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Southeast Asia

Persistent poverty, growing inequalities and frequent natural disasters are the reality of life for many people in Southeast Asia. Particularly vulnerable groups face enormous economic and social challenges - often without sufficient support. AWO International is committed to empowering disadvantaged people and creating sustainable solutions for a better future.

Our work in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines, focuses on humanitarian aid, safe migration and the fight against human trafficking - with a particular emphasis on protecting the rights of women and children. Our aim is to improve the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged people. To achieve this, we work closely with national and local NGOs, as well as with government, civil society and academia. This holistic approach enables us to strengthen local communities in a sustainable and effective way. Projects in Southeast Asia are coordinated by the team at AWO International's regional office in the Philippines.

Eine Frau steht vor einem Feld und lächelt in die Kamera.
Southeast AsiaPhilippines

Disaster risk reduction in the Philippines

The geographical location of the Philippines makes the country vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and floods. In addition, climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Proactive preparedness allows people to better prepare for these climate-related risks and minimises the impact on the country's life and infrastructure. In cooperation with the local partner organisation CONCERN, we promote disaster risk reduction in the Philippines.

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A smiling woman stands in front of a wooden machine that processes the abaca fiber.
Southeast AsiaPhilippines

Philippine farmers switch to green production

Together with the local partner organisation ECOWEB, AWO International supports smallholder households and strengthens the local capacities of the agricultural industry in Sibagat. Filipino farmers are introduced to the use of natural materials and practices that are climate-friendly and sustainable in order to protect the environment, improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty. In this way, local capacities can be strengthened and the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change can be better managed.

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A woman stands in front of a banner with the words "Livelihood Training".
Southeast AsiaPhilippines

Combating human trafficking in the Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects increase the risk of Filipino domestic workers becoming victims of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. In 2021, AWO International and the Philippine NGO Ople Center formed a partnership to respond to these new challenges for Filipino migrant workers.

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Two women are standing in front of a tent, which is their temporary shelter.
Southeast AsiaIndonesia

Disaster Risk Reduction and Reconstruction after Earthquake in Indonesia

On 21 November 2022, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest of Cianjur district in West Java, Indonesia. The quake claimed more than 600 lives and more than 100,000 people were forced to flee. Together with the local partner organisation YEU, AWO International supports the people in reconstruction and integrates disaster preparedness measures for the affected village communities.

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A woman is giving a presentation. She is holding a microphone and standing in front of a flipchart.
Southeast AsiaPhilippinesIndonesiaMalaysia

Promoting the rights of migrant workers in Southeast Asia

Labour migration in Southeast Asia is a phenomenon that has existed for centuries. Despite the economic benefits for countries of origin and destination, the situation of migrants and their access to social services is often precarious. Since 2021, AWO International, together with its local partner organisation Migrant Forum Asia (MFA), has been campaigning for the rights of migrant workers in Southeast Asia.

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The boat, with which Norbhen Costańo goes out, is rented. One day's catch is barely enough to feed his family. (Photo: Mark Henry/AWO International)
Southeast AsiaPhilippines

Plastic waste instead of fish, exploitation instead of income

The coastal communities of the Philippine province of Sarangani depend heavily on fishing. But commercial fishing fleets empty fish stocks and fishermen lose their livelihoods. If they are hired for industrial fishing, they often fall victim to exploitation and human trafficking.

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E Participants in a stakeholder dialogue discuss strategies for safe labour migration. MMCEAI brought together 52 representatives from local government agencies and community organizations (Photo: AWO International)
Southeast AsiaPhilippines

Protecting migrant workers from exploitation and abuse

Every day, many women from the island of Mindanao leave their families to migrate abroad for work. A large percentage end up being exploited and abused. Together with our partner organization, MMCEAI, we aim to facilitate for a safer migration process for all stakeholders involved.

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The CMA team at a case conference. (Photo: AWO International)
Southeast AsiaPhilippines

Strengthening the rights of domestic workers in migration

About 10 percent of the Philippine population live and work abroad as migrants. This is mainly due to poverty and a lack of income opportunities in the country. Many women work as domestic helpers, where they are often exposed to abuse and exploitation. Together with our partner organization Center for Migrant Advocacy, we work to protect migrant domestic workers and their rights.

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Our partner organisation INFEST offers education and information on the subject of secure migration as well as workshops and training courses. In this way, former migrants or family members can pass on their experiences and knowledge on the subject. (Photo: AWO International)
Southeast AsiaIndonesiaMalaysia

Strengthening rights for migrant workers across borders

Hundreds of thousands of people leave Indonesia every year in search of better income. Many of them run the risk of becoming victims of abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. Together with our partner organization - INFEST, we are committed to facilitating safe migration and promoting decent working conditions in Indonesia and Malaysia.

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Members of the migrant women's group, "Pada Patuh" in Ketapan Raya Village, hold a discussion with children of migrant women to identify and address problems. (Photo: AWO International)
Southeast AsiaIndonesia

Protecting migrant women from Lombok from human trafficking and violence

Poverty and a lack of job opportunities in many communities on the island of Lombok push people to migrate to seek better economic prospects; a large percentage of these migrants often become victims of human traffickers. Together with our partner organization – ADBMI, we are implementing a project to protect migrating women and men.

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Participants in a training course for organisational management from our partner organisation PPK. The former migrant women want to work against human trafficking in community organisations. (Photo: AWO International)
Southeast AsiaIndonesia

Safe migration for migrants from Lombok

Extortion, exploitation and violence are violations of rights that happen to many migrant workers. In their search for a better life for themselves and their families, they often end up in extremely precarious working conditions. Together with our partner organization - PPK, we worked for the protection and rights of migrant workers.

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