ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY: LESSONS FROM BERSIH 4

Date:               Sept 8, 2015 (Tuesday)

Time:               2pm to 4.30pm

Venue:             

Global Movement of Moderates (GMM),

15th Floor, Menara Manulife, No. 6, Jalan Gelenggang,

Damansara Heights, KL

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Article 20 guarantees that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association”. A similar guarantee is provided for in the Federal Constitution in Article 10 (1) (b). However the Federal Constitution also indicates that Parliament could impose restrictions as per Article 10 (2) (a) and which it has done.

We have just witnessed the largest peaceful assembly over the Merdeka weekend on August 29 and 30, 2015. A review of this peaceful assembly including the events preceding and post Bersih 4 is necessary now to enhance human rights in Malaysian society.

There is a need to review the restrictions imposed on peaceful assemblies and the institutional reforms needed to enhance democratic practice and compliance to global human rights standards.

OBJECTIVES

PROHAM and GMM is hosting this RTD in order to:-

Review the Human Rights instruments & domestic laws pertaining to peaceful assembly

Review the Bersih 4 peaceful assembly (Pre event, the event and the post event issues)

Drawing lessons from the Malaysian experience

Making Recommendations for the future of peaceful assemblies as a legitimate vehicle in democratic societies.

PROGRAM

The RTD will be moderated by Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (CEO GMM) and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (Proham Secretary General)

PROHAM is inviting Bersih Chairman Ms Maria Chin Abdullah, the Bar Council Chairman or representative, the Suhakam Chairman or representative, the IGP or his representative from PDRM.

This event is open to civil society representatives and the media. We will also invite the foreign embassies who were monitoring the Bersih 4 event as well as the regional and international human rights organisations.

Register for participation:- But as places are limited, please confirm participation as soon as possible. Register atadli@gmomf.org or sms at +6017 243 0978( Mr Adli Zakuan)