Institutional Profile

Who We Are

A regional NGO defending economic, social, and cultural rights across Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Founding & Evolution

Our History

Established in October 1999, ESCR-Asia started as an exploratory desk of Terre des Hommes-France (TDHF) until September 2002. Formed as an independent regional NGO based in Metro Manila, Philippines, ESCR-Asia, Inc. was formally registered on March 3, 2003.

ESCR-Asia, Inc. fills the gap of addressing economic, social and cultural rights issues not only in the Philippines but in select countries in Asia as well. In 2007, with the approval of the board of trustees, ESCR-Asia established a subsidiary in Islamabad, Pakistan. In 2011, a country desk was established in Indonesia to protect human rights of least protected groups such as refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular immigrants.

1999

Desk of Terre des Hommes-France
Initiated preliminary exploratory human rights research in Asia.

2003

Formal Registration as Regional NGO
Headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines as an independent rights defender.

2007

Pakistan Subsidiary Established
Launched legal assistance & pro-bono defense desk in Islamabad.

2011

Indonesia Country Desk
Expanded legal protection for refugees, asylum-seekers, and irregular migrants.

Pakistan Country Office

ESCR-Asia, Pakistan (Legal Aid Project)

ESCR-Asia, Pakistan (Legal Aid Project) provides legal assistance and legal representation to refugees and asylum-seekers across the main twin cities (Rawalpindi & Islamabad) in Pakistan.

Legal Aid and advocacy activities are focused on cases of unlawful arrest/detention on immigration grounds, civil/family matters, and legal response to victims of sexual or gender-based violence (SGBV).

Request Pakistan Legal Aid Consultation

Our Regional Vision

A Compassionate & Just Asia

"An Asia composed of compassionate, just, equitable, peaceful and prosperous societies where individuals and peoples are empowered and enabled, in partnership with their States, to enjoy and realize all their human rights."

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Asia commits to contributing to the increased understanding and articulation of Asian perspectives on human rights in general, particularly economic, social, and cultural rights. We also are committed to developing agreements on these principles and to strengthening commitment to promote ESCRs, specifically in Southeast Asia and other Asian countries.

ESCR-Asia is a catalyst and a bridge in improving dialogue among various cultures in the region. ESCR-Asia participates in the development of a strengthened movement and network on economic, social and cultural rights. ESCR-Asia advocates, through creative and culturally-sensitive approaches and programs, for the enforceability and justiciability of economic, social and cultural rights. ESCR-Asia effectively and regularly participates not only in key United Nations (UN) activities but also in other international as well as regional bodies and entities whose activities are related to economic, social and cultural rights.

Network & Coalitions

ESCR-Asia is a Member of:

ESCR-Net

International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights with over 280 NGOs in 75 countries.

Coalition for OP-ICESCR

Coalition promoting the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

APPRN

Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network advancing rights and legal protection for displaced peoples.

IDWG

Immigration Detention Working Group campaigning against unlawful immigration confinement.