14.01.2025

Launching of the Human Rights Campaign 2025 for the Asia Region

United for Human Rights: The demonstration on 10 December 2024 in Gunungsitoli, Indonesia. Photo: UEM

Impressions from various activities, photos: UEM

With a series of events, the Asia Regional Office is making a powerful statement for human rights

"We are proud to share the significant progress made by UEM Asia in promoting human rights through the recently concluded campaign. With the active involvement of approximately 2,500 participants, these initiatives highlighted the importance of human rights, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities. By equipping future leaders, engaging communities, and advocating publicly, we are building a foundation for sustainable change. This collaborative effort  with UEM member churches and local partners underscores our commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, ensuring equal rights, and empowering communities to uphold dignity and justice for all”, says Irma Simanjuntak, UEM Advocacy Officer for the Asia Region.

Due to the Launching of the Human Rights Campaign, UEM Regional Office Asia conducted series activities such as World AIDS Day, International Day of Persons with Disability and International Human Righs Day. A highlight was the public demonstration on December 10, the International Human Rights Day.  This public campaign was attended by 700 participants from school and churches in Gunungsitoli. Ephorus BNKP* Rev. Otoriteit Dachi and General Secretary Rev. Yaaman Zega launched this public campaign by starting a parade accompanied by a drum band and humanitarian oration. They ask community and urge government to fulfill the people rights and don't discriminate people who living with HIV AIDS, people with disability, stop violence on children and women.

Further Acitivities were:

• Training of Aspiring Peer Educators
  Ten canditate pastors from BNKP were trained as peer educators in the fight against HIV/AIDS through online and on-site sessions. These trainings were organized by the HKBP* AIDS Ministry and UEM Asia to support the goal of "Ending AIDS 2030."

• Prevention of Sexual Abuse
  Information campaigns on the prevention of sexual abuse were conducted during and after church services, as well as in Sunday schools for children and youth. Teams of UEM staff and partner organizations visited six churches (BNKP, GBKP*, HKBP, GKPS*) to address topics such as children’s rights, the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, and the rights of persons with disabilities within the context of the human rights campaign.

• Awareness Raising in Schools
  Students in seven schools in Gunungsitoli and Teluk Dalam were educated about HIV/AIDS and its societal impact. Gunungsitoli and Teluk Dalam are cities on Nias Island in the North Sumatra Province of Indonesia. Gunungsitoli is the largest city on Nias and is considered its economic center.

• Video Competition: Ending AIDS for Human Rights
  Creative contributions highlighted the connection between the fight against AIDS and human rights advocacy.

• Workshop on Ministry for Persons with Disabilities
  A workshop with 30 participants from various churches offered insights into theological perspectives and practical approaches to supporting persons with disabilities. Rev. Dr. Oinike Harefa from STT Sunderman University shared her theological perspective on the topic. Rev. Edy Jasin from GKPS reported about her experiences in initiating community-based rehabilitation and supporting 383 persons with disabilities, along with their families and communities.

Many thanks to all supporters!

We thank all participants for their engagement, for the hospitality of BNKP and supporting team from BNKP, HKBP AIDS Ministry GBKP* and GKPS* that already dedicated their time, thoughts and energy to succeed this program.

More information on the human rights campaign you will find here!

_{*BNKP = Banua Niha Keriso Protestan (Christian Protestant Church on Nias Island)}

_{*HKBP = Huria Kristen Batak Protestan HKBP (Christian Protestant Church of the Batak)}

_{*GBKP = Gereja Batak Karo Protestan (Protestant Church of the Karo Batak)}

_{*GKPS = Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun (Christian Protestant Church of the Simalungun)}