Civil Society and Shrinking Political Space: the future of human rights in Southeast Asia

Civil society in Southeast Asia has come under threat from shrinking political space, funding challenges and internal competition over issues and resources. In this context what is the future of human rights in the region?

This seminar examines Southeast Asian civil society engagement with human rights mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and national human rights institutions. The speaker will sketch out a vision for human rights engagement in a region which is slipping back into authoritarianism.

James Gomez is the Executive Director of Asia Centre, based in Bangkok, Thailand. He provides the strategic vision and direction for the Centre’s operations and oversees its Human Rights Programme. He has over 25 years of international experience working for international NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, public and private universities, research institutes and think-tanks.

Jürgen Haacke is Director of the Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre and Associate Professor of International Relations at LSE.

The Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre (SEAC) is an inter-disciplinary, regionally-focused academic centre within the Institute of Global Affairs at LSE. Building on the School's deep historical connections with Southeast Asia, the Centre seeks to promote the best academic and policy research on the region, deepen research ties with Southeast Asia, and improve the student experience at LSE.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEhumanrights

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LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.