Promoting Freedom of Expression
in Malaysia I and II (ProFoEm)
2020 – Present
The overall goal of the ProFoEm Project is to support the freedom of expression (FoE) reform movement in Malaysia by strengthening the institutional capacity of a core group of FoE reformers through a combination of core financial support, capacity building, and mentoring. The objectives are: (i) support the FoE reform movement by providing core financial and capacity building support to 9 FoE Cluster members and capacity building support to other Cluster members; (ii) strengthen articulation and appreciation of FoE rights as an inherent part of life; (iii) build a new cohort of young FoE advocates; and (iv) enable self-expression and voices of communities at risk, and create an enabling environment for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) to promote and protect FoE.
The domains of change that the Cluster will focus on are: (1) standard setting processes and interpretation; (2) raising awareness and articulating the importance of FoE, thus creating a groundswell of support; and (3) supporting the creation of safer and emboldening spaces. The goals will be achieved through the following strategic priorities: (1) promoting the Right to Information; (2) dealing with censorship; (3) improving digital rights; (4) strengthening the media; and (5) supporting the Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion (FoTCR).