ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC) was invited to be part of Pyi Gyi Khin’s study visit to the Philippines. We were able to share our experiences in global and regional advocacy and in building a movement of LBTIQ activists.

Ging Cristobal, ASC core member, discussed entry points for advocacy within the United Nations. She stressed that engaging the human rights mechanism requires systematic monitoring and documentation of human rights violations.

Ryan Silverio, ASC Regional Coordinator, discussed issues and challenges in doing human rights advocacy within ASEAN. He pointed out that advocating for LGBTIQ rights is difficult because many governments are still challenging universal human rights principles. “Building South-South solidarity where ASEAN people support each other’s causes is a way to strengthen human rights advocacy in the region,” he added.

Pyi Gyi Khin, a Myanmar-based NGO working on health issues, held their study visit last October 5 to 9, which was hosted by the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID).