In Asia, FIDH is present in eighteen countries and supports the actions of its twenty members in several domains. The protection of human rights defenders, the abolition of the death penalty, the protection of human rights while countering terrorism, women’s rights, economic and social rights are among FIDH’s priorities.

Several countries throughout Asia, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and until recently, Sri Lanka, are torn apart by protracted conflicts and other situations of violence, resulting in widespread human rights violations. In Burma, China, Iran, Laos and Vietnam, civil society as well as minority and other vulnerable groups are oppressed by authoritarian regimes. North Korea is one of the few existing totalitarian dictatorships and remains closed to the rest of the world. Human rights abuses exist in the democracies as well, especially in India. Japan and South Korea also face their own challenges. Finally, democratization is either on retreat or faces significant obstacles in a number of countries, such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines and Thailand, where a culture of impunity for past and on-going abuses persists and undermines the strengthening of the rule of law.

A regional bureau was opened in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2010 to represent FIDH at the regional level, enhance collaboration with its members, and lobby and monitor the development of human rights mechanisms within ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations).