Beyond Legislation: Fighting Against Mysterious Disappearances

Last night, I had the honor of judging the 2nd on-the-spot poster making competition hosted by AFAD (Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances), which calls for engagement among artists and families of those who have involuntarily disappeared or gone missing, to push for the implementation of the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act, which was turned into law in 2012.

The event was enlightening for all of us, who have heard the stories of people from various walks of life, whose loved ones, as a result of advocating for and protecting human rights, have gone missing, experienced torture, and have been found either dead or alive.  These political detainees, whose causes are rooted in fighting for human rights, have become subject of politically motivated abductions.

I, along with the families, artists and advocates, truly hope that in 2016, as new leaders are elected in the country, the rights and voices of these victims will be heard, and become a core in the new government’s governance platform.

​The following are the artworks of winners from the competition.