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SUARAM started as a single-issue campaign evolved into an activist movement for human rights and democracy in the following years. Presently, SUARAM works towards the realisation of fundamental liberties, democracy and justice in Malaysia.



SUARAM is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation. We will always be on the side of victims of human rights violations, the poor and the oppressed, without fear or favour. Our mandate is enshrined in the Malaysian Human Rights Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thus SUARAM`s main objective is the protection and realisation of human rights in Malaysia regardless of the government-of-the-day.



What does SUARAM do?

1. Monitoring and Documentation

Much of SUARAM`s work is in monitoring and documentation of human rights violations. The work consists of gathering information from victims of human rights abuses, monitoring politicians and news. We publish the Malaysian Human Rights Report and other human rights related publications. We use the world wide web to feature regular updates. We function as an information centre for human rights issues. Information is compiled, analysed and used for our advocacy and lobby work. We organise and participate in fact-finding missions. We organise training on monitoring and documentation for other NGOs.



2. Human Rights Campaigns

SUARAM campaigns on a number of issues including, the abolition of draconian laws such as the ISA, misuse of police powers, an independent and effective National Human Rights Commission and for genuine democracy. We provide human rights information and education to the public. SUARAM also supports environmental issues through the SUARAM Green Desk, such as the peoples` movement against the Bakun Dam, the Sungai Selangor Dam project and the preservation of Bukit Sungai Putih Forest Reserve.



3. Human Rights Support

SUARAM intervenes and supports victims and their families whose basic rights have been violated such as in the cases of arbitrary arrests and detention, eviction and abuses of police powers. We assist marginalised communities auch as the urban poor, students and indigenous peoples. SUARAM releases urgent appeals on Malaysian situation which needs immediate actions; coordinates an Urgent Arrest Team which monitors and assists people who have been arrested during peaceful assemblies; assists refugees in Malaysia as well as facilitates safe passage for other asylum-seekers.



4. Coalition Building

SUARAM networks with other social interest groups involved in human rights, labour issues, gender, environment, indigenous people and other issues of common interest. SUARAM, as a principle, advocates for coalition-building and joint work. We were instrumental in the formation of the Coalition for People`s Democracy [GAGASAN]; the Coalition of Concerned NGOs on Bakun and the Coalition Against Abuse of Police Powers. We are members of several coalitions such as the People`s Justice Movement [GERAK] and the National Taskforce for Working Children in Malaysia. SUARAM networks with regional organisations such as Forum Asia for Human Rights and Development; Asian Human Rights Commission; Asia-Pacific Human Rights Facilitating Team; Asia Pacific Coalition for East Timor and Asia Pacific Women in Law and Development.



5. International Solidarity

SUARAM campaigns for human rights in the region, especially in South East Asia. Our priority areas are Indonesia, East Timor, Aceh, Burma and Singapore.