Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF)
has been working on acid violence issues since 1999. The
ultimate goal of the organization is to eliminate acid violence
from Bangladesh. However, at present there is an acid attack
every two days. Victims of acid violence need physical
reconstruction, support for reintegration into mainstream
society and legal assistance. Therefore, ASF ensures the best
possible medical, legal and social reintegration support to the
acid survivors.
ASF’s focus is on its work as a coordinating
agency. Thus, building up the capacity of the local level NGOs
as well as the professionals involved with this issue, for
example, doctors, public prosecutors and the police, is a very
important part of ASF’s activities. ASF also has initiatives
to engage the media, celebrities and students in implementation
of prevention activities.
ASF has gained national and
international recognition for its dedicated support to the acid
survivors. In appreciation of ASF’s success, the Executive
Director of the organization received the 4th Human Rights Award
of Amnesty International – Germany in 2005. ASF is the pioneer
and worldwide unique organization dedicatedly working
specifically with the acid violence issues; thus a role model
for other countries having acid violence dilemma.