Member Organizations
Member Organizations
AFAD brings together a network of human rights organizations across Asia working to end involuntary disappearances and protect victims and their families.
APDP - Jammu and Kashmir Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons
The APDP was founded in 1994 when a large number of parents frequently visited the High Court to file and pursue habeas corpus petitions. Prior to its formation, relatives undertook these efforts individually and in a disorganized manner. The association has no political affiliations or positions; it is an independent group seeking justice from the state. APDP works to provide legal support, document cases, and advocate for accountability for enforced disappearances in Kashmir.
Advocacy Forum
Advocacy Forum (AF) is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the rule of law and upholding international human rights standards in Nepal. Since its founding in 2001, AF has stood at the forefront of the movement, actively confronting the country's deeply entrenched culture of impunity. AF engages in documentation, legal assistance, advocacy campaigns, and capacity building to advance transitional justice and accountability.
Asosiasaun HAK Timor-Leste
Founded on August 20, 1996, during the Indonesian military occupation, the HAK Association is a human rights and justice NGO in Timor-Leste. The organization remains active today, monitoring, promoting, and protecting human rights across the nation. HAK investigates human rights violations, provides legal assistance to victims, and advocates for accountability and reconciliation efforts.
The Conflict Victims' Society for Justice (CVSJ)
CVSJ Nepal was established in the early 2000s by a group of victims seeking redress for abuses committed by both state security forces and Maoist rebels. The CVSJ network provided a safe space for individuals fearing reprisals to unite and advocate for their human rights before local and federal institutions. CVSJ advocates for truth commissions, victim compensation, and transitional justice mechanisms.
Defence of Human Rights (DHR)
Defence of Human Rights is an organization dedicated to supporting victims of torture and addressing enforced disappearances in Pakistan. Through active engagement with key stakeholders, the organization provides legal aid, psychosocial accompaniment, and economic support, while actively campaigning and lobbying for policy reform. DHR documents cases, provides trauma counseling, and advocates for strengthened legal protections.
Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND)
FIND is driven by a steadfast search for truth and justice for the thousands of principled and committed activists forcibly disappeared over the decades. This enduring struggle has transformed the family members left behind into human rights defenders (HRDs) themselves. FIND maintains an extensive database of disappeared persons, facilitates legal cases, and leads campaigns for justice and accountability.
Families of the Disappeared (FOD)
FOD envisions a society in Sri Lanka that stands firmly against enforced disappearances, ensuring they never happen again, while deeply respecting and protecting human rights and democratic values. FOD provides support services to families, documents cases of disappearance, and advocates for comprehensive accountability mechanisms and victim compensation programs.
Ikatan Keluarga Orang Hilang Indonesia (IKOHI)
Founded in 1998, IKOHI restructured in May 2025 as Ikatan Kemanusiaan untuk Korban Penghilangan Paksa Indonesia. The association remains deeply committed to advocating for victims of enforced disappearance and broader human rights violations in Indonesia. IKOHI engages in documentation, psychosocial support, advocacy, and campaigns for accountability and truth-telling about past violations.
Justice for Peace Foundation (JPF)
JPF works towards the goals of greater political will within government to address human rights and justice issues, greater pressure through concerted action from various sectors of society and greater protection for those seeking justice. JPF facilitates community dialogue, provides training on human rights and justice mechanisms, and advocates for institutional reforms.
KontraS - The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence
Established on March 20, 1998, the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) is a task force formed by civil society organizations and community leaders. KontraS addresses abductions and enforced disappearances, while also responding to various forms of violence—both vertical and horizontal. KontraS provides legal support, documentation services, and advocacy for transitional justice and institutional accountability.
Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR)
NKHR is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-religious human rights organization founded by human rights activists, intellectuals, and North Korean defectors in May 1996. NKHR conducts human rights monitoring, provides humanitarian assistance to North Korean defectors, and advocates for international attention to violations and accountability.
Odhikar
On October 10, 1994, Odhikar (a Bangla word meaning 'rights') was established with the aim of creating a broader monitoring and awareness-raising system regarding civil and political rights abuses. The organization's principal objectives are to raise awareness about human rights violations, while simultaneously fostering a vibrant democratic system through election monitoring. Odhikar also advocates for victim compensation and accountability for disappearances.
Relatives Committee of the May 1992 Heroes
Formed in July 1992, the Relatives Committee of the May 1992 Heroes represents families of victims from Bangkok's Black May pro-democracy uprising. The organization leads annual memorials and campaigns for justice, government reparations, and the return of remains. The Committee advocates for accountability, truth commissions, and victim compensation for those killed during the 1992 democratic uprising.