Ban Asbestos Across Southeast Asia

ASBESTOS.
NOT HERE.
NOT ANYWHERE.

Australians know asbestos kills.

But in many countries, corporations place the health and safety of workers and communities in danger by mining, manufacturing, and using asbestos. Every day, thousands of people are still exposed to deadly asbestos. While some people profit, other people die.

But we are building a movement of people in Australia to join with unionists and campaigners across South East Asia to support their struggle to ban asbestos and eliminate asbestos-related diseases.

We want to secure an asbestos-free future because as long as asbestos is being used anywhere, it remains a risk everywhere.

Breakthrough Campaigns

CAMBODIA

Cambodia commits to banning asbestos in 2025.

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INDONESIA

Big win in the Indonesian supreme court.

read the story

LAOS & VIETNAM

Asbestos disease diagnosis in Laos and Vietnam.

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ASIA PACIFIC

Blow to asbestos in Asia Pacific countries.

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Take Action

Join Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA

Contribute to our efforts to eradicate asbestos.

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Show Your Solidarity

Be one of the thousands we need to win.

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Show Your Solidarity

Educate your workmates.

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The Impact of Your Solidarity

When we asked lab technician Moniroth about her role in helping secure an asbestos-free future for Cambodia, she told us she’s proud to be able to warn people about the dangers of products that contain asbestos.

By joining the campaign, you can help people like Moniroth protect workers from the dangers of asbestos.

Join us

News From the Field

Asbestos Conference 2026: Working Together for a Cleaner, Asbestos-free Asia Pacific

March 30, 2026
16 representatives from six Asia-Pacific nations – Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia, and Malaysia – travelled to Sydney to participate in the 2026 Asbestos Conference.
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Ban Asbestos Campaign Secures Major Win with New Network in Malaysia

February 24, 2026
Ban asbestos campaigners in Malaysia have united to form a ban asbestos network. This coalition comprises trade unions, consumer associations, and health civil society organisations that have come together to form a unified voice in support of the Malaysian government’s efforts to enact a ban on asbestos.
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Key Win over the Asbestos Industry in Indonesia

December 23, 2025
In a welcome decision, the Jakarta High Court has rejected an attempt by the asbestos industry to silence and financially cripple consumer organisations and health advocates speaking out about the dangers of chrysotile asbestos.
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Asia-Pacific Unions Unite for an Asbestos-Free Future

December 12, 2025
In Kuala Lumpur, 10 unions and health advocates from across the Asia-Pacific region came together for the 3rd ITUC-AP Asbestos Conference, co-convened by Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, ACTU, and BWI. Participants planned a new round of trade union actions for 2026, building on recent progress to push governments to transition away from asbestos, raise public awareness, […]
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Minister of Health Backs Rapid Transition Away from Asbestos in Cambodia

October 27, 2025
Cambodia’s Minister of Health, His Excellency Prof. Chheang Ra, reaffirmed his commitment to leading the country toward a transition away from asbestos.
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Global Solidarity Fights Asbestos Corporate Bullying in Indonesia

September 30, 2025
The asbestos industry’s legal attack on activists in Indonesia has provoked a strong national and international response. Dozens of statements from around the world have been submitted to the court in support of the defendants.
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Fighting Asbestos Exposure During Disasters

August 29, 2025
Binawan University and LION Indonesia, a partner organisation in the campaign has developed Indonesia’s first training modules on asbestos prevention and safety for humanitarian workers responding in disaster zones.
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Asbestos disaster rocks Indonesia

August 5, 2025
Half of Jakarta’s 10.7 million homes are made with asbestos. Either side of the 550 kilometres of railway east to Yogyakarta in Central Java, asbestos roofing flashes past. People use the roofing to dry their prawn crackers and clothing.
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Listen: Phillip Hazelton on Asbestos Industry Defamation case in Indonesia

August 5, 2025
Phillip Hazelton, senior advisor to Union Aid Abroad (APHEDA), speaks with ABC on the asbestos industry's court case against Indonesian campaigners.
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Great news from Kenya! Dangerous asbestos roofing is coming down

June 30, 2025
In a bold move to protect its people, the Kenyan government has announced that all asbestos roofing materials must undergo safe removal from buildings across the country.
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No One Should Risk Their Life for a Job: Lao roof sheet workers exposed to asbestos

May 28, 2025
Asbestos awareness training was held in communities near a roof sheet factory that still uses asbestos as a core material. Workers handle asbestos without proper protective gear, and asbestos waste is discarded along nearby roads.
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Workers have the right to know about hazardous chemicals – and we're fighting to make sure they do.

May 6, 2025
Our alliance to stop asbestos are raising their voice at the COP12 meeting of the Rotterdam Convention to push for global health and safety protections for workers and communities.
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View all Asbestos Posts

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