At FORUM-ASIA, we employ a range of strategies to effectively achieve our goals and create a lasting impact.

Through a diverse array of approaches, FORUM-ASIA is dedicated to achieving our objectives and leaving a lasting imprint on human rights advocacy.

Who we work with

Our interventions are meticulously crafted and ready to enact tangible change, addressing pressing issues and empowering communities.

Each statements, letters, and publications are meticulously tailored, poised to transform challenges into opportunities, and to empower communities towards sustainable progress.

Multimedia Stories
publications

With a firm commitment to turning ideas into action, FORUM-ASIA strives to create lasting change that leaves a positive legacy for future generations.

Explore our dedicated sub-sites to witness firsthand how FORUM-ASIA turns ideas into action, striving to create a legacy of lasting positive change for future generations.

our story

who we are

FORUM-ASIA is a membership-based regional network of human rights organisations in Asia. Our collective strength draws from our extensive network of 85 member organisations across 23 countries, mainly in Asia.

We promote and protect human rights, civic space, and democracy in the region. We do this by empowering civil society and marginalised communities. FORUM-ASIA holds a consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council as well as a consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

our vision

To help build democratic, just, equitable, and sustainable societies in Asia—where human rights of all individuals, groups, and peoples are fully realised in accordance with international human rights standards and norms.

our mission

To strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development in Asia through research, advocacy, capacity-building, and solidarity actions with human rights defenders and civil society organisations.

our core values

Everything we do in the pursuit of FORUM-ASIA’s purpose, vision and mission are guided by our core values and principles that reflect who we are and what we stand for

Transparency & Accountability
Inclusion
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Relevance & Impact
Creativity & Learning
Safeguarding Wellbeing
Empathy & Compassion

In 1991, FORUM-ASIA was founded in Manila. Its founding members—19 organisations from nine countries—wanted to amplify the Asian voice in the global human rights landscape. 

FORUM-ASIA recognised the need to enable and encourage human rights defenders to tell their own stories as they fight injustice and inequality in Asia. Through the collaborative efforts facilitated by FORUM-ASIA, civil society organisations found a common space to unite and collaborate in unveiling and addressing the various challenges that impede democracy and sustainable development across the region. 

In 1992, we established our Regional Secretariat in Bangkok, serving as a central hub for our operations. We have also set up offices in Geneva, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. While our physical presence is anchored in these locations, our work spans across Asia, reaching communities far and wide.