If your organisation emails Meg Davis at info@asiacatalyst.org concerning action please copy [him] at HIV.Information.for.Myanmar@gmail.com.

[him] moderator

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At the ICAAP-Bali meeting, a small group of Asian AIDS and harm reduction NGOs discussed the idea of establishing a coalition to lobby for the lifting of restrictions on AIDS NGOs in Asia.

The proposed coalition would work together to:

1) address urgent cases (eg, arrest of AIDS activists, shutdown of AIDS NGOs or websites, AIDS activists in need of temporary shelter to avoid arrest)

2) advocate globally for increased space for frontline AIDS and harm reduction NGOs (including loosening restrictions on NGO registration, publications and websites; addressing police and state harassment of AIDS NGOs in some countries)

3) work together to provide human rights training for grassroots AIDS and harm reduction NGOs and the communities we serve (sex workers, drug users, LGBT, women, etc)

Right now, we are working on building the coalition. Asian NGOs working on HIV/AIDS and/or harm reduction, or related support groups, that are interested in joining should email me or info@asiacatalyst.org with the names and contact information of up to two point people from your group.

Once we have a critical mass, we will start a discussion about strategy and next steps -- bearing in mind that this diverse and transnational coalition will have to understand that strategies will need to be tailored to the diverse and sometimes restrictive environments in which member groups work.

Any questions, please get in touch -- thanks!

Meg Davis

Executive Director
Asia Catalyst

sara.meg.davis@gmail.com
info@asiacatalyst.org

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