Miriam Chavajay

UN Human Rights - Asia

The OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia addresses the regional dimensions of human rights issues, including specific thematic issues; engages national actors in countries within the region following an assessment of needs and in accordance with OHCHR's regional strategies; and provides support to UN Country Teams in the region. We play a catalytic role with a range of partners at regional and national levels, including governments, ASEAN, civil society and UN agencies. We advocate for the increased engagement of Member States and civil society organizations (CSOs) with the international human rights system, the increased ratification of international human rights instruments, and follow-up to treaty body, special procedures and UPR recommendations. The Office acts as a resource of expert advice on human rights for partners in the United Nations, governments and CSOs and it strives to bring international human rights standards and mechanisms as well as a human rights-based approach to discussions on political, social, humanitarian, economic and development issues. Our office covers Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It also supports OHCHR's work elsewhere in the region.