Events

Fight for a democratic Asean

Take a look at artworks from the first regional cartoon exhibition focused on civil liberty and justice

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 May 2021 9:00AM

Fight for a democratic Asean — ‘Death in Custody’ is an artwork by freelance Malaysian comic artist Shazeera, who is based in Geneva, Switzerland. According to official statistics provided by the Home Ministry in a parliamentary reply on March 28, 2017, there are 257 deaths in police custody between 2002 and 2016. This cartoon highlights the issue. – Pic courtesy of Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition, May 12, 2021

by Amalina Kamal

THIRTY-seven cartoonists across Southeast Asia joined forces for the Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition. Hosted by Malaysia’s very own political cartoonist Zunar, they seek to show support for the state of human rights in the region.

Launched last week on May 3, the online showcase brought together more than than 74 hard-hitting cartoons. Audiences get a glimpse of the state of political play in the participating cartoonists' respective nations.

Available online at www.craftora.com, below are a sample of the cartoons. They are presented in the two separate galleries created just for the digital event.

Asean Human Rights gallery

‘Impunity’ is the second artwork submitted by cartoonist Shazeera. It highlights the continuous calls by civil society organisations in Malaysia for a proper inquest to be conducted over fatal shooting cases and the use of excessive force by the armed forces in the country. – Pic courtesy of Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition

This cartoon submitted by Filipino cartoonist Angelo Lopez highlights how human rights activists in his home country have been the target of president Duterte’s government. – Pic courtesy of Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition

‘Justice’ by Wawawawin highlights the forces that heavily dictates the nation’s order. – Pic courtesy of Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition

‘Everyone Gets’ is a cartoon submitted by award-winning Indonesian cartoonist Den Dede. It depicts how the state and non-state roles are must all be equally be prescribed with human rights as the remedy for a nation. – Pic courtesy of Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition

Indonesian cartoonist and comic creator (Komikus) shares his illustration of the ‘Munir Murder Case with Poison’. An artwork that highlights events and complications surrounding the murder of Indonesian activist Munir Said Thalib. It has been a year since news broke and until now, the main perpetrator has not been caught. – Pic courtesy of Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition

Myanmar Solidarity Gallery

Gallery description:

Since the Myanmar coup started on February 1, mass protests have been taking place across the country. The military has since seized control and announced a one-year state of emergency.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected leader and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party are among those detained while hundreds of people have been killed.

The Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition: Myanmar Solidarity Gallery is our way to show our support for our Asean brothers and sisters.

Cartoonists pen drawings that mark a symbol of solidarity. We stand with the people of Myanmar to defend democracy, against the coup d’état of the military regime.

The Junta has violated democracy. We pledge our support for an immediate ceasefire. The violence against the people of Myanmar must be put to a stop! – The Vibes, May 12, 2021