Despite some positive developments in 2014, including elections of some governments that have promised improvements in human rights, the overall trend in Asian countries has been regressive due to impunity, continuing discrimination and violence against women, ongoing torture and further use of the death penalty, crackdowns on freedom of expression and assembly, pressure on civil society and threats against human rights defenders and media workers. There were alarming signs of rising religious and ethnic intolerance and discrimination, with authorities either being complicit or failing to take action to combat it.

Common concerns include unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions on freedom of expression; impunity for serious human rights violations including torture; the treatment and poor legal protection of undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and refugees; human trafficking; and discrimination against women, persons with disabilities and persons living with HIV and AIDS. Existing civil society organizations continue to find it difficult to win ASEAN’s recognition to become part of the decision-making process at the regional level; in some States, they face censorship and restrictions on their freedom of expression.

The South and West Asia sub-regions host a diverse set of human rights challenges. Countries like Afghanistan and Nepal are in the midst of post-conflict transitions but face significant problems of insecurity, exclusion and lack of transitional justice. Democratic institutions and the rule of law are on the brink of reforms.  Conflicts persist in several countries, with resulting human rights violations and displacement. Though well-established legal systems exist, implementation and enforcement of the law is weak, and impunity is still a problem. The barriers against accessing the justice system are formidable for many people, reflecting the impact of social and religious traditions on women and other groups. Poverty is at the root of many human rights violations and contributes to specific problems, such as child exploitation and human trafficking. The list is never-ending and violations will continue as long as poverty, greed for wealth and power, and corruption exist in various Asian countries.

The church is called to be engaged in Prophetic Diakonia and Advocacy by raising its voice to demand justice and advocate for better policies and legislative action, help build awareness of human rights situations, and create an ecumenical platform from where a strong united ecumenical voice, response and call for action can be heard. CCA has been active in creating awareness on human rights, not only the rights of individuals, but also the rights of the communities that are traditionally marginalized and suppressed.  CCA sees the need for a sustained effort in pursuing the human rights program in the future in order to contribute to improving human rights situations in Asia.

CCA has been accredited with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2003. The special consultative status of CCA enables CCA to facilitate the advocacy of Asian Churches in various areas of their concerns through regional and international platforms such as the UN Human Rights Council Sessions, Universal Periodic Review of UNHRC, UN General Assembly, Security Council, UNESCAP, UNEP, UNDP, etc. In the coming years CCA will facilitate various advocacy initiatives of Asian churches in response to their requests and accredit the participation of Asian church representatives at various UN events in the region and also at three different UN Centers – New York, Geneva or Vienna depends upon the needs and requests of Asian churches.

This program will focus on identifying and addressing human rights concerns in Asia based on Biblical and theological foundations and assisting the Asian churches in demonstrating their prophetic voice in dealing with human rights violations in Asia. Activities will include Human Rights Advocacy Training and facilitating the participation of Asian churches at the United Nations Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Process.