Our work in the region, specifically in Indonesia and the Philippines, is focused on providing humanitarian assistance for people affected by natural disasters as well as on promoting safe migration and combatting human trafficking. With our local partner organizations we are ensuring the awareness and application of women’s and children’s rights. Our goal is to sustainably improve the living conditions of the marginalized and disadvantaged people in Southeast Asia. To achieve this, we partner with national and local NGOs who support people’s social structures and strengthen their self-help and advocacy capacity. We also cooperate with various stakeholders from the government, the civil society and academia. This approach helps promote the collective empowerment of communities and capacitating local organizations to sustainably tackle various issues.
Java Earthquake 2022
In November 2022, the district of Cjanjur, in western Java, was hit hard by an earthquake. After an earthquake, the readiness of the population to take precautionary measures for future natural events is often particularly high. Together with a new partner organisation, Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU), we support those affected and we are now also active in the field of inclusive disaster risk management in Java.
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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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Immediate response to the suffering caused by Typhoon Rai in communities in Southern Leyte
Typhoon Rai (locally known as Odette) hit the Philippines just before Christmas 2021, when the season of storms was supposed to end. This most violent of all typhoons in 2021 caused widespread destruction and suffering, affecting more than 11 Million people in its wake.
more information![[Translate to Englisch:] Teilnehmer der Gemeinde bei einem Übungseinsatz (Foto: AWO International / Ecoweb)](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/3/csm_rescue2__2__35ce39ff30.png "[Translate to Englisch:] Teilnehmer der Gemeinde bei einem Übungseinsatz (Foto: AWO International / Ecoweb)")
Capacitating local communities on disaster risk reducation and management
The Philippines has and will still continue to experience many natural disasters. Fortunately, with the various efforts of different humanitarian organizations and the government, many activities geared toward making the country better prepared for and resilient to calamities are taking place.
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Halting child trafficking and sexual exploitation
Time and again, children and women on the Philippine island of Mindanao become victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. In addition, cases of sexual abuse on the Internet are becoming more frequent. Together with our partner organization Child Alert Mindanao, we implemented protective measures and education programmes to strengthen the awareness on and protection of the rights of children and women.
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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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Fight against sexual exploitation of girls and women in Davao
Poverty and unemployment are the main causes that push many girls and women in Davao to become prostitutes and victims of human trafficking. Many girls are only 14 years old. Together with our partner organization – Talikala, we work to protect women and girls from sexual exploitation.
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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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Emergency aid for people affected by two severe typhoons in Malilipot
Super typhoon Goni (Rolly) and his smaller brother Vamco (Ulysses) devastated the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people within two weeks, plunging them into a desperate situation in the midst of an unmanageable pandemic. Together with our partner organisation CONCERN, we are helping particularly hard-hit families.
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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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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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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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