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Applications are now open for the 24th Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar (ASEMHRS24), which will take place from 12 to 14 October 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, the seminar will bring together human rights stakeholders from across Asia and Europe to discuss the future of human rights at local, regional, and global levels.
Selected civil society participants will receive funded participation, including accommodation, meals, and reimbursement of economy-class airfare up to a specified limit.
WhatsApp ChannelQuick Overview of ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026
- Host Country: Mongolia
- Location: Ulaanbaatar
- Organizer: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
- Funding: Fully funded for selected civil society participants
- Seminar Dates: 12 to 14 October 2026
- Capacity-Building Programme: 15 to 16 October 2026 (for selected participants)
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 (11:59 PM Singapore Time)
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About ASEMHRS
The Informal Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Seminar on Human Rights was established in 1997 to promote dialogue between governments and civil society on human rights issues across Asia and Europe.
The seminar series is coordinated by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) with support from multiple international partners, including the foreign ministries of the Philippines, Switzerland, China, and Denmark. The programme is overseen by a Steering Committee comprising ASEF, supporting partners, the European Union, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute.
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Theme
The 24th Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar is themed: “The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global.”
The event will explore how technological developments, geopolitical shifts, climate challenges, and changing governance are shaping the human rights landscape across Asia and Europe. Discussions will focus on strengthening existing human rights systems through practical recommendations rather than creating new frameworks.
Participants will work in dedicated groups covering three interconnected levels of human rights protection:
- Global
- Regional
- Domestic
The recommendations developed during the seminar will contribute to its outcomes.
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Capacity-Building Programme
Following the seminar, selected participants may join a two-day capacity-building programme from 15 to 16 October 2026 in Ulaanbaatar.
Applicants interested in attending the training can indicate their interest directly in the online application form. Additional information will be shared after the initial selection process.
Financial Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
For all participants:
- Accommodation during the seminar
- Accommodation during the capacity-building programme (if selected)
- Meals provided throughout the programme
Additional support for civil society representatives:
- Economy-class airfare to and from Ulaanbaatar
- Airfare reimbursement up to the organizer’s maximum funding limit
Who Can Apply?
The seminar welcomes participants from Asia and Europe, particularly:
- Government representatives working on human rights policy and implementation
- National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and ombuds institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Human rights practitioners
- Youth organizations working on human rights
- Academics and researchers
- Legal experts
- International and regional organizations engaged in human rights
Civil society participants include professionals from:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Think tanks
Eligibility Criteria of ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026
Applicants should:
- Be a citizen of an ASEM Partner country.
- Have proficiency in English.
- Demonstrate knowledge of or interest in human rights.
- Be willing to actively participate in discussions.
- Share seminar outcomes within their organizations and professional networks after the event.
Government representatives are nominated by their respective ASEM partner governments, while civil society participants are selected through the open application process or by invitation.
Seminar Format
The three-day programme includes:
- Plenary sessions
- Expert panel discussions
- Working group discussions conducted under the Chatham House Rule
Participants are expected to contribute actively and collaborate with stakeholders from governments, academia, civil society, and international organizations.
Expected Outcomes
The seminar aims to:
- Increase understanding of current human rights challenges and opportunities.
- Develop practical recommendations for strengthening human rights protection.
- Promote collaboration among governments, civil society, national human rights institutions, academia, and international organizations.
- Build stronger Asia-Europe networks for future cooperation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the online application form before:
Deadline: 31 August 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)
Applicants wishing to join the capacity-building programme should indicate their interest within the same application form.
