Our mission is to empower local stakeholders to champion environment-related human rights, gender equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the heart of our work lies the fundamental belief that human rights are not abstract ideals but concrete obligations for states to respect, protect, and fulfill. These obligations must be translated into local policies that resonate with community priorities, positioning local governments as pivotal players in the human rights landscape.  

Since 2018, RWI Regional Asia Pacific Office has been a hub of knowledge and collaboration, driving the integration of a human rights-based approach (HRBA) into local policies. Through a blend of research, training, and direct engagement with local governments, academics, civil society organizations (CSOs), and national human rights institutions (NHRIs), we have highlighted the importance of HRBA in local governance. 

RWI stands at the forefront of international and regional efforts to promote human rights at the local level, championing initiatives such as the Human Rights City concept and broader discourse on human rights and local governance. While the notion of a Human Rights City lacks a universal definition, RWI recognizes its transformative potential in ensuring the universal implementation of human rights norms and principles. RWI actively contributes to shaping the global conversation on Human Rights Cities, participating in prestigious events such as the annual World Human Rights Cities Forum in Gwangju, South Korea. Building on this engagement, RWI expanded its involvement by contributing to the Human Rights Go Local Academy and its esteemed publication series under the International Centre for the Promotion of Human Rights at the University of Graz in Austria. This collaborative effort underscores RWI’s dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and capacity-building in the realm of human rights at the local level. 

At the national level, RWI collaborate with the Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia (MoLHR) to advance human rights at the local level through the Human Rights-Friendly Districts/Cities (KKP HAM) program. This partnership has been instrumental in establishing, implementing, and assessing the KKP HAM initiative, aimed at integrating human rights values into local governance across Indonesia. RWI and DGHR have jointly organized seminars and workshops that bring together the central government, local governments, and other stakeholders. These gatherings are essential for coordinating efforts and creating synergies that enhance the integration of human rights values into local policies and programs. Our support has significantly bolstered the capacity of local governments in around 150 cities across Indonesia, enabling them to implement the KKP HAM program more effectively and ensure tangible benefits for their communities. 

A distinctive aspect of our approach is our intentional focus on youth and young professionals. By engaging the younger generation, RWI has sparked positive changes at the local level. In South and Southeast Asia, the RAPP 1 initiative has actively involved youth in advancing causes related to human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and the SDGs. We believe that empowering young voices is essential for sustaining and enhancing our impact. 

Publications

Partners