracy; Ongoing Atrocities and Inaction by the International Community
A Lonely Fight for Myanmar’s Democracy; Ongoing Atrocities and Inaction by the International Community Rachel Manson At the United Nations 55th Human Rights Council meeting, Tom Andrews, the United Nations…
Human Rights, Capitalism & Workplace: Are we Equal Citizens?
Human Rights, Capitalism & Workplace: Are we Equal Citizens? NAMAN SINGHA “It is the duty of every citizen to protect the rights of others” – Martin Luther King Jr. It…
INTERVIEW WITH VLORA TUZI NUSHI
INTERVIEW WITH VLORA TUZI NUSHI Head of Office at UN Women Kosovo Journey at the United Nations I am a pharmacist by training. I started with UN women in 2004.…
Pathways to Peace: Steps the International Community Can Take to Secure a Future for the Rohingya Community in Myanmar
Pathways to Peace: Steps the International Community Can Take to Secure a Future for the Rohingya Community in Myanmar Rohingya community a Muslim ethnic minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has…
Peace for Asia Switzerland Convenes Key Conference on Minority Rights in South Asia
Geneva, July 12, 2024 – Peace for Asia hosted a pivotal event titled “Minority Rights in South Asia” at Geneva, drawing attention to pressing issues faced by ethnic and sectarian…
The military-backed regime renders its citizens homeless and stateless
Binghamton NY: The incumbent puppeteer government backed by the military establishment in Pakistan has taken a strategic step to address the criticism from abroad regarding their unconstitutional and non-democratic practices.…
Fencing-off Gwadar
A distinct footprint of large scale infrastructure projects in South Asia is their securitization at the expense of local communities. This pattern in more evident in troubled areas that are…
Climate Security Takes Center Stage at COP28: Toward a Just and Inclusive Global Energy Transition
During COP28, the urgency of a fair transition from fossil fuels emerged, with a strong emphasis on the critical interconnection between climate change and global security. What happened in Dubai?…
Exploring Possibilities of Long Lasting Peace In Afghanistan
After two decades of War on Terror that was imposed on the lives of innocent people of Afghanistan, it is time that Afghan people and the youth gather and find…
Sustainable Development Goals and Their Impact on Asia: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, set forth a universal agenda to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.…
Ghost Flights: An Environmental Menace Above the Clouds
The aviation industry, a crucial driver of global connectivity, has faced growing scrutiny in recent years due to its environmental impact. Among the emerging concerns is the phenomenon of “ghost…
Cultivating the Future: The Rise of Vertical Farms in Sustainable Agriculture
As the global population continues to grow, urbanization accelerates, and traditional agricultural practices face challenges from climate change, the concept of vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution to…
Impact of Digital Public Infrastructure on Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
Impact of Digital Public Infrastructure on Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges The impact of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) on healthcare represents a paradigm shift in how medical services are delivered, accessed,…
From Innovation to Imperilment: Addressing Bioweapon Challenges in Asia
Asia, a vast and diverse continent, faces an intricate matrix of challenges when it comes to the issue of bioweapons. Stretching from the chilly expanses of Siberia in the north…
Russia backs Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS
Zeeshan Javaid Rochester NY: Pakistan is seeking Russia’s assistance in order to become a member of the BRICS group. Moscow and Islamabad are quite close, and Islamabad is trying to…
The Unseen Suffering of Women in Gaza
Gaza Strip, a region embroiled in a prolonged conflict and under Israeli oppression since the 2007 blockade is marked by intense violence, political turmoil, and inequality. This challenging environment have…
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Navigating Towards a Thriving Ocean and Sustainable Development
The world’s oceans, covering over 70% of our planet’s surface, are not only a source of awe-inspiring beauty but also a crucial component of global ecosystems. They support an astonishing…
Pakistan’s Controversial Handling of Afghan Refugees Raises Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
As 28-year-old Zabihullah recalls his ordeal, “Police snatched my money, I had to sell my belongings in order to come home with my family”, his situation represents the anguish felt…
Manzoor Pashteen under Detention
Manzoor Pashteen is imprisoned in Attock jail for the third time under 3MPO on the orders of the Punjab government. There are several provisions of this type of law including…
Unraveling the Middle East: Analyzing the Escalating Iran-US Conflict and the Yemen Crisis
The recent events surrounding the Iran-US conflict in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Yemen and the Iran-backed Houthis, have escalated tensions and raised concerns about the potential…
From Innovation to Imperilment: Addressing Bioweapon Challenges in Asia
Asia, a vast and diverse continent, faces an intricate matrix of challenges when it comes to the topic of bioweapons. Stretching from the chilly expanses of Siberia in the north…
“Daughters of Turbat” leads the protestors back to Baluchistan to initiate 5th Phase of Baluch uprising
“Daughters of Turbat” leads the protestors back to Baluchistan to initiate 5th Phase of Baluch uprising 60 days of women-led Baloch protest returns home with heavy hearts and sordid tales…
Air Pollution: India, Pakistan must collaborate to address “common killer”
Air Pollution: India, Pakistan must collaborate to address “common killer” By Mubasher Bukhari Pakistan and India need to work jointly to overcome the smog issue which not only poses serious…
Baloch awaits Allah as unfazed protestors continue to brave cold in Islamabad
Baloch awaits Allah as unfazed protestors continue to brave cold in Islamabad PFA Special Islamabad: “In the middle of the night, ten heavily armed people wearing no uniform, jumps into…
Refugee Women: The Invisible Victims of Conflict (the case of women refugees in Tunisia)
Refugee Women: The Invisible Victims of Conflict (the case of women refugees in Tunisia) By Sarra Rahoui, PhD student at the faculty of law and political sciences, University of Szeged.…
Exploitation and Militarization: The Hidden Dimensions of CPEC
As China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) unfolds in Baluchistan, touted as a beacon of economic development, the province grapples with mounting fears among its native population. Baluchistan, rich in mineral resources,…
Maldives’ Evolving Diplomacy: Navigating Between India and China
Introduction: The Maldives, a tropical paradise comprising over a hundred islands, is caught in a diplomatic crossfire as President Mohamed Muizzu aims to redefine the nation’s foreign relations, triggering concerns…
War of egos escalate between Taliban Government and Pakistani Establishment
New York: Tensions between defacto government in Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to soar as India jumps into the foray to help Afghan government construct a hydroelectric project on Kunar River…
Swelling support for the Baloch Long March
Outside the National Press Club of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, women, children, elderly and young people brave the harsh winter sitting with pictures of their loved ones held firmly…
Baluchistan’s Struggle for Justice: The Current Realities
Baluchistan, the largest province in Pakistan, is currently at the epicenter of a significant movement shedding light on the long-standing issues of enforced disappearances and systematic genocide. The recent developments…
Pakistan-Afghanistan tension over TTP: What to expect from Fazlur Rehman’s visit to Kabul
Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have hit rock bottom since the caretaker government took over in Islamabad in August this year, with the former announcing the expulsion of all illegal foreigners in the…
Social Media Wars Grips Pakistan as country settles for another controlled elect
ISLAMABAD: Amidst uncertainties and repeated claims of “level playing open field by the country’s establishment”, neither political parties nor the voters seem enthusiastic about the upcoming general elections scheduled to…
The Human Rights Crisis in Balochistan: Unmasking the Shadows
Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan, has been marred by a deep-seated and ongoing human rights crisis. Reports of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and state-sponsored brutality against the Baloch population…
KILLER HIGHWAYS OF BALOCHISTAN
Accident victims in Balochistan donot get Medical Aid, Rescue Teams as long as uptil 15-20 Hours. More than 20 accidents get reported everyday which have resulted in 256 deaths in…
Expulsion of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan
Shoiab Ahmad on behalf of Peace for Asia speaks to Afghanistan Expert Neeamat Khan on the Politics and Real world implications of the more than 17 Lakh Afghanis in Pakistan.…
GAS PIPELINES PARADOX: BALOCHISTAN’S STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE AND AUTONOMY
This comprehensive analysis reveals Balochistan’s profound paradox as a strategically vital but impoverished region marked by ongoing struggles symbolized by attacks on gas pipelines. Despite its vast landmass and abundant…
International game of dog-figting and Balochistan
Quetta: The cold-blooded murder of six construction workers from Southern Punjab in Balochistan’s remote district of Turbat is neither the first of its kind incident nor seems to be the…
Afghan Refugees Expulsion: Is Pakistan waging a lost battle?
A week before the deadline for illegal migrants expires on October 31, long queues of vehicles loaded with pretty ordinary household items are seen lined up at the Torkham border…
Selection Before the Elections is a Norm not an Exception
Islamabad: The return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan has not generally been welcomed by masses as they keep buzzing the social media with interesting but logical quotes…
Persecution of Media workers in Pakistan
Pakistani journalists face countless threats every day, ranging from kidnapping, torture and arbitrary detention to disinformation campaigns and harassment, especially on social media. Women journalists are at particular risk. More…
Who bears responsibility for the tragic loss of 52 innocent lives in Mastung, Balochistan?
At least 52 people were killed and more than 50 injured in an explosion in a procession on the occasion of the 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal in Mastung district of…
Pakistan’s Role in Afghanistan Stability and Instability
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been marked by complexity and contention for decades. Pakistan’s influence on its neighbor extends across multiple dimensions, encompassing geographical proximity, shared tribal affiliations,…
Amended Law Promotes Sectarian Hatred in Pakistan
Pakistan, already suffering the worst sectarian divide, witnesses another rise in sectarian extremism after the outgone Pakistan Democratic Movement Government passed contentious amendments in the country’s blasphemy laws which not…
Establishment Releases a New Episode of “Game of Thrones” in Pakistan
The enterprising establishment of Pakistan has curtain-raised a new episode of the “game of thrones” in the land of the pure by bringing back the ex-prime minister of Pakistan, Mian…
Elusive Freedom and Economic Hardships in Azad Kashmir
The elusive “freedom” and “economic prosperity” of Azad Kashmir seems to have started evaporating into thin air as a powerful rights-movement has surfaced in a land which has remained mostly…
Still Need Time for Dialogue?
It has been over two years since Myanmar fell under the dark military regime’s rule. Over 4,000 souls have been killed, and thousands of civilians have been arrested. More than…
Jirgas in Erstwhile FATA Region: The Need for Overhaul?
The 9 member traditional Tribal Jirga (council of elders or jury) in the newly merged tribal district of South Waziristan expelled the family of a young tribal journalist Meraj Khalid…
Plight of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: Uncertain future
A large number of Afghan refugees reside in precarious conditions in different parts of the world. Similarly, Pakistan, sharing a 1600-mile-long border with Afghanistan, has many Afghan refugees under the…
Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education in the Age of Digital Learning
Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) stands as a beacon of hope, calling for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. In today’s digital age, the connection between SDG 4…
Webinar on the Future of Human Rights in South Asia
TO WACTH THE ENTIRE WEBINAR CLICK HERE. Participants: Mubasher Bukhari, Pakistan based journalist, President of Media Foundation 360 who presently works for Reuters. Ali Aftab Saeed, Journalist, musician and a…
Women Journalists in Balochistan: Braving the Odds
A besieged land, secluded from the mainstream and at the mercy of the authorities is home to a variety of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identities. Despite the richness of its…
Peace for Asia Interviews Marina Kaljurand, MEP and Estonia’s Former Foreign Affairs Minister
Interview with Marina Kaljurand, Member of the European Parliament: Marina Kaljurand is an Estonian politician and Member of the European Parliament. She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and earlier,…
Women and Biosecurity: A Gendered Exploration of Risks and Responses
Biosecurity or the set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases is an area that is receiving increasing attention in the face of rising…
India’s G20 Presidency: Confronting the Reality
Introduction India’s ascension to the G20 presidency, in conventional realist jargon, can be interpreted as proof of its growing influence in the global world order. It was a moment of…
Balochistan and its Problems
When the fifth phase of insurgency began in Balochistan two decades ago, it was thought that the movement would die its natural death. But that did not happen.The movement, predominantly…
The Gig Economy: Is It Really a World for Women?
“Human Rights are Women’s Rights, and Women’s Rights are Human Rights” – Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former United States Secretary of State With the changing times, the gig economy has been…
Casting Light on Russia’s Shadow: ECHR’s Landmark Judgment in Mamasakhlisi and Others (2023)
Within the intricate web of international geopolitics and human rights, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has consistently played a pivotal role in holding nations accountable for their actions.…
Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Catastrophe: Unraveling the Interplay of Conflict, Refugees, and Environmental Vulnerability in Myanmar’s Rohingya Crisis
Known as the land of Golden Pagodas, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is one of the famous tourist spots renowned for its shimmering temples grown from its rich and vibrant…
Unveiling the Realities: Women’s Empowerment Challenges in Pakistan
Introduction: Unearthing the Challenge In the recent episode that unfolded within the hallowed halls of Pakistan’s parliament, an unsettling incident captured the nation’s attention. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, took…
Eco racism in Peshawar
Environmental racism refers to the injustice observed towards low-income and minority communities who are the most vulnerable and easy targets of health hazards due to residing near landfills and toxic…
Amidst Religious Extremism: Christians as a Vulnerable Minority in Pakistan
On the 16th of August, a mob of religious extremists targeted the Christian community in the eastern part of Pakistan. They engaged in destructive actions, damaging multiple churches and setting…
Detention of Activists in India
“August 9, 2023 – Tushar Gandhi Detained on Commemorating Quit India Day in Mumbai.” India, accepted as a proud and vibrant democracy, has long upheld its history of spirited debate…
Increasing Instances of Sexual and Domestic Violence in Sindh
The Ranipur incident has sent shockwaves across Sindh, calling into question the performance of the police and the dominance of influential religious and political leaders in our society. The brutal…
PTM’s loud and peaceful message in Islamabad
The Long March of 18th August, while successful in conveying the community’s message to the authorities, once again marks a dark chapter in the history of the state’s management of…
Pashtun Long March to Islamabad
There seems to be no respite to the Pashtun Community’s woes in the recent month. After many years of hard-won peace, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital Peshawar has become the main target…
Thirty Five Years of 8888 Protests: The state of democracy in Myanmar
Ever since Myanmar won freedom in 1948, political instability and ethnic tensions prompted the military to emerge as the kingmaker in national politics as it consolidated the monopoly over violence…
Tackling Period Poverty and Menstrual Health in the Global South
Period poverty and menstrual health are pressing issues that continue to affect millions of people worldwide. However, the impact is particularly profound in the Global South, where limited access to…
The Taliban’s Onslaught on Ashura Processions
Afghanistan has been grappling with escalating violence and religious persecution, particularly against the Shia Muslim community. Ashura is a solemn day of mourning observed by Shia Muslims worldwide. It falls…
The Geopolitics of Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Safeguarding Human Health
Climate change and its consequences have emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. The complex and interconnected nature of climate change extends beyond environmental concerns,…
Post 9/11 Structural Violence in Pakistan
Post 9/11 Structural Violence in Pakistan: A Gender-based psycho-social analysis. (Case study of Army Public School Peshawar incident) Though wars, terrorism, or structural violence carry a potential threat to the…
The making of migrants’ illegality in Europe’s borders
The realities of migrants reaching Europe mainly though the Mediterranean routes are heavily characterised by their lived experiences and stories of illegal pushbacks and violence. The strict EU migration policies…
One Health approach: the response to future challenges to public health
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of taking a One Health approach to public health. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and…
Detentions, disappearances and terror attacks: Return of instabilities in North Waziristan
“Our village people and village children were wearing new clothes for Eid. Our village people and children were all celebrating Eid but in my house, we were all sad and…
Protests in South Waziristan
The Pashtun people of Waziristan held a protest sit-in for four days in front of the Pakistan army’s fort in Khesur area of South Waziristan. This protest sit-in was not…
Wrestlers Protest in India – A Call for Justice
In 2023, a wave of protests has rocked the wrestling community in India as Olympic medal-winning wrestlers rallied against the sexual assault experienced by eight alleged wrestlers at the hands…
Peace for Asia interviews Ms. Fawzia Koofi
Peace for Asia interviewed Ms. Fawzia Koofi, a former parliamentarian from Afghanistan, who served as the Vice President of the National Assembly. During the negotiations with the Taliban, Ms. Koofi…
Continuing policy of enforced disappearances
On 9th May, Pakistan witnessed massive protests and rioting against the armed forces for their alleged role in Imran Khan’s brief abduction from a court hearing. The present situation also…
Ali Wazir: Tortured but not Subdued
A member of the National Assembly (MNA) from South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader, Ali Wazir released on February 14, from Karachi’s Central…
Remembering Professor Arman Luni
Professor Arman Luni’s father, Mohammad Ismail had a desire in his heart that he and his daughters get justice but his wish could not be fulfilled while he was alive.…
Asylum seekers in the grip of Fast Fashion in Italy
In an industrial area like Prato (Italy), it is common to see pieces of fabric falling from white trucks on the streets as they drive through the city at the…
Climate Change as a driver of Migration and Displacement
Climate change has become increasingly recognized as one of the greatest threats to human well-being, with the potential to undermine development gains and exacerbate existing inequalities. Migration, both internal and…
Internally Displaced Persons in India: Do their Rights Exist?
“Internal displacement is the greatest tragedy of our times; the internally displaced people are among the most vulnerable of the human family” ~Kofi Annan United Nations Guiding Principles defines Internally…
An Island of Ignorance: The Taliban’s failed Image-makeover, Manufacturing of Legitimacy, and the Future of Afghan Women
A few days ago, Matiullah Wesa, a prominent social activist and founder of Pen Path, an organization dedicated to educating Afghan children, was detained by the Taliban. According to Matiullah’s…
PTM Supporters under threat in Afghanistan
Five-year-old Zarghuna and seven-year-old Ajmal, living in Helmand, Afghanistan, have spent sleepless nights awaiting the return of their missing father, Noorayel Kaliwal. Human rights violations have become serious after the…
Türkiye: A post-earthquakes/ pre-election assessment in the tense European geopolitical context
Few countries could be as interesting to analyse as Türkiye in the current context. Türkiye faces upcoming elections; has struggled through recent devastating earthquakes; and remains an important player in…
Menstruation and Climate Change: A Nexus
In the 1980s, global warming started to become increasingly prominent in the international public debate. In 1988 there was international agreement for the World Meteorological Organization and UNEP to jointly…
PTM Sit-in in Karachi
A large number of PTM workers and the public were present outside the private mortuary on March 14th in Karachi, and Pashtun youths were also demanding the handover of the…
Shining a Light on Energy Poverty in Asia: The Impact and Solutions
As the world’s largest energy consumer, Asia is home to more than half of the global population and is the primary driver of global energy demand. With many countries in…
Culture Extremism: Have you read The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie?
Have you read The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie? A valid question that should be surveyed in the Muslim world to examine the power of religious authority represented by ulama…
Missing Persons in Swat
Swat Valley is a scenic tourist destination and attracted tourists from all over the world in the pre-9/11 times. When the US and NATO invaded Afghanistan, the reactionaries in Waziristan…
Anarchy in Af-Pak region: Reimagining the role of international community
Since the fall of Kabul at the hands of the Taliban, the clock has turned around to 180 degrees. The Pakistani security establishment, which appeared to exercise full control over…
Food safety and security: the key for a sustainable future
Food safety and security are critical components of a sustainable future. While food safety refers to the measures taken to ensure that food is free from contamination and safe for…
Webinar: Five Years of PTM
On 15th February, Peace for Asia organized a webinar to mark five years of the establishment of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement. The webinar was hosted by Zubair Shah Agha, a…
Peace for Asia in the Australian Parliament
We are honoured to share that Peace for Asia’s founder and president Rita Anwari Sultani was invited to the Parliament House on 14th February 2023. The event commenced with an…
Missing Persons: The Long Road to Justice
Enforced disappearances or the issue of missing persons has long been a serious problem in Balochistan. According to various organizations working for Baloch missing persons, the number of Baloch missing…
Coronavirus: has it been just for women?
This is the Second part of two part series on Covid’s impact on Indian women. The Constitution of India states, Justice, Liberty, Equality as well as Fraternity are inherently and…
The EU’s institutional efforts towards women’s participation
TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW CLICK HERE Peace for Asia interviewed Katariina Leiononen, Deputy Head, Division for Conflict Prevention and Mediation, European External Action Service. She started her career with…
PTM’s Protest Camp for Missing Persons
The Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) renewed its struggle against the extrajudicial killings of Pashtuns, with senior lawyer Latif Afridi being the latest casualty. The central leadership of PTM including PTM…
Justice Denied
Recently, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Karachi acquitted SSP Rao Anwar and all other accused in the well-known Naqeebullah Mehsud murder case. Human rights organizations expressed dismay and termed the decision…
Coronavirus: has it been just for women?
Justice is about making sure that being polite is not the same thing as being quiet. In fact, often times, the most righteous thing you can do is shake the…
Technology Developments for the Green Transformation of the Textile Industry
Textiles have a significant impact on the environment throughout their entire life cycle. From the production of raw materials, through manufacturing and use, to the disposal of clothing and other…
Safeguarding the Pashtun Frontier: Learning from the Past
After the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan and the ascendance of the Taliban to the corridors of power, a sense of jubilation engulfed Pakistan as the security establishment felt…
The Plight of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan’s Prisons
The Taliban’s takeover of Kabul had a massive impact on the Afghan refugees in Pakistan but unfortunately went relatively unnoticed in the international media. An estimated two thousand Afghan refugees…
The eviction of Iranian regime from the UN Women’s body
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) session on December 14 adopted a resolution expelling the regime ruling Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).…
‘The new frontier of sustainable tourism: Its contribution to the DSI index’
A recent study published by the World Tourism Organization presents an alarming figure: it is estimated that by 2030 world travelers will reach almost 2 billion. The exponential growth of…
Webinar on Women’s Rights in Afghanistan: A Peace for Asia-WIWIP (Kings College London) Collaboration
On 29th November, Women in War and International Peace (WIWIP) and Peace for Asia co-hosted an event titled “Afghanistan: Human Rights Safeguards and Perspectives on Reconstruction. Based at Kings College…
The Deception of Caste: The Indian Diaspora in Universities Abroad
India and its society is a conundrum that has baffled scholars from national and international forums alike. The regional diversities, ethnic variations and their socio-cultural manifestations in a space where…
Blockchain for sustainable development
What is blockchain? Starting from its definition “blockchain is a digitally distributed, decentralized ledger that helps to verify and trace multistep transactions.” The core competencies of blockchain technology, according to…
The EU’s Approach towards Gender Equality: Interview with Professor Gill Allwood
TO VIEW THE WEBINAR CLICK HERE The EU’s Approach to Gender Equality From its early days, the EU ensured that Gender Equality (GE) was fully integrated in all of its…
Our Time, Our Rights, Our Future
Happy International Day of the Girl Child to all Girls, in particular to our brave Afghan girls and women who are fighting for their basic rights. Unfortunately today in my…
The Forty Years of War in Afghanistan and the Slaughter of Innocent People
I told my eyes not to shed tears and my heart not to beat so fast for some seconds, and let me write about my people’s pain and agony. Still…
Floods in Pakistan: Wake-up Call for the authorities
Recent rains in Pakistan left South Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan inundated. Specifically, they completely cut off Balochistan from the rest of the country. Approximately 1500 people are reported to have…
EU in Malaysia: Synergies, Challenges and Regional Goals
Peace for Asia interviewed the EU Ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas to discuss the EU’s ties with Malaysia and the ASEAN. With over two decades of experience in foreign policy,…
Nuclear Non-proliferation in Asia: Challenges and Key players
As the Tenth Review Conference (RevCon) of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is finally here, after several postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic,…
Natural disasters and instability: Where does Balochistan stand now?
For almost over a month, the families of Baloch missing persons have been protesting outside the Governor’s house in the red zone asking for the formation of a judicial commission…
An appeal to the Global Conscience: Our Presidents message
5th August, 2021: This day is a reminder that it has been a year since the Taliban captured our beloved nation of 35 million. While a lot of families are…
Swedish Court ruling on Iran
On July 14 a court in Sweden issued a historic ruling in convicting a former Iranian regime official to life in prison for his role in the 1988 prison massacre…
Turkey’s Conflict with the Kurdish Groups and Impact on its Regional Image
Iraq’s government accused Turkey of carrying out an artillery strike that killed 9 civilians in the town of Zakho in Iraqi Kurdistan late last month, and although Turkish authorities have…
Welcoming Afghan residents in Australia: Peace for Asia’s President addresses Brisbane City Council
Mr Chair, Lord Mayor and Councillors It has been 358 days since the Taliban took power. For most Afghan women and girls, almost each one of these days since 15…
The Tragedy in Ziarat and the case of Missing Persons
In an unfortunate incident in Pakistan’s Balochistan, an officer was abducted by separatists and brutally killed in a rescue operation. Notwithstanding the deep sympathies with the officer who died young,…
The Perpetuation of Discrimination: The Caste Question in IITs and IIMs
One of the most unique systems of social stratification exists in South Asia. The “caste” system finds its origin in the Indian subcontinent as espoused under Hinduism. However, the impact…
Ethnic profiling of the Pashtuns
A few weeks ago, former police officer Rao Anwar spoke to a leading Pakistani media channel discussing his stance on the killing of Naquibullah Mehsud. A budding model from the…
The Sri Lankan Debacle
Sri Lanka had its own moment of the ‘Arab Spring’ during April 2022 when the masses overthrew the autocratic rule, highlighting the rampant corruption and rising poverty. On July 9,…
“Nothing About us Without us”: Addressing Disability in India
The term ‘disability’ is defined as a form of mental or physical impairment that makes it difficult to efficiently perform one’s day-to-day activities. According to The World Health Organisation (WHO),…
Regime change in Pakistan: Political instability and suppression
Over the past few months, the political landscape in Pakistan stands completely transformed. Despite being elected in August 2018, Imran Khan – leader of PTI (Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf) was ousted from…
Our Land Has Suffered
Our land has suffered for a long period of time due to the countless internal and external reasons, including the unkindness and unscrupulous of the unmerciful neighboring countries. And essentially,…
Sustainable Fashion: The New Frontier
Amid the era of fast fashion, consumers, especially the youth, have developed a new and growing awareness. They are willing to pay a higher price for greener, ethical, and long-lasting…
China’s coal investments in the Balkans: The environmental and financial implications
Notwithstanding their contribution to the overall GDP, Chinese investments in the Balkans are proving to be detrimental in terms of carbon dioxide emissions and their consequent environmental and social impact…
Europe Day Meet
With its expanding presence, Peace for Asia marked its first offline participatory activity amidst European policy spaces. On the occasion of Europe Day, the Institute for a Greater Europe organized…
“The sea is eating all the sand” – The sinking island of Tuvalu in the Asia Pacific Ocean
Note: This is the second part of the two-article series on the dangers faced by Tuvalu. It is unfortunate that Asia’s tiny islands are hardly part of global discussions on…
The EU in Sri Lanka
TO VIEW THE WEBINAR CLICK HERE Peace for Asia held a webinar on the role of the EU in Sri Lanka with the current EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Denis…
The South-Korean ‘comfort women’ during World War II
“It was not a place for human beings”, said Lee Ok-Seon a former comfort women. During the WWII Japan implemented ‘comfort stations’. Accordingly to the Japanese administration the ‘comfort station’…
Interview with UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
To watch the interview click here On 25th April, Peace for Asia interviewed UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights defenders Ms Mary Lawlor. The discussion touched upon multiple themes, beginning…
We are all Hazaras: Message from our President
We are all Hazaras. Resistant and strong, that if we fall to the ground a thousand times, we will sprout and blossom a thousand more times, rebuild thousands of schools,…
The new report on the state of SDGs in Asia and the Pacific: rising inequalities in the aftermath of Covid-19
The new Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2022, released earlier in March, provides and in-dept analysis of the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia and…
A Never ending Tragedy
Eight months have passed since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Eight months is a simple word, yet the people of Afghanistan are living through the hardest and most horrific…
Welcoming our new President
Peace for Asia is proud to announce Ms. Rita Anwari as its founding President. A survivor of the Afghan civil war, Rita Anwari dedicated her life to women and little…
Durand Redux: Time to Acknowledge Pashtun Grievances
On 16 April, the border areas of Afghanistan (in Khost and Kunar provinces) were struck by deadly strikes that killed and injured over 30 people. The official details are yet…
“The sea is eating all the sand” – The sinking island of Tuvalu in the Asia Pacific Ocean
Note: This is the first part of the two-article series on the dangers faced by Tuvalu. It is unfortunate that Asia’s tiny islands are hardly part of global discussions on…
Ike Jime: the Japanese technique that could make fishing sustainable
Gastronomy is an essential element in the culture of the land of the Rising Sun. The cooks themselves show the gestures of their tradition when they have to slaughter animals,…
Trends in Kazakhstan
To watch the webinar click here Dr. Paolo Sorbello is a researcher and journalist living in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He works as a journalist for several newpapers and is a Research…
Message to Afghan Women
This January, the United Nations expressed its concerns over the rise in the cases of abduction of women in Afghanistan. The context was the abduction of two women, namely Taman…
The Hinrich Sustainable Trade Index: the future of Asian countries
Following the developments of the last decade it is possible to affirm that Asia is indeed a fast-growing economy. Trade-led growth has dramatically reduced poverty in Asia. As a matter…
Gwadar: A Reality Check
“The Crown Jewel of Pakistan”, as the term was coined for Gwadar by politicians in Pakistan and Balochistan, implied that Gwadar would be the jewel in the CPEC. The region…
Afghan women strive for basic Human Rights and Equality
Only a few months into Taliban’s rule, the future of Afghan women and girls is in jeopardy. This article examines how the fight for Afghan girls’ education and freedom intersects…
Godhra Riots: Justice Delayed and Justice Denied
The streets of Gujrat ran rampant with uncontained violence and carnage during February 2002 and March 2002. The events which are collectively referred to as the “Godhra Riots” or the…
Pashtuns Call for Justice
Ali Wazir, the central leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and Pakistan’s elected member of the National Assembly, has been in jail for 15 months now. He was arrested from…
The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Perspectives from the EU
To watch the webinar click here Heidi Maurer is a researcher in the e-governance and administration department at the Danube University Krems, and a professor at the EU International Relations…
Crisis in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia’s most important countries. Geographically, the nation links Europe and East Asia in a unique way. Aside from its unique landscape, the country is a…
Counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and Nagaland
According to scholars, the term “insurgency” in the 21st century can be explained as an extended violent conflict in which groups intend to radically change the political or social order…
The post-Covid perspective of digital rights in South Korea
The Republic of South Korea is one of the most advanced countries in technology, almost leading the digital transition in the world. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its tragic consequences,…
Who are the ‘terrorists’ in Kazakhstan?
Note: This article by Dina Kurmanova is a first hand account on the ongoing Human Rights violation in Kazakhstan. The cases of Human Rights violations and extrajudicial detentions are cited…
Attack on PTM leaders: Justice for Pashtun activists
The Pashtun community is protesting against repressive tactics that are prevalent in the Pashtun belt of Pakistan. On February 2, 2022, soldiers of the Pakistan Army reportedly fired bullets at…
A voice for the forgotten states in contemporary international relations: A case study of Turkmenistan
Introduction When one speaks about international politics and its main players, many would answer with China, the US, Russia, or Japan, just to name a few. People tend to forget…
China’s tryst with sustainable energies: Promises and challenges
China’s fast and remarkable economic growth over the past decades turned the country in a world leader in many industries. However, this fast development caused an increase in the emissions…
From Bangkok Treaty to TPNW: Understanding Southeast Asia Nuclear Non-Proliferation Efforts Fundamental and Challenges
Introduction Increasing nuclear expenditure among nuclear weapons states against the pandemic background is warning us about the unavoidable cost attached along with the unstable strategic environment. These costs are sometimes…
Immigration in Asia
Summary The phenomenon of migration by relying on the human factor has many effects, especially on the immigrant country, to the extent that the increase in the population of immigrants…
The New Great Game in Afghanistan: Muddied Waters?
After their defeat in Vietnam, the Americans were looking for a similar opportunity to avenge their humiliation from the erstwhile Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had limited influence on the…
World powers should hinge nuclear deal with Iran on human rights improvements
As the international community and global media outlets focus on talks in Vienna pushed by world powers to reach a deal with Iran over its controversial nuclear program, the deteriorating…
Media and women under the Taliban shadow: Institutionalising Oppression
A few days ago, the Taliban Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi gave a statement in support of women empowerment. He claimed that girls had been going to schools till…
Balochistan: A Story of Popular Upheaval
Balochistan’s Gwadar region witnesses one of the largest ever protests recorded in the province. Having begun a month ago, the protests seem to a culmination of all the policies that…
Women’s Rights
From the last few years, due to the efforts of international and national organizations, women’s rights have drawn attention to many organizations, government bodies, and lawmaking agencies. Equality between men…
The EU in Myanmar
To watch the entire webinar click here Peace for Asia hosted a webinar with the EU Ambassador in Myanmar, Ranieri Sabatucci. We discussed EU – Myanmar relations and the role…
The EU in Hong Kong
To watch the entire webinar click here Peace for Asia hosted a webinar with the EU Ambassador in Hong Kong, Thomas Gnocchi. We discussed EU – Hong Kong relations and…
Thailand: First country in Asia with a stand-alone plan on Business and Human Rights
In Southeast Asia, business activity has been a crucial enabler of economic dynamism and one of the main reasons for the region’s prosperity. However, corporate activity in the region has…
Afghanistan’s Future Generations at Stake
This short essay is by our Peace Ambassador Rita Anwari. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. Dr.Rita Anwari is thankful to Kat Battino for her…
Unbothered and Unconcerned: Australia’s Faint-Hearted Response to Refugees Fleeing Afghanistan
Notorious for its rigid immigration and refugee policies and for committing countless human rights violations against its refugees and asylum seekers, Australia has failed to fulfil its responsibility and obligation…
Justice for the Rohingya: A New Hope
Background In a country where ethnicity has long been linked to conflict, it is not surprising that ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected since the onset of February 2021 military…
The UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights and the situation in Asia
Since their unanimous endorsement by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) have become the global standard for preventing and…
Coping with the coup: Myanmar
Background Although Myanmar’s GDP growth rate already began declining back in 2018, the covid-19 pandemic proved a critical blow to the country’s economy. The disruption of national and international supply…
Afghanistan, Then & Now: Reflections of an Education Activist
This short photo-essay by our Peace Ambassador Rita Anwari reminisces her visit to Afghanistan in 2017. The post 9/11 phase leading up to August 2021 was market by certain complexities…
Sinking Islands: Maldives facing Climate Change
A Global Problem Through a Local Dimension “…there must be a way out. Neither the Maldives nor any small island nation wants to drown. That is for sure. Neither do…
Ali Wazir: The Symbol of Pashtun Struggle
Prominent Pashtun Legislators Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar, who were elected to the Pakistani parliament through their relentless activism on human rights violations, continue to remain outspoken out against the…
EU-ISRAEL TIES: Insights from the European Parliament with Lukas Mandl
To watch the webinar click here. Peace for Asia held a Webinar with Lukas Mandl, a member of the European Parliament (European People’s Party). Mr Mandl commented on the work…
Tunisian Women’s Rights
Tunisia has the reputation of being an exception in the region where women’s rights are concerned and has always stood out from other countries and contexts of the Middle East…
The Steady Subversion of Minority Rights: Right-Wing Populism, Violence and Muslims in India
The politically right-wing associations in India have been pursuing an aggressively hard-line Hindu political agenda aimed at subverting the secular character of Indian society as enshrined in the constitution. The…
Iran’s Geopolitical Influence in Middle East
Executive Summary: The geopolitical influence of Iran continues to pose a threat to the international community and jeopardize the stability of the Middle East. The theological regime in Tehran consolidates…
Assassination of Rohingya Leader
The high-profile Rohingya activist and leader, Mohibullah (Featured picture), was assassinated days ago by unknown assailants in one of the refugee camps located in Cox Bazaar (Pic 2), Bangladesh. Five…
Afghanistan: Reflections on the “War on Terror”
To watch the Webinar click here. On 15th September 2021, Peace for Asia held a webinar with Prof. Ebrahim Afsah, who shared insights on the current situation in Afghanistan, related…
Taliban Resurrection & its Implications for Hazara Community
On the 30th of August, the Taliban killed 14 men of the Hazara community in Khadir district of Afghanistan’s Daikundi province (Pic 1). Only a month back Taliban tortured and…
Over 60 former UK government officials call for urgent improvements to the Afghan resettlement and refugee schemes
Sarah Hearn OBE New York University I am part of a group of over 60 former UK diplomatic and development officials who served the British Government in Afghanistan since 2002.…
The Hazaras: Centuries-long Oppression
Afghanistan has a heterogeneous population of 40 million that includes ethnic groups such as Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkmens, and others. Among these groups, Pashtuns are the largest one and…
The refugees of Kunduz
Note: Our consulting editor Jessica Kroner brings exclusive images of Afghan refugees who crossed Pakistan through the Chaman border. Unfortunately, they were turned back by the Pakistani authorities citing lack…
Human Trafficking around the world: A crushing violation of fundamental human rights
Human trafficking is is believed to be the third most lucrative form of crime after drugs and arms trafficking. It is a crime against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights…
Illicit Drug Trafficking in the Golden Triangle
Located in the arboreous highlands, the Golden Triangle is the meeting point of the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand at the junction of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The…
Gender-Based Violence in India: A Human Rights Approach
The disproportionate level of violence faced by women and sexual minorities is not a recent phenomenon. Its pervasive nature escapes even the most sophisticated systems of legislation and policy action…
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan and recourse through international attention
According to reports by various human rights groups, approximately 1600 blasphemy cases have been filed in Pakistan since 1987, mostly against religious minority groups such as Christians, Ahmadiyas, Hindus and…
World Humanitarian Day
This World Humanitarian Day, Peace For Asia applauds those who selflessly aid people in need during times of crisis. World Humanitarian Day is held across the globe on 19th August…
The Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights in Nepal
The international community has marked August 19th as World Humanitarian Day (WHD) since its designation by the UN General Assembly in 2008. This historic decision was taken five years after…
Human Rights violations in the Philippines: Will the ICC be able to stop Duterte?
In June 2021, the International Criminal Court opened an investigation into the alleged human rights abuses and targeted assassinations in the country between 2016 and 2019, that is, during the…
The Situation in Afghanistan: Interview with Kevin Rudd and Dr Abdullah Abdullah
CLCIK HERE TO WATCH ENTIRE EVENT The events unfolding in Afghanistan portend difficult times for the elected regime in Kabul and may spillover into outright violation of the Universal Declaration…
The closure of Apple Daily remarks another setback in the freedom of expression and press in Hong Kong
On 17 June 2021, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region police arrested five executives of Next Media company, which published the newspaper Apple Daily. The five people arrested, Chief Editor…
Interview with Ms Shinkai Karokhail on the present situation in Afghanistan
Peace for Asia spoke to Ms Shinkai Karokhail, Member of Afghan National Assembly and Chairperson, Women Parliamentary Caucus. The sudden exit of American and allied forces from Bagram base, accompanied…
Security and Coloniality: Unpacking Structural Violence
Note: In this two-part article, the author unpacks the underlying racist structures that define the West-Non West duality, a discrimination that runs across myriad aspects of social organization narratives. The…
Breaking socio-economic barriers for women’s empowerment
Nowadays, gender equity is understood to be a crucial issue for societies and cultures worldwide which are mostly prescribed as “underdeveloped societies”. In these discriminatory contexts , due to the…
Sindh –A Province in turmoil
Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh is confronted by issues ranging from poor governance, lack of support to small and medium-sized farmers and a fragile regulatory framework. A study in contrasts…
“No to Dictatorship, No to Patriarchy”: Women’s Activism in Myanmar
The current military dictatorship that ousted State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Mying, and other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has had devastating effects on…
The extrajudicial killings in the Philippines and the failure of naming-shaming
The extrajudicial killings in the Philippines and the failure of naming and shaming Duterte’s regime in the Philippines continues to be characterised by violence, repression and violation of human rights.…
World Refugee Day 2021
Peace for Asia observes World Refugee Day 2021. We stand in solidarity with all refugees and displaced people fighting for their rights and dignity.
Webinar: The Future of Asian Geopolitics, Trends for the Coming Decade
Peace for Asia Speaks to Rodger Baker on the Future of Asian Geopolitics Peace for Asia’s Global Peace Ambassador Rita Anwari Sultani is in conversation with Rodger Baker of Stratfor…
Reviewing Gaza’s Conflict – Beyond the Suffering: Cause & Consequence.
On May 6th, 2021, protests started at the old city in East Jerusalem, following an Israeli supreme court to evict six Palestinian families in favour of the Jewish settler organisation,…
Climate Adaptation and Vulnerable Communities in Asia during the Covid-19 Pandemic
A few days ago, Cyclone Yaas caused flash floods that inundated about 148 villages in the north of Odisha, India. This disaster did not only damage the ecosystem of local…
The COVID-19 Outbreak In India And The Global Community Response – A Ray Of Hope Or Walking Towards The Abyss?
India has experienced a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths that may be linked to a new variant. Hospitals across India, by late April, had a worrying shortage of…
Standing for the dignity and right of the dead along the Ganges River
The second COVID wave hit India particularly hard in these last months. While the situation was said to be under control in February 2021, the country reached maximum peak due…
The Belt and Road Initiative: Its Common Destiny and Criticism
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China’s most ambitious plan to achieve a “community of common destiny”. China proposes a change to the global governance system through this community,…
The meaning of the UN resolution on Sri Lanka
In March 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted resolution 46/L.1/Rev.1 for the promotion of reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. This gave the country two additional years…
The Dark Reality of the Solar Energy Industry in China
The global transition from a fossil-fuel driven economy to one run by renewable energy envisions China playing a crucial role: especially when it comes to harnessing solar energy. Not only…
Civil-Military Relations: What Myanmar could learn from the Sudanese Revolution
Since the military coup that led to the arrests of President Win Mying, Aung Sun Suu Kyi and several pro-democracy activists of the National League for Democracy (NLD), tensions between…
Black People’s Rights in China, Chinese People’s Rights in the United Kingdom
I was only seventeen years old when I spent a year of my life in Nanjing, China, and I still remember my Chinese grandmother criticizing my skin color and blaming…
A Brighter Future for Iraq’s Religious and Ethnic Minorities?
Since the Islamic State’s invasion over large parts of Iraqi territory in 2014, ethnic and religious minorities were forced to leave their homes as a result of the military operations…
Myanmar on the Brink of a Civil War
On February 1, State Counsellor Aung Sun Suu Kyi, President Win Mying, exponents of the National League for Democracy (NLD), activists, and journalists were arrested in a military coup that…
Taiwan’s Foreign Policy Is Gaining Strength by the Strength
There are many works in the strategic literature that point to the difficulties of mainland China conquering, and invariably, unifying Taiwan by force. One can be with two for now.…
Goodbye Skaramagas – volunteer Giusi Santelli leaves one of Greece’s biggest refugee camps, fearing for the future of its 3000 inhabitants, as the camp faces closure.
15th April 2021 In late February, I began a volunteering stint at Skaramagas, a refugee camp on the Mediterranean coast just outside Athens. As I returned home this week, I…
Tribe of Kalash: The Last Kafir
Introduction: The Tribe of Kalash, also known as Kafir (non-believer) / Siyah Posh (Black Robed) approximately around 3,000 in number today, claim to be the descendants of Alexander’s army. However,…
The Today and Tomorrow of Peace Mediation
There is a lot of jargon in peace mediation, many buzz words people use with vague meanings. If you want to write about peace mediation you can include “community-building, capacity-building,…
Is ISIS really dead?
The Islamic State is not dead. Despite its defeat in March 2019 with the fall of its self-proclaimed “caliphate”, the jihadist group continues to launch deadly attacks in Syria, particularly…
Bride Trafficking and The Chinese Gender Gap
China is facing a problem. The gender disparity of the country has led to a glut of eligible brides. A legacy of the Chinese Communist Party’s one-child policy, preference for…
Jails in the Philippines Extremely Overcrowded Amid Drug War Arrests
In the previous article, the author covered the background and current status of the drug war currently raging in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte. This war on drugs has…
Philippines: Extrajudicial Killings in the Context of the “War on Drugs”: Use of Force Analysis
APPLICABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORK The case-study under analysis deals with the arbitrary use of force employed by the Philippine Government in the name of the “war-on-drugs”, as a result of a…
Water Scarcity in South Asia: the cause for conflict or cooperation
Water is a basic human right because it is essential for human survival. Therefore, the provision and maintenance of accessible clean drinking water are central to a healthy and stable…
Impunity at the gates of Europe: How to end pushbacks and human rights violations?
The European Union is committed to supporting democracy and human rights in its external relations, in accordance with its founding principles of liberty, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.…
Violations of International Humanitarian Law during the Yemeni Conflict – A Case Analysis
A Case Analysis: R (on the application of Campaign Against Arms Trade) v Secretary of State for International Trade and Others EWCA Civ 1020 Where military equipment is lawfully obtained…
The Impact of Child Marriage in Asia
In all countries around the world, the time of marriage is celebrated as an unforgettable moment that sees two people crowning their love forever. Unfortunately for many girls, this moment…
Philippines: “War on Drugs” as a disguise for crimes against humanity
At the end of January 2021 twelve suspects and a police officer were killed in a drug raid in the Philippines, adding to the nationwide death toll of the anti-drug…
Women’s growing voice: a hope for Nepal’s future
Nepal is an incredible country with a vast cultural and historical heritage and a unique background that needs to be considered before analyzing any event. In fact, over the past…
Hong Kong: Ground Zero with Victoria Tin-bor Hui & Policy People
Peace for Asia organised a podcast in collaboration with Policy People with Victoria Tin-bor Hui, who is an active voice of dissent and a symbol of resistance for the Hong…
A ray of hope for LGBT+ under Malaysia’s homophobic legislation
Same-sex relationships in Malaysia are not only illegal, their existence is also completely denied: In March 2019, the tourism minister of Malaysia said that there were no gay people in…
After thirteen years, Georgia has won its war against Russia (but only on legal terms)
In August 2008, amidst the Olympic Games of that year, tensions between Georgia and its separatists’ territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia escalated to the outbreak of a war between…
Climate Displacement – The Legal Gap To Protect Climate Refugees’ Rights
The consequences of environmental degradation – such as deforestation, soil erosion, water shortages and natural disasters – threaten the livelihoods of millions of people across the world forcing them to…
Women studying STEM field in India: A General Overview
In India out of 100 students, the 29% of girls and boys drop out of school without finishing the elementary cycle and 20million of children between the ages of 3…
Palestine: The Role of Women in Conflict
In common thinking, we believe women to be strangers to war. Although they are generally far from the battle lines, in most cases they bear the full brunt of the…
The Humanitarian Catastrophe of the War in Yemen and the Conflicting Interests at Stake
Since the 2011 Houthi insurgence, the State of Yemen is trapped in a spiral of violence that ultimately escalated into a bloody civil war, which is of global concern since…
Defending Human Rights: Can it be Done Through Economic Cooperation?
The conclusion of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) on 30 December 2020, after 6 years of negotiations, brought a lot of attention to the human rights violations that…
Detentions in Syria
It all began with the teenagers from Daara, a city in Southern Syria, who were responsible for the graffiti reading “Next it’s your turn, doctor” in March 2011. The choice…
A Backgrounder on Myanmar’s tryst with democracy
It’s another Monday morning on the streets of Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw and fitness instructor Khing Hnin Wai is buoyantly performing her aerobics routine to Indonesian techno-pop as she prepares for…
A thirst yet to be quenched. Myanmar’s lost democracy.
On 1st February 2021, the Tatmadaw (Burmese military) released a statement; Citing article 417 of the constitution, which ‘permits’ a military takeover of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of…
Iran’s use of punitive amputations and International Human Rights Law
The Islamic Republic of Iran has earned a bad reputation for the mistreatment of prisoners and for arbitrarily detaining hundreds of human rights activists. As a matter of fact, physical…
Death Toll Continues to Rise in Duterte’s Violent Anti-drug Campaign
Last week another drug bust attempt by police against drug dealers in the Philippines led to violence and at least thirteen people dead. These types of raids and the hardline…
Women Social Security and Challenges in Afghanistan
A prerequisite for any economic, social, cultural and political development is a sense of security – especially the security of a woman. Awareness of such sense among inhabitants of a…
Not fit for purpose: Afghanistan’s broken judiciary
The Afghan justice system is in a state of disrepair, with corruption rife within both the judicial system and the government. Following the reconstruction of the judiciary in the post…
Peace for Asia condemns the targeted blast of Peace Ministry vehicle in Kabul
On February 1, 2021, the vehicle of Khushnood Nabizada was targeted with IED explosive devices. Reports have so far declared that there have been no casualties as of now. The…
Economic ruin: A symptom of Covid-19 in the DPRK
If the Kim Jong Un regime is to be believed, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is one of the few countries which has not experienced a wide-scale outbreak of…
World Bank Report on Water Scarcity in Pakistan Emphasizes Severity of Problem
In 2019, the World Bank published its report on water scarcity and water security in Pakistan. These two terms refer to the water available to each person based on the…
Sri Lanka’s story with the blue helmets: From a glorious past to a troubled present
In October 2019, the United Nations declared a ban on the deployment of Sri Lankan forces in the UN Peacekeeping missions, citing Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena’s appointment of an…
Afghanistan: Unprecedented opportunity for peace is under high pressure
This article was originally published as an opinion piece by The Khaama News Agency. Click here to read the article on their website. Afghanistan, war-torn for more than 40 years,…
Protest Movements and Their Use by Foreign Governments as Proxy Battles
Numerous social and political movements and their messages in Asia, notably in Thailand and Hong Kong, have moved beyond the respective countries’ borders as a result of foreign co-option. These…
From ‘Alleged’ to ‘Fake’: The Story Behind Amshipora Encounter in Kashmir
Indian army found itself in the middle of a big controversy regarding a fake encounter that took place on July 18, 2020. The Army claimed to have neutralized three foreign…
An atmosphere of Terror: Arbitrary detention and execution in Iran
In November 2019, a flurry of nationwide protests gripped Iran in response to a sudden governmental decision to raise the price of petrol. In response to the protests, that the…
Top Human Rights News of the Week: New Delhi High Court Designates Human Rights Courts
New Delhi High Court has designated human rights courts in each district in the National Capital Region. This comes as a welcome surprise to many law practitioners who regularly advocate…
On the way to autonomy: What challenges remain after achieving self-governance in Bangsamoro?
At long last, the MILF and MNLF have realised their goal: Self-governance for the Moro people who were deprived of participating in the political process for such a long time.…
On the way to autonomy: The Moros’ decades-long struggle for self-determination in Mindanao
Mindanao, the second largest island in the southern Philippines, has been the scene of a decades-long struggle for self-determination of the Muslim population. Muslims are a minority in the Philippines,…
Human Rights Defenders in Afghanistan: Living Precariously
Afghanistan, over the past year, has been experiencing a heightened level of violence against its Human Rights Defenders (HRD). Already exceeding last year’s figures for deaths and attacks, the situation…
State legislated persecution: The history of the Ahmadiyya in Pakistan
On November 9 2020, an Ahmedi man was killed in the Pakistani city of Peshawar. The incident followed the killing of an Ahmedi professor in the same city in October.…
An insight into China’s ethnic policies: A profile of Chen Quanguo
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Chen Quanguo has maintained a low profile in the course of his ascent within the ranks of the Communist Party of China. However, in July…
A Comparative Analysis of Bangladesh and Pakistan: 50 years of freedom and progress
Imagine a world where Pakistan Army officials enjoy an extremely high quality of life, and on the very opposite corner of the street, an impoverished Bengali child whose parents were…
India’s Migrant Exodus and Lessons From It
Since the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown, urban informal sector workers in India have been forced into dangerous circumstances in a mass exodus back to their home villages and…
Why Death Penalty is not the Solution for the Rape Crisis in Bangladesh
Extensive protests against the widespread sexual violence in Bangladesh commencing in October 2020 have prompted the government to take drastic measures, namely the introduction of the death penalty as a…
International Human Rights Day: Remembering Asma Jahangir, the humanitarian icon
This International Human Rights Day we remember Asma Jahangir (1952-2018), an exemplary lawyer who dedicated her life to contesting and defending human rights in her country Pakistan. Her activism, ranging…
One who carries the load: The Kolbars of Iran
In Iranian Kurdistan, the opportunities for employment are bleak and this situation has led to many Kurds to become Kolbars. The word Kolbar is derived from the Kurdish words, “kol”…
European Union contemplates the first ever Human Rights blacklist
Countries in the European Union have started o debate about the first-ever Human Rights blacklist which is sought to impose sanctions upon those countries and individuals which have abysmal human…
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region: Applying International Law
(This is the second article from the two-article series covering the conflict from historical and international law perspectives. Click here to read the first article.) The international law applicable to…
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region
(This is the first article of a two-part series covering the conflict from historical and international law perspectives) On 10 November 2020, Armenia and Azerbaijan entered a truce after six…
Civil Unrest in Thailand
Background Since 2014, when a military coup prompted censorship and rewriting of its constitution, Thailand has faced an extended period of civil unrest. The nation’s governmental structure includes a constitutional…
Why Pakistan continues to be on FATF Grey List?
A few days before its full-scale review meeting, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – the global money-laundering watchdog – reprimanded Pakistan for its “meagre progress” in combatting terror financing…
Social Engineering in Tibet: Legitimizing CCP’s selection of the Next Dalai Lama
After Mao, Xi Jinping is oft considered as the most powerful leader since his accession to the General Secretary position in the Chinese Communist Party in 2012, according to Human…
International Community of Scholars Condemn Attack on Kabul University
On November 2, 2020, Kabul University was brutally attacked by three gunmen resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and dozens injured. The assault was conducted in broad…
Sovereignty on the Roof of the World
Tibet is most well known for being the home to the vast plateaued landscape and Tibetan Buddhism, bringing us visions of picturesque monasteries and towering snow-capped peaks. However, the question…
Top Human Rights News of the Week: Another Afghan Journalist Killed
Elyas Dayee, a radio journalist who worked for Radio Free Afghanistan was killed in a blast on November 11, 202o in Helmand, Afghanistan. As noted by officials, this was a…
Gender-based Violence in Bangladesh: Challenges and Legal Redress
Since November 2019, protests demanding the elimination of violence against women have received broad media attention due to the by now well-known Chilean protest chant “The rapist is you”. The…
Top Human Rights News of the Week : China and Crimes in Xinjiang
As widely reported by media outlets throughout the world, China’s human rights violations in Xinjiang province against the Muslim Uyghur community is well known. Researchers have sourced the use of…