Access to Justice and Human Rights
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is working with local partner organizations, including Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (also known as LBH Jakarta) and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development to increase the capacity of civil society groups throughout the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) region to advocate for a strong and comprehensive regional human rights system. To accomplish this goal, ABA ROLI is working to build networks between lawyers and civil society groups in the ASEAN member states. In addition, we are developing an online information-sharing platform to facilitate communication and coordination amongst lawyers and human rights advocates throughout the region, establish common understanding of regional human rights systems and strengthen advocacy networks. Additionally, we will help LBH Jakarta create a training module on legal advocacy and the ASEAN human rights system, which Indonesian lawyers will then implement throughout the region, building the capacity of and strengthening ties with their counterparts across Southeast Asia. Participating organizations will then be able to use their networks and apply their advocacy skills to design and implement a strategy to strengthen the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights as well as other institutions in the ASEAN human rights system, including the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.