The Asia Classroom

A Regional Human Rights Learning Space for Young Change-Makers in Asia

The Asia Classroom is a free virtual course designed for passionate youth across Asia who are committed to driving social change. Led by Musawi in collaboration with members of the Asia Alliance Against Torture (AAAT), the Asia Classroom provides a unique platform for young people to explore rights-based issues, share regional experiences, and build the tools needed to lead impactful advocacy within their communities.

Since its launch in 2022, the Asia Classroom has proudly:

• 📆 Run annually for 3 years
• 👥 Trained and certified over 150 youth from across the region
• 🌍 Welcomed participants from 11+ countries
• 🎓 Hosted 70+ expert mentors and practitioners
• 📚 Delivered 25+ sessions per cycle, including thematic lectures, skill-building workshops, and interactive networking events

💡 What Makes the Asia Classroom Unique?

This month-long program is grounded in a regional and contextualised approach to human rights in Asia. It features:

• Core and thematic sessions tackling issues like gender justice, torture prevention, statelessness, and civic space
• Practical skill-building workshops on advocacy, legal frameworks, and community engagement
• Peer-to-peer exchanges to foster solidarity and regional connections
• Creative engagement, including cultural nights, film screenings, and game sessions
• Internship opportunities with AAAT member organizations for deeper field exposure

🎓 Learn from Leading Experts

Asia Classroom participants gain first-hand insights from leading voices in the region, including:

• Shivani Verma, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Sevan Doraisamy, Executive Director, SUARAM
• Laura Naw, Programme Officer, FORUM-ASIA
• Fatia Maulidiyanti, Human Rights Activist
• Mandira Sharma, Co-Founder, Advocacy Forum
• Tahera Hassan, Founder, Imkaan Welfare Organisation
• Subi Mulmi, Executive Director, Nationality for All
• Hans Giovanny, Researcher, KontraS
• Daw Zar Li Aye, Legal Adviser, International Commission of Jurists

🤝 Powered by Regional Collaboration

The Asia Classroom is a pilot initiative of the Asia Alliance Against Torture (AAAT), a coalition of 11 rights-based organisations across 9 countries, working to prevent torture and address systemic human rights violations in Asia. The initiative aligns with AAAT’s vision to:

• Build a regional network of human rights actors
• Promote solidarity and collective advocacy
• Share strategies and learning experiences across borders
  

Musawi leads the Asia Classroom’s design, coordination, and execution-curating content, building partnerships, and mentoring emerging youth leaders.

🌟 A Growing Alumni Network

Asia Classroom alumni are emerging as lawyers, activists, researchers, and advocates—actively leading campaigns, influencing policy, and supporting grassroots movements in their home countries. This growing network is a testament to the Classroom’s long-term impact and its commitment to youth-led transformation across Asia.