1. BWI Asbestos campaign UPDATES
Laos
National Workshop on National Policy on Asbestos – had positive results and good early step to assist government to move towards a ban
Organising and outreach at asbestos using companies continues
Malaysia
Order to ban asbestos reportedly still under drafting
Vietnam
No significant updates on progress towards a ban, but trade union and some OHS bodies continue their outreach and lobbying

2. Thailand
Pro-asbestos continue influencing government and delaying implementation of ban, despite agreement from government cabinet
Some concerns that an FTA between Russia and Thailand could hinge on continuing use of asbestos
Philippines
Bill to ban asbestos reintroduced to parliament by ALU-TUCP
Government decided to replace asbestos-containing wire gauzes following union campaign
Asbestos industry held two major activities in Manila to drum up support for industry, possibly signalling more concerted efforts to challenge ban campaigns in the region

3. India
IWMD event organised on Asbestos awareness in Kerala
Petition submitted to Railway authorities on dangers of Asbestos in Kerala
Letter writing campaign to Government of India to support listing of Chrysotile during this year’s Rotterdam Convention Meeting at Geneva
Collaboration with OEHNI to work on a medical camp for Asbestos workers in Orissa state
Pakistan
BWI affiliate ACEEU along with other trade unions organised a Awareness Meeting on Asbestos on 02 November This has generated lot of interest among trade unions to work on a broader campaign on Asbestos in Pakistan