CSBR was at the Rights, Resources and Resilience in Asia Pacific (RRRAP) Summit, hosted by APCOM in Bangkok from 13-15 November 2017. The RRRAP Summit was an opportunity to reflect on the gains and shifts of the last 10 years of organizing and advocacy to end HIV and improve community health outcomes with a focus on key populations, and new strategies for moving ahead.
Prior to the Summit, APCOM hosted the HERO awards, recognizing community advocates across the region who have been defining leaders in movements for rights and recognition. It was a great night for recognition of the groundbreaking work of activists across Muslim societies, including Khartini Slamah, whose 30+ years of activism has re-shaped support for transgender communities and sex workers’ rights across Malaysia and Asia Pacific.
Our member Bandhu Social Welfare Society was honoured in the Community Organization category, for their over 20 years of leading work as a provider of HIV programs, sexual health services and human rights advocacy throughout Bangladesh.
Our Advisory Committee member Dede Oetomo, in his role as APCOM’s Chair, opened & closed the Summit, and presented across multiple sessions on the work of Indonesian civil society in engaging cross-sector collaborations, including faith-based organizations, to further protection, recognition and respect for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Our Coordinator, Rima Athar, presented on a Side Event on “The Uncivil Society”: Of Priviledge, Exclusion and the Work of Social Justice for All”, and on the third day’s Plenary, “From Evolution to Revolution: Merging Movements Towards Broader Social Justice And Change”, alongside groups including Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW), UNAIDS Asia Pacific, ILGA-Asia, and Asia Pacific Network of People Using Drugs (ANPUD).
Rima’s contributions explored the language, questions and practices of solidarity & inclusion to strengthen cross-movement collaborations between those focused on HIV & key populations in Asia Pacific, and wider human rights movements, including women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health rights, economic justice and environmental justice as part of the larger ecosystem impacting community health and rights.
Over the three days, over 300 advocates from the region participated in the conversations, ranging from community activists and regional networks, to funders, UN departments and government officials. The Summit highlighted challenges faced by civil society organisations and human rights advocates, opportunities to strengthen resourcing for our organizations, followed by a community forum and strategic planning process to develop stronger and more inclusive strategies moving forward.
| Photo Credits: APCOM |
