Lawsuit or Lawfare? Ensuring Access to Justice in the Face of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)
Session Time and Date
12 November, 15:30 – 17:00
Meeting Room G
Concept Summary
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are a growing threat to freedom of expression and access to justice in the Asia-Pacific region. SLAPPs are often used by powerful actors to silence critics, intimidate activists, and discourage public participation in matters of public interest.
This session will explore the challenges posed by SLAPPs to access to justice and examine innovative legal and policy responses to protect public participation and freedom of expression. Participants will discuss the impact of SLAPPs on vulnerable groups, the role of the judiciary in identifying and dismissing such cases, and strategies for empowering civil society to resist these tactics.
Objectives
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Raise awareness about the nature and impact of SLAPPs on individuals, civil society organizations, and the broader democratic space.
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Identify key challenges faced by individuals and organizations in accessing justice when targeted by SLAPPs.
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Discuss strategies to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance support mechanisms, and promote international cooperation to combat SLAPPs.
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Foster dialogue among stakeholders on best practices and innovative approaches to protect freedom of expression and ensure access to justice in the context of SLAPPs.
Questions
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How do SLAPPs undermine access to justice and freedom of expression in the Asia-Pacific region?
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What are the key challenges faced by individuals and organizations in accessing justice when targeted by SLAPPs?
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What legal and policy measures have been effective in countering SLAPPs in different jurisdictions within the region and globally?
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How can the judiciary be better equipped to identify and dismiss SLAPPs at an early stage?
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What support mechanisms can be established to assist individuals and organizations targeted by SLAPPs?
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What are the emerging trends in SLAPPs, such as the use of digital technologies or cross-border litigation, and how can these be addressed?
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How can international cooperation be strengthened to combat SLAPPs and protect fundamental rights?
Format/Methodology
The session will consist of a panel discussion followed by an interactive Q&A session. The panelists will include experts on SLAPPs, judges, representatives from civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and policymakers. The panelists will present their perspectives on the guiding questions, followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A with the audience.
Expected Outcome
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Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of SLAPPs on access to justice and freedom of expression.
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Participants will be able to identify key challenges and opportunities in addressing SLAPPs.
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Participants will be equipped with knowledge of strategies and tools to combat SLAPPs and protect fundamental rights.
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The session will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders committed to ensuring access to justice for all.
Speakers and Moderator
Chutima 'OI' Sidasathian
Journalist
As a journalist, Oi shared regional awards for investigative reporting and human rights reporting. After exposing the ''pushback'' of Rohingya boatpeople from Thailand, she worked with the New York Times, the BBC, the South China Morning Post, Reuters, AFP and European and Australian outlets in covering human trafficking through SE Asia. She was sued for criminal defamation and computer crimes by the Royal Thai Navy but a Thai judge dismissed all charges. One project on which she worked won a prestigious Pulitzer Prize. She has since achieved a PhD in ethnic anthropology and worked as field producer on the documentary, 'Ghost Fleet,' which exposed slavery at sea. She now works as an activist and consultant and divides her time between Thailand and Europe.
Jessie Cheah Swee Neo (Moderator)
Programme Specialist, Governance and Local Development, Malaysia country office, UNDP
Jessie Cheah recently took on the role of Programme Specialist for Governance and Local Development in Malaysia country office. Current Governance work include Business and Human rights, Preventing Violent Extremism, strengthening Parliamentary processes including youth Parliament; as well sustainable tourism, just transition in rural communities and engaging with youth on environment and climate change. Prior to joining UNDP Malaysia, Jessie was the Secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) where she led the work of the Commission for 5 years, ensuring that Commission’s decisions and directions are implemented in a responsible, efficient and timely manner.