The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)

If some of the participants from our Global Citizenship Course where of the opinion that human rights is optained and a living reality in our world, you would think differently after our visit at Forum Asia the 6th of May.

During a afternoon session at Forum Asias headquarter in Bangkok, we all got some very interesting and new insight into the objectives of the organization, and the extensive problem they are up against. The basic aim of the organization is to promote and protect all human rights all over Asia. A task which is not simple, and requires brave, ambitiouse and engaged members to operate their way through the different and often critical political fields of Asia.

And since Forum Asia covers not only one country, but a entire continent they need to work together and cooperate with other Human Right organizations and defenders all over Asia. Only by a collective voice Forum Asia is able to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy in Asia and beyond. They are stronger together and through that combined power they reach and engage with states and other stakeholders at national, regional and international levels.

And as we spoke with the organization that afternoon, we realized how important this work is, in order for Asia to move towards better circumstances and prospects, where especially the freedom of expression and the freedom of gathering can create the foundation of a unrestricted and fair continent.

... But how do you do that?
Small steps and small successes. You need to keep that in mind, when dealing with such a big issue. But what Forum Asia does is for example to focus on different programs. At our visit we were told about The Human Right Defenders (HRD) programme, which aims to equippe HRD with leadership skills and strengthen their advocacy actions in a harsh enviroment, that is marked by threats and intimidation.

Admirable people. Both the ones at the offices and those acting all over Asia. I believe that we all left the headquarter with that in mind. And a desire to not only use, but also appreciate our Human Rights. Freedoms everyone should be in possessions of.

//Freia Bille

How to make a long-lasting change?

That is a question I often aske myself. I think a lot of us dream about making a change. Making a difference. Being somebody, doing something. 
I dream about it.
But how to go from a dream to a reality?

In Bangkok not everybody is blessed with a home in a skyscraper or with a well paid job. Some live in communities close up with their neighbors, with streets like a labyrinth, dogs, cats and kids running around. Small shops here and there. Some have a job and some do not. People come and go in the community. It is not a place you voluntarily make to your permanent home. Some even call it a slum.

But Thai Peace Foundation saw the communities potential. 
This should not be a place to be ashamed of. This should be a place with unity, opportunities and knowledge. But how do you break down a bad history, a bad-told story?
You move in with the people of the community. That is what Daniel and his family did. That is what the interns do. That is what the volunteers do and that is how Thai Peace Foundation work.
Thai Peace Foundation is build on the believe that you can not be distenced and an expert telling people what to do unless you live with them. You share their sorrow and pain their celebration and happiness. You need the local insight and knowledge to know what is needed and how you can help and you need to work with the other resident. If you want to the change to last. 

Thai Peace Foundation makes programs based on the needs of the community e.g playing football with the young boys. At first the boys were fighting on the football field but then Sprite, the football coach and local volunteer, told them to play football instead. But fighting is the only thing we know, the boys responded. I believe in you, Sprite told them. And from that day they played football. This little example shows that with a bite of love and belive you can make a change but Sprite would never have been able to move the boys had he not been living among them.
Christine, a former intern and now fulltime worker (and angaged to Sprite), runs programs for the kids in the community as well as a girl club called Young ladies Club. One problem in the community is that the young girls become sex-workers to earn money. Thai Peace Foundation can not stop this but they can give them knowledge in safe sex, healthy relationship and help. Thai Peace Foundation is very much aware of the systems but instead of trying to change the communities all ready existing systems they try to work with them. Planting a seed for the future.

We asked Daniel and the others what it takes to get the communities trust. Time and patience they all answered. But I also think it takes a lot of dedication and maybe also some personal sacrifices. Meeting the people of Thai Peace Foundation has really inspired me. They work by becoming, and loving, the people of the community. They don't force the "correct way" of living. 

And by doing this, they really make room for long-lasting change. 
//Signe B.