“The only rule that should really matter for human rights activists is the need to become the voice of the most vulnerable.”
Urantsooj Gombosuren
Chairperson – Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
As Chairperson for FORUM-ASIA, Urantsooj works towards the strengthening of human rights and gender equality in Asia.
Based in Bangkok, Thailand, FORUM-ASIA has worked alongside human rights defenders and other civil society organizations in Asia for over 25 years promoting and protecting human rights in the region. FORUM-ASIA works to enable a sustainable environment of peace, justice and gender equality based on collaboration, advocacy and cooperation. They conduct their work throughout Asia as well as across the globe.
“The only rule that should really matter for human rights activists is the need to become the voice of the most vulnerable.”
Born in Mongolia, Urantsooj (Urna) first became active with human rights advocacy in the 1980s and 90s, which was an important transition period of democracy and human rights for Mongolia. After receiving her education in the Soviet Union, Urna soon began a career in human rights as a result of the ongoing inequalities, poverty and gender inequalities in Mongolia and the rest of Asia.
Urna has worked with numerous non-governmental organizations including the Women’s Information and Research Centre. She is a co-founder of the Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) in Mongolia, where she remains involved as Chairperson.
