FORUM-ASIA thanks its members, partners, donors, and supporters for making 2022 a meaningful year. We are excited to share with you our 2022 Annual Report. In 2022, human rights defenders across Asia came together to tackle and conquer some of the region’s biggest social, political, and economic challenges. FORUM-ASIA witnessed how its member organisations deftly [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA takes great pride in announcing the launch of Defending in Numbers – Rising Together Against All Odds, a comprehensive publication that delves into the significant obstacles faced by human rights advocates in Asia during the years 2021 and 2022. Despite the gradual recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the region experienced [ Read more ]

This report, titled “State of Disruption: Assessing the Impact of Malaysia’s COVID-19 Laws on Civic Space,” is a collaborative effort between FORUM-ASIA, SUARAM and Pusat KOMAS. Following the footsteps of neighbouring governments, Malaysia’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) government enforced stringent measures in 2020 to combat the spread of COVID-19. These measures included targeted Movement Control Orders [ Read more ]

 Over the years, Mongolia has witnessed significant improvements in indicators on human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, the country’s progress is currently being threatened as a result of its mineral wealth. In 2020, the government’s commitment to re-prioritise mining and increase its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) has left many communities vulnerable [ Read more ]

The fight for human rights is an ongoing struggle and defenders face an array of obstacles and threats. In recent years, the situation has worsened, with governments imposing repressive laws, online harassment becoming more prevalent, and an increase in threats and harassment of the families of HRDs. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges [ Read more ]

  Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has experienced rapid growth, with 44 per cent of the country’s total exports consisting of apparels. Approximately 15 per cent of the country’s labour force is employed in the apparel sector. And yet, they receive unfair wages and are made to endure unsafe and discriminatory working conditions. FORUM-ASIA and LST [ Read more ]

Analysis of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission’s Complicity with the Military Junta Since the Failed Coup d’état of 1 February 2021 Introduction This analysis paper seeks to evaluate the actions and complicity of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC or Commission) in the failed coup attempt launched by the Myanmar military junta since [ Read more ]

Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous country. Agriculture, directly and indirectly, employs 37.4 per cent of the country’s labour force, 70 per cent of whom are mostly located in rural areas. Not only do rural women receive fewer wages than men, but WAWs are susceptible to malnutrition, discrimination, violence and ill-treatment, including exploitation and [ Read more ]

This report outlines the findings from community-based research on gravel extraction and road building in two villages in Win Yay Township, Dooplaya District, which is situated in the Karen National Union-controlled area of Myanmar. Based on qualitative research, it outlines the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of extraction and construction projects on the two communities, whilst [ Read more ]

Mining has always been a deeply contentious issue in the Philippines. For decades, the government has prioritised the country’s mineral wealth to boost economic growth, often at the cost of human rights and sustainable development. The report, “Mining Away Freedoms: Testimonies from Communities Fighting for their Rights in the Philippines” provides a space for voices [ Read more ]