• CONTEXT

In varying degrees and with different dynamics, Asian countries have constricted civic spaces and civil society communities under threat. Fundamental rights are being suppressed, and key actors who exercise these rights are being persecuted. In Asia, where majority of populations are in rural areas and where economies are largely agricultural, the shrinking civic space disproportionately affects those working on human rights, land rights, and rural development.

Over the past few years, conflicts over land and resource conflicts have intensified. The rush to unsustainably utilize land for extractive industries, large-scale commodity production, and infrastructure development, has negatively affected the environment and has led to the displacement of communities. These conflicts have also led to injury and death of community activists and human rights defenders. Such conflicts did not cease during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there has been an increase in illegal corporate activities and violence against communities during nationwide lockdowns.

• TARGET

• Members of civil society are able to freely exercise civic actions (ex. freedom of speech, association, assembly, etc.) that are respected, promoted, and upheld, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• KEY ACTIVITIES

• Promotion of national and regional policy environment that respects and protects civic space, civil society, media, and rights defenders;
• Strengthening resilience of civil society to current threats and challenges, including digital security, political polarization, COVID 19, State counter-terrorism measures and financial sustainability;
• Facilitating linkages between and among CSOs and other social actors (ex. trade and labor unions, human rights groups, urban-based organizations, influencers, media, etc.); and,
• Seeking accountability from States and duty-bearers in instances of violations against civil and political rights of groups and individuals