APWLD and FORUM-ASIA would like to invite you to a gathering of women human rights defenders (WHRD) from Asia as we celebrate our continued solidarity in the face of increasing threats and escalating violations of our rights as WHRDs. Joining us on this occasion is Ms. Hina Jilani, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Human Rights Defenders, a staunch advocate for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of WHRDs. Several WHRDs from Africa, Latin America and Middle East will also be joining in this activity.

Women from the region working on various critical issuess will be sharing their stories of the intensifying threats as well as the growing resistance in their communities to these threats. This is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to the defence of women defending rights and celebrate women's resistance.

This will be part of global activities being held on 29th November to celebrate the 1st International WHRDs day, after November 29 was declared International Women Human Rights Defenders Day as part of the 16 days of activism against gender violence campaign at the International Consultation on Women Human Rights Defenders which was held from November 29 – December 2, 2005 in Colombo, Sri Lanka 2005. This event will also be part of the 2nd Asian Human Rights Defenders Forum that will be held in Bangkok from 28th – 29th November 2006.

Please confirm your attendance by emailing lisa@apwld.org by 24th November 2006.