South Asia
The Foundation was established in Germany in 1958. It aims to promote the goal of making the principle of freedom valid for the dignity of all people and in all areas of society, both in Germany and abroad. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom works in over 65 countries worldwide. In South Asia we have offices in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Additionally we work with partners in Nepal. We promote civic education, trainings and the exchange of ideas in the region in four focal areas. These are economic freedom, human rights, urban governance and digital transformation. In addition to the country projects, the Foundation supports regional programs.
News
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Decriminalization of Same-Sex Activity in South Asia
Decriminalizing same-sex activity has been a long-standing battle in many countries worldwide. South Asia is no exception, and several countries in the region have made significant strides in advancing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Connecting the dots
‘Connecting the dots’ is a podcast series by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, as a part of it’s global theme ‘Reshaping Europe’. Over the last year, Europe has found itself in a precarious position with the largest territorial annexation since world war 2, this has in many ways challenged the European Way of Life, presenting a larger question of ‘what next’.
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European Supply Chain Regulations and Countries in South Asia
The paper starts by briefly describing the main global supply chains or global value chains (GVCs) that connect South Asia with the EU and the main human rights violations observed in them. To set the tone for the discussions, it is important to define different wage types, such as living wages, minimum wages and actual wages. This is the prelude to the economics of human rights violations in GVCs. It shows that human rights violations have economic effects on labour, the communities and other users of environmental services, the environment itself, and overall economies of the global South. The paper further analyzes the existing and proposed human rights due diligence in the EU, with the meaning of transformative change.
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Human Rights Situation Under Taliban Regime
The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the subsequent dissolution of the pre-existing republic on August 15, 2021, has resulted in a pronounced rollback in the progress made toward protecting human rights and free society values. This shift has severely impacted the communal and individual liberties of women and other at-risk groups, triggering grave apprehensions regarding the current human rights situation in the nation.
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Celebrating Equality
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Nepal issued an interim order on June 28, 2023, instructing the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) and other relevant ministries to establish a transitional mechanism that ensures the registration of marriages for non-heterosexual couples.
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Hackathon on Strengthening Dialogue and Cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on LGBTQIA+ Rights
Given the pressing need for openness and dialogue on gender-related issues, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) found Colombo a fitting location for its Hackathon on "Strengthening Dialogue and Cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on LGBTQIA+ Rights," held on 6 June 2023.
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Seeking Marriage Equality
What is currently taking place at the Supreme Court of India is nothing short of a historical moment. After the Supreme Court decriminalized Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and held that same-sex conduct between two consenting adults would not be a criminal offence, it is now hearing 19 petitions which have been filed seeking marriage equality and legal recognition of marriage between two persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Communications Consultant
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) South Asia is looking for a Communications Consultant to develop a focused Channel Strategy for FNF South Asia region. The Communications Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing FNF's communication efforts and strengthening its outreach in the region.
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Dark abyss which swallowed my dreams
After two decades, the Taliban returned to Afghanistan in August 2021. From the moment they seized power in Afghanistan, they have been imposing various gender norms and excluding women from education, work, entertainment, and other social, political, and economic activities, and all the while women have been facing severe violence and discrimination.
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Bhutan’s National Council Election 2023: A setback for women
At the recent National Council (NC) election held on 20th April in Bhutan, only one woman was elected to the 25-member Chamber of Parliament. The result was particularly surprising because women voters outnumbered men in the election.
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Upcoming presidential election and political situation in the Maldives
The presidential election in the Maldives is fast approaching after a relatively stable government compared to previous governments. The current President Ibrahim Mohamed Salih came to power with the support of some key coalition partners, namely, Jumhooree Party (JP), Adalat Party (AP) and Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM). As many political appointees of the coalition partners are still in office, the coalition is technically intact contrary to the previous full-term governments of President Mohamed Nasheed and President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
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Navigating China's Economic and Military Rise
The Regional Office of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is creating eight policy papers, each focusing on a specific South Asian country. We are looking for authors to write these policy papers.
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For Freedom
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LGBTQIA+ Matters Online Hackathon
On May 17, 2023, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Regional Office for South Asia organized an online hackathon event titled "Strengthening Dialogue and Cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on LGBTQIA+ Matters" to coincide with the International Day against Homophobia, Bi-phobia, and Trans-phobia.
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Born With Pride - Coffee Table Book
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Regional Office South Asia is thrilled to present to you the latest edition of our remarkable Born with Pride series: a captivating Coffee Table Book.
Social Media
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Exploring Multilateralism from the Global South: Insights with Alice Schmidt 🌍🌐 In our recent podcast, we had the privilege of conversing with Ms. Alice Katharine Schmidt, Senior Consultant at PwC Deutschland, on the crucial topic of multilateralism and the Global South's perspective within the G20. Alice's expertise shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities that emerging economies face on the global stage. Her insights underscored the importance of inclusive and equitable global partnerships. Let's continue to amplify voices from the Global South in shaping a more balanced and effective multilateral system. 🤝💪 #Multilateralism #GlobalSouth #G20Insights #InclusivePartnerships #GlobalEconomy
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On March 10, 1959, Tibetans in Lhasa staged a revolt against the Chinese invasion of their homeland. As a result, approximately 80,000 Tibetans were forced into exile, leaving them disoriented and displaced. In their new adopted land of democratic India, Tibetans embarked on establishing their fresh abode. Within 18 months of that unfortunate event, the Tibetan exiles experienced their initial encounter with democracy as they elected their inaugural representative body, now recognized as the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE). Initially referred to as the Commission of Tibetan People's Deputies, this representative body took their oath in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on September 2, 1960. This day is now commemorated as Tibetan Democracy Day. Since that day, the Tibetan exiles have diligently constructed their own democratic framework, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on the hill station of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The community that began with 80,000 individuals has flourished to 150,000+ today. The assembly of 13 parliamentarians has expanded to 45 dedicated representatives. Within the CTA, a comprehensive structure has taken shape, encompassing the crucial pillars of judiciary, legislature, and executive. Yet, while remarkable strides have been made, the Tibetan people are not without their challenges. The ominous shadow of China's growing influence looms large, casting a daunting uncertainty over their future. The issue of mass immigration remains a pressing concern, as Tibetans seek to preserve their unique identity and heritage amidst diaspora. The advancing age of His Holiness the Dalai Lama presents an inevitable transition that carries profound implications for both the spiritual leader and his people. Above all, the fate of Tibet itself stands as a paramount concern, one that resonates deeply within the hearts of every Tibetan. In this webinar, the panelists will delve into the following topics: ● The Evolution of the Tibetan Democratic System and its Relevance for Others to Learn From ● Navigating the Impending Challenges in Sustaining the Democratic System ● Envisioning Tibet's Future in the Absence of the Dalai Lama ● The Role of Youth in Shaping Tibet's Future ● The Significance of the Indian Government in Supporting the Tibetan Cause
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