Since the 1990s, the number of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) has grown rapidly worldwide. NHRIs are widely believed to be able to contribute to the realisation of human rights, by... Show moreSince the 1990s, the number of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) has grown rapidly worldwide. NHRIs are widely believed to be able to contribute to the realisation of human rights, by embedding international norms in domestic structures. Promoting Human Rights: National Human Rights Commissions in Indonesia and Malaysia addresses this issue by a comparative analysis of two NHRIs in Southeast Asia. It traces the development of both organisations since their inception, as well as their performance and effectiveness in three case studies regarding the freedom of religion, the right to a fair trial and the right to adequate housing. It reveals that the manner in which NHRIs address human rights issues differs between categories of rights, and that the promotion of international human rights standards is often hampered by the contestation of these norms, both within and outside of the organisation. At the same time, this study highlights some of the contributions the NHRIs have made to the realisation of human rights in challenging circumstances. The author therefore argues that NHRIs play a crucial role in making human rights an integral part of both the state and society. Show less
In this thesis we reported our investigations of the relationship between soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and a number of outcomes, in particular malaria, insulin resistance (a marker for type-2... Show moreIn this thesis we reported our investigations of the relationship between soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and a number of outcomes, in particular malaria, insulin resistance (a marker for type-2 diabetes (T2D)) and atherosclerosis (a marker for cardiovascular diseases (CVD)) on Flores island, Indonesia. In the study on Flores Island, the use of albendazole as a single dose at three monthly intervals decreased helminth infections significantly. However, this intensive deworming could not eliminate helminth infections. Despite no effect on malaria parasitemia and clinical symptoms was found, we noted that in vitro immune responses were improved after albendazole treatment and significant increases in malaria-specific and mitogen-induced tumor necrosis factor and interferon _ cytokine production were observed. We also reported that helminth infections are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and lower risk factors for CVD. A possible approach to confirm our results will be a long-term, well-powered, placebo controlled (adequate) anthelminthic trials to investigate asymptomatic malaria (in area where clinical malaria is highly prevalent); as well as to study whether alleviation of helminthic pressure is inversely correlated with anti-inflammation, lipid levels and insulin sensitivity, and therefore leads to an accelerated development of T2D and CVD. Show less
