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 ]

For more than two decades, the Kumtor Gold Mine has been at the centre of Kyrgyzstan’s ambition to mineral wealth and economic growth. This has long caused friction between proponents of prioritising the economy on the one hand, and the generations bearing the brunt of the ecological impacts of the mine on the other. Justice [ Read more ]

Threats against free expression and artistic freedom in Asia continue to rise, with artists becoming increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks, censorship, and persecution. Artists throughout the region have been particularly impacted by a recent spate of legislative efforts that seek to encroach on digital security rights, curb “fake news,” and suppress criticism against the government [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA is proud to present its 2021 Annual Report. In light of the constantly changing COVID-19 environment, from hardships to improvements, FORUM-ASIA has continued to adapt to meet the evolving demands within our organisation to help and contribute to our members as they work toward the ultimate objective of promoting and protecting human rights throughout [ Read more ]

For the PDF version of this publication, click here ** As human rights defenders (HRDs) of Asia work relentlessly to advance and uphold human rights in the region, they also face strong backlash and harassment from both State and non-State actors. On 8 March 2022, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), with [ Read more ]