Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for South-East Asia

The OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia was established in Bangkok in 2002 in order to strengthen OHCHR’s presence and partnerships in the region. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) hosts the Regional Office under a Memorandum of Intent signed with the High Commissioner for Human Rights in February 2001.

The Regional Office covers Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam. It also supports OHCHR’s work elsewhere in other parts of Asia. Cambodia is not covered by the Regional Office, as it has a stand-alone OHCHR country office.

The Regional Office for South-East Asia acts as an expert resource and plays a catalytic and convening role, helping to bring human rights standards and mechanisms into discussions on political, social, economic and developmental issues amongst governmental and non-governmental actors. A combination of advocacy on human rights issues of concern and technical support and capacity building with key partners has formed the basis of the Regional Office’s work, including with national government authorities, ASEAN, national human rights institutions, civil society and the UN system. The Regional Office aims to integrate gender into all areas of its work.

The Regional Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in South-East Asia is Ms. Cynthia Veliko.