Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a leading regional human rights organization based in Bangkok, with a broad network of over 85 member organizations in 23 countries across Asia. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA is committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development, in accordance with international human rights standards.

The organization’s mission is to build a peaceful, just, equitable, and ecologically sustainable community of peoples and societies in Asia. They achieve this by strengthening human rights movements through a multi-pronged approach that includes:

• Advocacy: Engaging with national, regional, and international bodies, including the United Nations and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, to advocate for policy and legislative changes.
• Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to their members and partners to enhance their effectiveness in promoting and protecting human rights on the ground.
• Solidarity Actions: Offering protection and support to human rights defenders who are at risk due to their work, and mobilizing regional and international solidarity for those facing threats or persecution.
• Research and Documentation: Conducting research and publishing reports that expose human rights violations, inform public discourse, and provide evidence for their advocacy work.

FORUM-ASIA is a crucial voice for civil society in the region, focusing particularly on the rights of the poor, marginalized, and discriminated. Its work is a testament to the interconnectedness of human rights and sustainable development, and it plays a vital role in building a resilient and empowered civil society in Asia.