SOLIDARITY MESSAGE
We, the delegates and participants of the Fourth Congress of the Asian
Federation Against Involuntary Disappearance (AFAD), a Federation of
human rights organizations established on 4 June 1998, express our warm
solidarity with the Tiananmen Mothers who commemorated the anniversary
of the Tiananmen massacre 21 years ago. Always, you are with us in our
minds and in our hearts as we journey towards a better world, where
human rights are respected.
Some years back, we were together in the same federation as you were one
of our member-organizations who were together with us in our work for
truth, justice, redress and the reconstruction of the historical memory
of the disappeared. Reflective of the intense repression of the Chinese
government, it was not possible for you to continue your membership in
our Federation due to security reasons. But rest assured, we are one
with you in spirit.
To
reiterate, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances was
established on 4 June 1998, exactly nine years after the Tiananmen
massacre which occurred on 4 June 1989. It is such a coincidence that
the birth of our Federation occurred on your 9th
anniversary. Perhaps, it is so also because our Federation aims to
respond to the phenomenon of enforced disappearances in Asia, which also
happened and in fact, continue to happen in China. We are trying to
the best that we can, given the difficulties and limitations, to respond
to the violations of human rights both of the past and of the present.
During your 21st anniversary, we express our hopes that may
the gruesome massacre that occurred at the heart of Beijing which killed
and disappeared thousands of young people continue to urge you never to
give up. We wish you more energy and continuing courage to find light
in the dark night of this continuing repression in your country that
intends to erase the atrocities of the past and to perpetrate further
violations of human rights.
May the blood of your martyrs continue to water your never-ending
struggle so that truth and justice may emerge triumphant. May your
profound love for all victims of the Tiananmen massacre bear concrete
fruits in this, our common struggle.
Finally, we strongly condemn the harsh repression in China as much as we
admire your persevering efforts to turn pains into courage for the sake
of truth and justice for your beloved loved ones and for a better future
of your country.
SIGNED BY THE DELEGATES AND PARTICIPANTS of the AFAD’s Fourth Congress
on 1-5 June 2010 in Bogor, Indonesia
For further information, please contact:
MUGIYANTO
AFAD Chairperson
081399825960
THE DELEGATES
Fourth AFAD Congress
31 May – 5 June 2010
Jakarta and Bogor, Indonesia
