APRRN deeply saddened by the loss of Ravi Hemadri
Ravi Hemadri, founding member and Secretary of the Development and Justice Initiative (DAJI) in India, passed away on 15 July 2025.
Ravi was also one of the founding members of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN). A staunch advocate and champion for the rights of refugees, migrants, Indigenous Peoples, and other minorities in India, he was courageous and would always speak out on the situation of marginalised communities, and he never tired of working towards a more just future.
For over 25 years, Ravi dedicated his life to community mobilisation, training, advocacy, and research. Our community of practitioners and advocates working on the rights of refugees and other vulnerable people on the move in Asia Pacific has lost a friend and colleague. But his legacy will continue to inspire those who worked with him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
On behalf of APRRN, Hafsar Tameesuddin and Klaus Dik Nielsen, Co-Secretaries General
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ravi Hemadri is no more. There are no words to express the sorrow and grief in our hearts. Ravi Hemadri was a true protector and defender of the Rohingya refugees across India. His guidance, compassion, and relentless dedication to the cause of human rights left an indelible mark on our lives and our Rohingya community. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Sabber Kyaw Min, founder & Director of Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (ROHRIngya) and APRRN member
Ravi has been a key supporter for us, alongside Tapan Kumar Bose. I am still trying to accept this. We lost another pillar this year before we could fully recover emotionally from Tapan’s passing. Ravi’s demise truly broke me. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Ali Johar, Co-lead, Global Movement Against Statelessness and APRRN member
I have known Ravi for the last two decades as a tireless refugee rights activist. He always stood firm for the refugees and marginalized, giving voice to those silenced by borders and conflicts. Ravi’s compassion, intellect, and unwavering dedication shaped lives and policies alike. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he empowered and protected. Gone too soon, but his fight for justice echoes still.
Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, President: INHURED International and Chair & Steering Committee Member: South Asia Working Group-APRRN
Recommended
May 22, 2025
APRRN Urgent Appeal to the Government of Pakistan to Immediately Halt Forced Deportations of Afghan Refugees
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) express our grave concern over the ongoing forced deportations of Afghan refugees by the Government of Pakistan under the so-called “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.” In April 2025 alone, some 144,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan, including nearly 30,000 who were deported.
Oct. 5, 2024
Urgent Statement on the Rohingya Crisis and the Need for Regional Protection
We express our deep concern over the ongoing Rohingya crisis and the lack of a comprehensive and coordinated regional response to protect refugees in Southeast Asia. As the situation continues to deteriorate, we call for immediate action from ASEAN, its member states, and the international community.
Sept. 4, 2024
APRRN calls on Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution to free children in Malaysia!
“While children are killed and maimed in Myanmar, Palestine, and other countries around the world, Malaysia keeps those who have fled locked up indefinitely for seeking safety in its territory. This is wrong and unacceptable and must be changed in law and practice.” APRRN’s Co-Secretary General, Hafsar Tameesuddin.