The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in Bangkok, Thailand for the ASEAN Summit from 31 October – 4 November. This biannual meeting provides a platform for ASEAN's 10 members to discuss the economic, political, security and socio-cultural development.
A precursor to this summit, the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Peoples’ Forum, was held from 10 – 12 September 2019 in Bangkok. The forum centred on the theme, ‘Advancing Peoples’ Movements for Justice, Peace, Equality, Sustainability and Democracy in Southeast Asia’ and provided an opportunity for civil society organizations in the Asia-Pacfic region to share their expertise and experiences in tackling similar or interrelated issues; while finding ways to develop, collaborate, and advance national and regional campaigns.
The findings were presented the governmental summit.
The Mirage of UHC for Informal Workers
A major challenge for governments around the world has been to ensure that UHC reaches informal workers, who make up over 60 percent of the global workforce and are at higher risk of poverty than workers in the formal economy.
HomeNet South East Asia (HNSEA) hosted an event at the People's Forum on their flagship issue: Universal Health Coverage for Informal Workers. This event sought to:
- Alert civil society organizations to HNSEA's advocacy initiative on UHC;
Connect with health researchers who might be interested in supporting HNSEA's work;
Provide encouragement to governments in the region on their moves towards UHC whilst pointing out the work which still needs to be done.
Organizers want a more people-centred ASEAN and hope this year’s activity will provide a more “meaningful and responsive platform” which caters to to the needs of the people of the ASEAN region.
The Mirage of UHC for Informal Workers in Southeast Asia
12 September 2019
HomeNet Southeast Asia, in collaboration with regional advocacy platform SEA Junction and WIEGO, held a panel discussion on social protection for informal workers and their need for inclusive health insurance and social security provisions.
The panel was held on 12 September at 6:30pm in combination with the ASEAN People Forum (APW) and was relevant to the 5th Convergence Space, namely “Decent Work, Health and Social Protection (Life with Dignity)”. Panelists included:
Suntaree H. Saeng-Ging, Regional Coordinator- Homenet Southeast Asia
Nguyen Bich Ngoc - Co-ordinator, Mnet Vietnam and Project Manager - Light
Josephine Parilla, Homenet Philippines Aida Milasari, Rumpun Association