Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan: Promoting Liberal Democracy
•Transferir como PPT, PDF•
1 gostou•2,501 visualizações
The document summarizes the work of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan. It introduces Dr. Almut Besold as the resident representative of the Foundation in Pakistan since 2014. It then provides an overview of the Foundation, describing it as a German non-profit organization established in 1958 to promote civic education and the philosophy of liberalism. It operates through training workshops and publications. It works with partner organizations in Pakistan to provide skills training, moderate events, and strengthen civil society, democracy, and rule of law. Some of its partner organizations are now sustainable and continuing their work, which the Foundation views as a sign of its long-term impact and investment in democratic development in Pakistan.
Recomendados
Recomendados
Mais conteúdo relacionado
Destaque
Destaque (12)
Semelhante a Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan: Promoting Liberal Democracy
Semelhante a Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan: Promoting Liberal Democracy (20)
Último
Último (20)
Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan: Promoting Liberal Democracy
- 1. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan Dr. Almut Besold Resident Representative
- 2. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Dr. Almut Besold Resident Representative Pakistan Office, since 2014 Ph.D. on Sanctions against Libya, University of Leipzig, Germany Lecturer at University of Leipzig, 2004 – 2013 Foreign Area Specialist, UNIFIL, 09/2007 - 03/2008
- 3. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Overview Introduction Nothing is possible without men – nothing is lasting without institutions. Jean Monnet 1. FNF Office & the Team 2. Sustainable Work through Pakistani partner NGOs
- 4. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) established by the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany Theodor Heuss 1958 German non-profit org. civic education roots in philosophy of liberalism One leading think tank of the world, place 20 in Europe FNF Head Office in Potsdam
- 5. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 1. FNF Pakistan Office & Team
- 6. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 How do we work? Trainings & Workshops Publications Citizens’ Dialogue Forum F2F (Face-to-Face) Public Consultations of Experts Direct consultation of Politicians Partner Consulting Seminars with Q&A
- 7. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Own Trainings Skill Trainings Moderation & Communication Event Management Media Campaigning & PR Strategy & Planning Workshops Liberalism Democracy Election Monitoring … ToM – Training of Moderators, May 2010
- 8. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Distribution to Target Audience of FNF Publications (English) Liberal Institute (English) FNF Pakistan Series Classics of Liberalism (English, Urdu, Pashtu, Sindhi, Balochi) Bericht aus aktuellem Anlaß (German) Articles in different Media (mainly English and German) Own PublicationsOwn Publications
- 9. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 2. Partners
- 10. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Sustainable work through partners Crucial Element is the self-responsible programme work of our partners. FNF trains, consults, interlinks and funds.
- 11. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Individuallan d a civil society group Virtual existence since 2005 Office since 2009, in partnership with FNF since 2010 on Governance Rule of Law Media & communication strengthening civil society democratic development Director Gulmina Bilal* at IL-Workshop on FIRM, July 2010
- 12. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Achievements Strengthen Civil Society Several organisations achieved sustainability and continue their work: RDF, FHRI, AGHS, HRCP, SPARC… Many offspring of training & grooming: CCE, IL, CPCS, WMC, TLS… Human & Civil Rights Notion has changed due to HRCP and others Before: HR not Pakistani now: accepted, continued work National & international standing of HRCP Partner Publications – funded by FNF
- 13. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Outlook Professionalization of partners strengthens impact Strengthened Civil society and media renders democratic development irreversible Investment pays off in the long run Long and difficult journey FNF Intern Frances Karlen reaches out to the future of Pakistan, March 2010: pupils of The Learning School – another offspring of FNF’s
- 14. Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Pakistan 2015 Thankyou! Keep in touch! www.southasia.fnst.org for a peaceful and progressive Pakistan www.southasia.fnst.org FNFPakistan @FNF_Pakistanpakistan@fnst.org
Notas do Editor
- Caption: Friedrich Naumann in Pakistan Source: 2010-08-16-FNF-Pakistan04.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This presentation was prepared by Olaf Kellerhoff, Resident Representative FNF Pakistan, for Tauseeq Haider, Director Black Box Sounds and member FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) for his speech at the International Academy for Leadership (IAF) in Gummersbach, September 2010, to students with FNF scholarship. For further questions please refer to FNF Pakistan Office: House 19, Street 19, F-6/2 - Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: +92 (51) 2 27 88 96 - Fax: +92 (51) 2 27 99 15 [email_address] www.southasia.fnst.org
- Caption: Flags of germany and Pakistan on FNF background. Source: 2010-08-16-FNF-Pakistan13.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Nothing is possible without men; nothing is lasting without institutions." — Jean Monnet Jean Omer Marie Gabriel Monnet (November 9, 1888 – March 16, 1979) is regarded by many as a chief architect of European Unity. Never elected to public office, Monnet worked behind the scenes of American and European governments as a well-connected pragmatic internationalist. He was Deputy Secretary-General of the League of Nations from 1919 until 1923. Between 1934 to 1936 he worked in China, advising on the organization of the railway system. During World War II he played a major role working for the Allies coordinating arms production and distribution. After the war, he assisted in the reconstruction of France serving as Planning Commissioner for the nation, and was involved in plans to establish the European Coal and Steel Community. He was first President of its High Authority from 1952 until 1955 when he retired. Always keen to push unity further, he became president of the Action Committee for the United States of Europe in 1956. Monnet had a hatred of war and a passion for peace. He saw the nation-state as an obstacle to peace, since nations act in their own interest and covet the territory or resources of other states. He was convinced that a world in which the state receded in significance would be more prosperous, more committed to peace. He believed that just distribution of resources and equity between people would consign war to the nursery of human life. Monnet was able to apply business experience gained while working for his family's company and in banking to the urgent issues of the day, namely an efficient war machinery followed by forming a mechanism to ensure that the peace once won would be sustained. Perhaps he exerted the degree of influence he did because he was not a professional politician or even for much of his life a professional public servant. Rather, he was a member of civil society who wanted to use his skills for the greater good. Success in business for him was never about accumulating excessive wealth. It was about acquiring skills he could then apply to work for peace and a fairer social order. […] http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Jean_Monnet 2010-08-18
- Caption: Since April 2010 the FNF Pakistan Team consists of these committed Liberals. Source: 2010-06-16 EfEnEffers 25.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: Horst Agust, Interim Resident Representative FNF Pakistan, in a TV Interview after his severe injuries by the Marriott Suicide Attack, 20. September 2008. Source: Screen Shot TV Caption: The FNF Office was damaged by the suicide attack on the nearby Danish Embassy on 2nd of June 2008. Luckily, nobody of the FNF staff was injured. Source: © by Muhammad Anwar --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: Education, Dialogue and Consultation are the three ways of working of FNF in its international approach. Source: 2010-08-16-FNF-Pakistan04.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: Tauseeq Haider explains who to behave and where to look in front of a camera during the FNF’s ToM (Training of Moderators), May 2010, Best Western Islamabad. Source: 2010-05-07 ToM 159.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: FNF Pakistan Publications. Source: 2010-08-16-FNF-Pakistan35.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Olaf Kellerhoff, Resident Representative FNF, at the Stakeholders Consultation on Roadmap for the Implementation of Article 19A Right to Information, Islamabad Hotel, July 2010. Source: 2010-07-16-CPDI---FoI34.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: Participants of ToM (Training fo Moderators) are putting their hands together for a game, May 2010 in Islamabad Best Western. Source: 2010-05-08 ToM 058.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption: Registration of Logos is in process. Source: FNF Pakistan and respective partners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP) is a membership based organization founded in 2000 currently active in 26 basic units nationwide. However, it is weak in the two provinces of North-West Frontier Province and Balochistan with only three established units. Overall, the LFP 170 registered members while almost 100 people have applied for the membership and their applications are still under process of verification. Shehri-Citizens for a better Environment (CBE) is an independent civic organization founded in 1988. It consists of a democratically elected board annually and has about 100 members. Shehri is registered as a national organization but presently active in the city of Karachi only. Shehri aims at establishment of an aware and pro-active civil society; promote dialogue, assist in the preparation of policies; working towards an effective and representative local government system in Karachi; working towards the establishment of a proper recreational infrastructure for Karachi city; and observance of Basic Human Rights in society. Economic Freedom Network (EFN) Pakistan is a network of liberal minded people with expertise in economic issues. The foundation of the network was laid in December 2007 while it could only identify its core group in April 2008. EFN Pak aims to promote personal choice, voluntary exchange coordinated by markets, freedom to enter and compete in markets; protection of persons and their property from aggression by others including government. EFN works to appeal to the public policy advisors and political decision-makers, and to broaden the debate on the merits of free markets and limited governments, the EFN Pakistan provides a platform for political dialogue, public education and academic exchange. FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) is an informal network of alumni of liberal International Academy for Leadership in Germany (IAF) established in 2007. It is a liberal group that reflects upon the current issues and develops liberal positions to influence the public discourse and opinion. The first step of FGP for attracting the liberal friends has been creating a virtual space, a website: www.freedomgatepakistan.org which literally means to be a gateway towards greater freedoms. Serving as an umbrella website for links to different sites of liberal organizations, Freedom Gate Pakistan has to provide information on liberal initiatives in the country and served as a platform for liberals to come together and discuss liberal concerns. In 2007 FGP had conducted five seminars reaching out to almost 100 people and in 2008 it has trained 150 people on different liberal topics in eight seminars. SPARC is an independent non-governmental organization which was established in 1992. SPARC consists of a democratically elected board regularly, but has no members. The main office is located in the capital, Islamabad, while there are regional offices three in provinces (except Balochistan). For SPARC 17 people working full time. The Child Right Committees (CRC) are working in 40 districts on a voluntary basis. The CRC serves as advisory bodies, but also as focal points for (anonymous) complaints and references to child rights violations. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is an independent, nonprofit, non-governmental organization with about 600 paying and another 2,000 supporting members, which was founded in 1986. There are almost ten people full time employed at HRCP to look after the business of the secretariat. After the elections, there are seven office bearers for three years term (2008–2010). The strength of the council also elected for three years tenure varies from 31–51 members. HRCP's goal is to observe international human rights standards (in accordance with international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and others) in Pakistan. Their investigations are conducted and the status of the observance of human rights documented. Recommendations for improvement are prepared. The awareness-raising campaigns are designed and implemented to highlight the issue of human rights for effective lobbying leading to appropriate legislation. In addition, individual human rights violations and legal care are also looked after.
- Caption Photo left up: Anees Jillani, Chairperson LFP, giving a speech during the Provincial Elections Punjab, November 2009, Hotel Source Photo left up: 2009-11-22 LFP Elections 02.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff Caption Photo left down: Elections in LFP Khanewal Chapter, April 2009. Source Photo left down: 2009-04-20 LFP Khanewal 06.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP) Chairperson / Board: Anees Jillani, re-eleceted June 2010 Area of Work LFP is a political organization dedicated to the development of democracy based on liberal values such as personal freedom, social responsibility, the rule of law and free market economy. LFP conveys these messages mainly through campaigns and engages political forums, politicians and citizens in the discussions on current national issues to form pressure groups for effective lobbying. FNF-Funding & Relationship FNF supports LFP / FYG since 2000 in the form of strategic and tactical advice and the provision of funds for infrastructure and program funds. Ongoing Projects The LFP is an evolving organization with the potential of a liberal citizens' movement. It can pave the way for a Liberal Party to prepare, but itself is not in a party to be transformed. In 2007-2008 LFP focused on rule of law, restoration of judiciary and revival of democracy. In 2009 LFP wishes to launch campaigns on Good Governance and Inner-party democracy. History Founded in 2000, LFP is a membership based organization, currently in 40 chapters (Aug. 2010) units nationwide. Overall, LFP has more than 1,000 registered members. A Board meeting in June 2010 decided to dissolve Future Youth Group (FYG) and to merge it with LFP.
- Caption Photo left up: Amber Alibhai, General Secretary Shehri, in the garden von Shehri. Source Photo left up: Alibhai-Amber-2010-07-05-08.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff Caption Photo left down: Khatib Ahmed, longstanding active member of Shehri, in the Ibn-e Qasim Park Karachi. This park could be saved from illegal land encroachment in a ten year fight in court. Source Photo left down: 2009-05-24 Khotari Park 080.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shehri – Citizens for a better Environment Chairperson / Board Derrick Dean, General Secretary: Amber Alibhai, Board member: Roland de Souza Area of Work Shehri works in the areas of urban development and good governance. FNF-Funding & Relationship FNF supports Shehri-CBE since 1990 in the form of strategic and tactical advice and the provision of program funds. These resources include a small amount of money for infrastructure such as telephone and other office expenses. Ongoing Projects Shehri endeavours to develop a stronger civil society by raising burning civic issues of Karachi and its vicinity in special workshops. The seminars on public safety, Human Rights issues are organized for public, civil servants and government officials (Human Rights Trainings for Police). CBE prepares, publishes and disseminates information on creating awareness about the city management issues. In 2008 it focused on the issues of coastal development; commercialization of roads-policy; protection of open spaces; and crises of the urban governance. History Shehri-CBE an independent civic organization, was founded in 1988. It consists of a democratically elected board annually and has about 100 members. CBE aims to mobilize the citizens of Karachi to play their role in city governance. These concepts led Shehri to address current urban policy issues, such as development, road construction, transport, police, education, environmental protection, protection of the heritage, and local government system.
- Caption Photo: I.A. Rehman, Director HRCP, giving a lecture at a LFP Seminar in Kot Radha Kishen, April 2009. Source Photo: 2009-04-30 LFP Kasur 47.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairperson / Board Dr Hasan Mehdi , Co-Chairperson: Syed Iqbal Haider, Director: Mr. I. A. Rehman Area of Work HRCP's goal is to control the observance of international human rights standards (in accordance with international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and others) in Pakistan. These investigations are conducted and the status of the observance of human rights is documented. Recommendations for improvement are prepared. Besides this investigation awareness-raising events to highlight the issue of human rights are carried out. In the last two years HRCP has focused on the issues of missing persons, minority, women rights and decentralization. FNF-Funding & Relationship FNF supported HRCP since 1990 in the form of strategic and tactical advice and program funds. After initial support, also in the field of infrastructure, is the co-operation since 2004, only in program-related areas. The FNF will continue to support the work of HRCP further to the observance of human rights in the country. Special focus since 2006 is on the targeted implementation of human rights seminars for young people. In 2008 FNF worked with HRCP on the topics of joint electorates, new Charta minority rights, provincial autonomy and HR agenda for Pakistan. Ongoing Projects Presently HRCP is working on the issues related to the increasing ratio of suicides, conditions in prisons, police reforms, bonded labour, human rights agenda and provincial autonomy. History Since 1986, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has developed to become a broad-spectrum, countrywide human rights body. Nationally, the HRCP has established a leading role in providing a highly informed and independent voice in the struggle for human rights and democratic development in Pakistan - a role increasingly recognized internationally, also. It is an independent, voluntary, non-political, non-profit making, non-governmental organization.
- Caption Photo: Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Founder and Director of Individualland as well as former Programme Coordinator FNF, giving a lecture at a two days workshop on FIRM (Free, Independent and Responsible Media) to journalists at Best Western Islamabad, July 2010. Source Photo: © Individualland ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption Photo: Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Founder and Director of Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CDI) lecturing during a workshop on Freedom fo Information (fFoI) at the City Institute of Image Management (CIIM) in Karachi, March 2010. Source Photo: 2010-03-05 CPDI - FoI KHI16.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption Photo left down: Zubair Malik, Chief Coordinator EFN at a reception in the FNF Office. Source Photo left down: © FNF Pakistan Caption Photo left down: EFN-Seminar on Migration at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), from left: Zubair Malik (Chief Coordinator EFN), Madame X (), Dr René Klaff (Regional Director FNF South Asia). Source Photo left down: 2010-03-03 EFN - Migratio03.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Economic Freedom Network Pakistan (EFN) Chairperson / Board: EFN Pak has a core group: Zubair Ahmed Malik, Business and many offices in Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sameer Hamid Dodhy, CEO The Indus Basin Company Dr Aliya Khan, Head Economics Department, Quaid-e Azam University Islamabad Dr Ayub Mehar, Professor Iqra University Karachi Campus Dr Donya Aziz, Member of Parliament Aftab Ahmad Ch, Secretary General South Asian Federation of Exchanges (SAFE, www.safe-asia.com) (Ali Salman, Khalil Ahmed lost interest) Area of Work EFN Pakistan promotes economic freedom in order to facilitate human development and economic growth. EFN works to appeal to the public policy advisors and political decision-makers, and to broaden the debate on the merits of free markets and limited governments, the EFN Pakistan provides a platform for political dialogue, public education and academic exchange. FNF-Funding & Relationship EFN PAK is supported by FNF since its coming into being in the terms of the program but not any infrastructural costs. Ongoing Projects EFN plans to work in 2009 on “subsidies and regulations”; “Property under Litigation: Value, costs and Implications”; “SAARC Government’s Commitment to Economic Freedom in South Asia”; “Intellectual Property Rights” etc. The final work plan is yet to be finalized. History The foundation of the network was laid in December 2007 while it could only identify its core group in April 2008.
- Caption Photo left up: Dr Huma Baqai, Assistant Professor Social Science at Institute of Business Administration, University Karachi Source Photo left up: © Caption Photo left middle: Beena Qayyum Khan, TV Producer and Anchor at Samaa TV Source Photo left middle: 2010-05-08 ToM 069.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff Caption Photo left down: Aniq Zafar, CEO Communication and Research Strategies (CRS) Source Photo left down: 2010-05-07 ToM 046.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff Caption Photo right up: Tauseeq Haider, Director Black Box Sounds (BBS) Source Photo right up: 2010-05-07 ToM 145.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff Caption Photo right middle: Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Director Individualland (IL) Source Photo right middle: 2009-12-19 FGP-7thAlumni003.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff Caption Photo right down: Jami Chandio, Director Center for Peace and Civil Society (CPCS) Source Photo right down: © by Harald Kirschner ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) Chairperson / Board: The active core group consists of eight persons: Tauseeq Haider Gulmina Bilal Aniq Zafar Jami Chandio Huma Baqai Zafarullah Khan Anees Jillani Irfan Ahmed Urfi Area of Work Training on Liberalism to build a tolerant free society firmly rooted in liberally fertile ground that works for a sustainable liberal democracy in the country. FNF-Funding & Relationship Since its establishment, the seminars, training workshops and publications of FreedomGate Pakistan have been supported by FNF. FreedomGate Pakistan has been providing knowledge support to FNF partners through it seminars and workshop Ongoing Projects Training workshops on liberal topics and website. History FreedomGate Pakistan (FGP) is an informal network of alumni of liberal International Academy for Leadership in Germany (IAF) established in 2007.
- Map: FNF Pakistan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HRCP Chapters/Taskforce Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan Sindh Centre for Democratic Development Islamabad Special Task Force Multan, Hyderabad, Turbat, Gilgit By Zaman Khan, HRCP 18.08.2010 Liberal Forum Pakistan Chapters (LFP) Federal Islamabad Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa: Peshawar, Battagram Sindh: Hyderabad, Karachi, Larkana, Mithi, Kashmor Balochistan: Quetta Punjab: Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faislabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Kasur, Khanewal, Khushab, Layyah, Lodhran, Lahore, Mianwali, Multan, Muzafargar, Okara, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Rahimyar Khan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Toba Tak Singh, Vehari By Suleman Muzaffar Khan, Programme Coordinator LFP, 18.08.2010 SPARC Child Rights Committess (CRC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Abbottabad, Bannu, Bunner, Balakot, Charsadda, Chitral , Dir Upper, Dera Ismail Khan, Hnagu, Haripur, Mardan, Malakand, Nowshera, Swat, Swabi, Mansehra, Bajaur, Batagram, Punjab: Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Faisalabad,Mianwali, Sialkot, Multan,Toba Tek Singh Mandi Bahaudin, Bhakkar, Bahawalnagar Sindh: Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Mithi, Umarkot, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Naushehroferoz, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Khairpur, Sukkur, Kambar, Larkana, Dadu Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) We have offices or staff working in Khushab, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh. In many other places, we have contacts / people who work with us on assignment basis, when needed. By Director Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, 18.08.2010
- Caption Photo: Partner Publications – funded by FNF Pakistan. Source Photo: 2010-08-16-FNF-Pakistan53.gif © by Olaf Kellerhoff ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caption Photo: FNF Intern Frances Karlen, University of Jena, during the visit of FNF Regional Director Dr. René Klaff at The Learning School (TLS, www.tls.edu.pk) in Kot Radha Kishen, Punjab. Source Photo: 2010-03-01 TLS Klaff Visit 066.jpg © by Olaf Kellerhoff ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Logo: © FNF Pakistan -------------------------------------------------------------- Electronic Business Card which links to our social web activities: www.mynameise.com/LiberalFriendsofPAK Official Regional Homepage of FNF South Asia: www.southasia.fnst.org