News

- Racism and UN
Over hundred of NGOs call upon governments at UN General Assembly to protect human rights defenders

IMADR joined 180 NGOs to urge governments to support the resolution entitled “Rcognizing the role of human rights defenders and the need for their protection” at the plenary of UN General Assembly. The resolution is due to be adopted on 17 December 2015. Read and share the text below or download in English , French and Arabic . Previous letter for the adoption of the resolution at the Third Committee on Wednesday 25 November 2015 is available here . ——— To: All Member States of the United Nations General Assembly French and Arabic versions also supplied 9 December 2015 VOTE IN FAVOUR OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS RESOLUTION IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY Excellencies, We are a group […]
December 10, 2015
Civil society perspectives on 50 years of achievements of ICERD (CERD88, 2015, OS)

Dr. Nimalka Fernando, President of IMADR, presented statement on “Fifty years of achievements – lessons learned and good practices” as a panelist at the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination titled “ICERD – Fifty years of fighting racial discrimination – looking back and moving forward” . Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. Video archives of the anniversary event are available. ——— Thank you for inviting me to speak at this significant occasion. The International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) was founded in the late eighties (1988) by the leaders of the Buraku Liberation League, in their […]
November 27, 2015
Best practices, achievements and challenges of the ICERD (CERD88, 2015, WS)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination titled “ICERD – Fifty years of fighting racial discrimination – looking back and moving forward” . IMADR submitted a written statement on “Best practices, achievements and challenges of the ICERD“. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. ——— Best practices, achievements and challenges of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) 26 November, 2015 The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD, the Convention) is the first UN human rights instrument which was adopted on 21st December […]
November 26, 2015
France: Spate of suicide bombings and terrorist attacks in Paris : MRAP expresses its absolute horror and calls on citizens to reject any type of heinous conflation

In response to the attacks in Paris on Friday 13th November, IMADR partner, Mouvement contre le Racisme et pour l’Amite entre les Peuples (MRAP) , calls for solidarity, democracy and non-discrimination. Read the statement in French and English below or download here. ——— Vague d’attentats à Paris le MRAP horrifié appelle à refuser tout amalgame Spate of suicide bombings and terrorist attacks in Paris : MRAP expresses its absolute horror and calls on citizens to reject any type of heinous conflation Le MRAP exprime son horreur suite à la vague d’attentats commis à Paris ce vendredi 13 novembre et qui a fait au moins 120 morts, 200 blessés dont 83 dans un état […]
November 16, 2015
Sri Lanka: Condolence to Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero

International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism – Asia Committee (IMADR AC) expresses its condolences on the death of the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero. The entire country mourns over the loss of Ven. Sobitha Thero. He left an indelible mark in the Sri Lankan society as a religious leader who pioneered a historic movement fearlessly calling us to uphold the rule of law, democracy and independence of judiciary heralding a new political culture in Sri Lanka. Venerable Sobitha denouncing religious and communal extremism has opened up the path for us to further his vision for religious and national reconciliation in the country. We as an organization committed to […]
November 11, 2015
ICERD – 50 years of fighting racial discrimination: looking back and moving forward (26 November)

– – – Message from the CERD team – – – Dear Friends and Colleagues, For half a century, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) has been the key international instrument in the fight against racism. This year, ICERD turns 50, and we want to take the opportunity to celebrate and promote the work ICERD has done and will continue to do. Festivities begin today 26 October 2015, with the launch of the “50 years of fighting racism” anniversary webpage: www.ohchr.org/icerd50. The page features information about ICERD, as well as cards that can be downloaded, printed and sent out via email (or traditional snail mail) […]
October 27, 2015
- Minorities & Indigenous
OISL report and transitional justice in Sri Lanka (HRC30, 2015, OS)

IMADR delivered its oral statement on “OISL report and transitional justice in Sri Lanka” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. ——— IMADR Oral Statement: 30th session of the Human Rights Council Item 2: High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka 30 September 2015 Thank you Mr. President, IMADR and Rights Now Collective for Collective for Democracy welcome the OISL report and the recommendations of the High Commissioner. We regret that it took six long years for the international community to recognise the violations of human rights and humanitarian law, war crimes, crimes against humanity and gruesome gender based violence […]
September 30, 2015
“Militarization and Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan”, the islands’ voice to UN Human Rights Council (21 September)

On Monday 21st of September, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), jointly with All Okinawa Council, Shimin Gaikou Centre and Franciscans International held a side event on “Militarization and Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan”. The event was highlighted by the special report of Mr. Onaga Takeshi, Governor of Okinawa, and the comment from Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples . Experts from Japan contributed to the discussion including Mr. Hideaki Uemura, President of Shimin Gaikou Centre, Mr. Hideki Yoshikawa, environmental activist, and Mr. Yoshikazu Shiohira, Chief Editor of the Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper. The first part of the event started with […]
September 29, 2015
- Racism and UN
CERD will address racial discrimination in Egypt, Holy See, Lithuania, Mongolia, Slovenia and Turkey (November 2015)

At its 88th session from 23rd November to 11th December 2015, UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) will consider the situations of racial discrimination in following countries. Civil society organisations are encouraged to submit their reports on Egypt, Holy See, Lithuania, Mongolia, Slovenia and Turkey. The Committee will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Convention on 26th November 2015. Practical Information Deadline for submission of NGO reports: 2nd November 2015 For further information and State parties’ reports, please visit the official CERD website Use our “ICERD and CERD: Guide for Civil Society Actors” for effective participation in the session Watch discussions live! UN Treaty Body Webcast If you are an NGO participating in the […]
September 25, 2015
Argentina: Universal Culture of Peace and Human Security – Peace as a Human Right

With invitation by IMADR Latin America Base and its partners, Bishop Gunnar Johan Stålset, a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, visited Argentina from 7th to 10th September. At the panel on “Universal Culture of Peace and Human Security – Peace as a Human Right” held in the Siglo XXI National University, Bishop Stålsett delivered his insightful presentation on the right to peace. The whole text of his presentation can be read below or download here ——— Dr. Gunnar Stålsett. Bishop em of Oslo Universal Culture of Peace and Human Security – Peace as a Human Right. Is it a human right to live in peace? Surprisingly, today it is not. But it should be. On the […]
September 25, 2015
- Minorities & Indigenous
HRC 30 Side Event: Civil Society Responses to the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka (4pm, 28 September)

Together with Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Minority Rights Group International, IMADR is holding a side event on “Civil Society Responses to the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council from 4 pm, Monday 28 September at Room XXI in Palais des Nations. For further information, click on the flyer below.
September 24, 2015
- Racism and UN
Truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence in Sri Lanka (HRC30, 2015, WS)

IMADR submitted a written statement on “The need for truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence in Sri Lanka as a matter of fundamental and basic rights” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. ——— The need for truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence in Sri Lanka as a matter of fundamental and basic rights In order to reach long-lasting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, it is of a vital importance that the Government guarantees an end to the culture of impunity that has characterized previous governments and put in place comprehensive policies with due respect for […]
September 23, 2015
Dalit rights in new Constitution in Nepal and human rights violations in Ryukyu/Okinawa (HRC30, 2015, OS)

IMADR delivered its oral statement on “Dalit rights in new Constitution in Nepal and human rights violations in Ryukyu/Okinawa” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. ——— IMADR Oral Statement: 30th session of the Human Rights Council Item 4: General Debate 22 September 2015 Thank you Mr. President, We join Feminist Dalit Organisation of Nepal (FEDO) to express disappointment in the new Constitution of Nepal which just came into force last Sunday. Dalit communities repeatedly demanded the Government and Constituent Assembly (CA) to include provisions to increase the political participation of Dalit people and protect and promote their rights. […]
September 22, 2015
Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan (HRC30, 2015, Joint-WS)

Together with All-Okinawa Council and Shimin Gaikou Centre, IMADR submitted a written statement on “Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. ——— Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan 1. The biggest problem in Ryukyu/Okinawa right now is the construction of a new military base in Henoko, Nago City. The Ryukyuan/Okinawan people, which is internationally recognized as an indigenous people1, has democratically expressed their strong opposition by electing politicians who are against the new base construction on local, prefectural and national levels as well as conducting sit-in protests in Henoko. 2. Okinawa, situated between […]
September 17, 2015
- Minorities & Indigenous
Transitional justice in Sri Lanka (HRC30, 2015, OS)

IMADR delivered its oral statement on “Transitional justice in Sri Lanka” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. ——— IMADR Oral Statement: 30th session of the Human Rights Council Item 3: Clustered Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence 15 September 2015 Thank you Mr. President, We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s advisory visit to Sri Lanka early this year. In follow-up to his visit, we wish to share our concerns on transitional justice processes in Sri Lanka. Despite his emphasis on the need to facilitate participation of victims, women […]
September 16, 2015
HRC 30 Side Event: Militarization and Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan (11am, 21 September)

Together with All Okinawa Council, Franciscans International and Shimin Gaikou Centre, IMADR is holding a side event on “Militarization and Human Rights Violations in Okinawa, Japan” at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council from 11 am, Monday 21 September at Room XXIV in Palais des Nations. For further information, click on the flyer below.
September 15, 2015