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Statements of AFAD
Proceedings:
Articles on the Proceedings on the AFAD Leadership Training
Jan. 27 - 31, 2003, Philippines
AFAD Second Congress Resolutions
August 2003
Remembering Munir
AFAD Second Congress
August 26-30, 2003 in Bangkok, Thailand
AFAD’s Mid-Year Report
Ding Zilin's
Message To
Hong Kong
Again, The KONTRAS – IKOHI Office Was Attacked
“ If they are dead, tell us”!
My sons, where are they? |
New Year Statement
December 31, 2009
A New Ray of Hope
As 2009 is drawing to a close, gratefully, we look back to the year that
was. Despite the continuing human rights violations around the world, we
are consoled that our collective response to attain a world without
disappeared people has resulted in concrete fruits. The time is now to
reflect and be thankful for God’s abundant blessings that we received
this year. Indeed, the time is also now to appreciate that as a
federation, we have continued to make new advances towards achieving our
aspiration to make a world without desaparecidos and in fact, we
look forward to 2010 as the historic year of the entry into force of the
UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance.
We began the year 2009 with the effects of the global financial crisis.
Yet, despite this, through our determination and perseverance, we
realized that no amount of crisis had barred us from persevering to
contribute to the process of reconstruction of the historical memory of
our desaparecidos. How could we ever put the desaparecidos
into oblivion when they are the very reason for our existence in serving
as their and their loved ones’ voice in Asia.
We have further reasons to celebrate. In the course of our work, the
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) is quite
fortunate to have friends, partners and allies all over the globe who
are continuously showering us with unwavering support for our noble
cause. There is also an increase in the number of people in Asia who
join us. Their greater participation in our activities is a
manifestation that our fight against enforced disappearance is, after
all, not a lonely struggle. Optimistic that human rights will improve in
2010, we believe that much work remains undone to concretize the right
not to be subjected to enforced disappearances and to make human rights
a reality.
We continue to be mindful that the pains and sufferings caused by
enforced disappearance are immeasurable. In fact, families of the
disappeared are continuously tormented even after many years of the
disappearance of their loved ones. They can hardly go on with their
lives. But through their solidarity, they have proven themselves capable
of transcending their sufferings and turn these into courage in the
fight for truth and justice.
As the whole world opens its door for 2010, we see a new ray of hope
rising in the horizon in our global fight against enforced
disappearance. The International Convention for the Protection of All
Persons from Enforced Disappearance is expected to enter into force by
2010. To date, only two more ratifications are needed for the treaty to
enter into force. This treaty, if ratified by states and codified
through the enactment of domestic laws criminalizing the offense of
enforced disappearance, will serve as an effective measure to stop
enforced disappearance, punish perpetrators and provide justice and
reparation to victims and their families.
The year 2010 is dawning upon us. Let us all celebrate the new year with
renewed commitment to defend and fight for the desaparecidos, for
their families and for the greater society.
With our collective organizational strength, further reinforced by the
accompaniment of our colleagues and friends, inspired by the memory of
our desaparecidos and guided by the ever-loving presence of God
Almighty, we face the New Year 2010 with optimism, continuing courage
and determination and profound love for those who shall never ever be
forgotten.
We greet everyone a Happy New Year!
Signed:
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MUGIYANTO |
MARY AILEEN D. BACALSO |
| Chairperson |
Secretary-General |
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