Strengthening Human Rights and Peace Research and Education in ASEAN/Southeast Asia
Transforming the landscape of human rights promotion and peacebuilding in the region through a dynamic focus on research and education, promoting critical studies on human rights and peace at the local, national, and regional levels—enriching academic discourse and informing policy.
About SHAPE-SEA
Since 2015, SHAPE-SEA has supported scholars, educators, and advocates in co-creating knowledge for human rights and peace in Southeast Asia. From grassroots trainings to regional research, we believe in empowering changemakers through education and evidence-based action.
10 years of Amplifying Voices, Co-creating Change
Knowledge Reach and Audience Engagement Across Platforms
Individuals Trained on Human Rights and Peace Research
Researches on Human Rights and Peace Supported
Varying Research Outputs and Resources Produced
Promoting a culture of human rights and peace in
SHAPE-SEA is a regional programme that champions human rights and peace in Southeast Asia through higher education and research.
Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), SHAPE-SEA empowers universities to take the lead in advancing a culture of human rights, peace, and democracy. By supporting evidence-based research, building regional cooperation, and integrating human rights and peace education into academic institutions, the programme strengthens the region’s collective response to injustice, inequality, and impunity.
Engage and Collaborate with Us!
Since 2015, SHAPE-SEA has been at the forefront of promoting human rights and peace research and education across Southeast Asia. Through partnerships with academic institutions, civil society, and regional networks, we have co-created with scholars, educators, and advocates to produce knowledge that matters and to turn that knowledge into action. We invite universities, researchers, practitioners, and organizations to collaborate with us in building a stronger, rights-respecting Southeast Asia!
Critical Enquiry
Outreach
Capacity Building
Advocacy
Research
Dialogue
Networking
Lectures
Interested to Learn More about Human Rights & Peace?
Discover how human rights and peace education and research shape a just and compassionate world. Whether you’re a student, lecturer, activist, or member of civil society organization, learning about these interconnected issues can empower you to stand up for dignity, equity, and lasting social change.
Join us on a journey of awareness, advocacy, and action!
🌱 What is Research Grants Programme?
The Research Grants Programme (RGP) is an initiative that provides funding to support empirical research on human rights, peace, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. It aims to strengthen knowledge production, promote evidence-based advocacy, and build the capacity of researchers in the region.
🌱 How Do I Know if My Study is Eligible to Apply to RGP?
If you are a graduate student (Master’s or PhD) or an emerging scholar conducting research on human rights, peace, or democracy in Southeast Asia, your study may be eligible for SHAPE-SEA’s Research Grant Program (RGP).
📌 Please note: The next cycle of the RGP will resume in 2026. We encourage you to use this time to refine your research idea, connect with mentors, and review past funded projects to strengthen your future proposal. For updates and detailed guidelines, keep an eye on our official channels—or reach out if you have questions!
🌱 Do You Accept Op-Ed Contributions from Students?
Yes, we do! SHAPE-SEA welcomes Op-Ed submissions from students, especially those passionate about human rights and peace in Southeast Asia. Please note that all contributions are subject to review and feedback by the SHAPE-SEA Secretariat before publication.
📌 Submit or learn more here: https://shapesea.com/news/
Message from the Executive Director
This year, 2025, SHAPE-SEA marks a meaningful milestone—our 10th anniversary. What began as a vision of a Southeast Asia grounded in dignity, peace, and social justice has grown into a vibrant movement and community of academics, scholars, and advocates across the region.
Strengthened by partnerships with universities and civil society, we continue to advance human rights, peace, and academic freedom—co-creating knowledge with communities, driven by a shared commitment to progress and a just society.
Dr. Vachararutai “Jan” Boontinand
SHAPE-SEA Executive Director
Latest News
SHAPE-SEA and NUOL to Conduct National Skills-Based Training on Human Rights and Peace Education in Lao PDR
SHAPE-SEA, in collaboration with GDS-AIT, kicks off the Inception Workshop for the 2025 Thematic Study
