MARUAH is organising a public consultation on 6th September 2008 to collect feedback from Singaporeans regarding the ASEAN human rights body.
Why is your input important?
Across ASEAN, the views of various stakeholders are being sought with regard to the proposed ASEAN human rights body. It is important that Singaporeans have a say in this process.
Why is the ASEAN human rights body important?
In its recent progress chart (PDF) on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations (UN) said the South-East Asian region as a whole is not expected to meet 4 of the 8 MDG targets. These 4 are:
Goal 2 – universal primary schooling
Goal 3 – gender equality and empowerment of women
Goal 5 – improve maternal health
Goal 6 – combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
The UN also said in a report that the human rights focus must be re-emphasised if the MDGs are to be achieved in a sustainable manner.
This is why it is so important that an effective ASEAN human rights body is established, and that a rights-based approach is taken as ASEAN works towards its 3 pillars (Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural) of development. A rights-based approach would help to ensure that, in the shaping and implementation of policies, there is both transparency and accountability. It is another way to really help the people in our region.
Details of public consultation
Date: 6th September 2008, Saturday
Time: 10am to 1pm
Venue: Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
96 Waterloo Street
Singapore 187967
Please register early with the MARUAH Secretariat with your name, organisation and contact details via email: maruahsg@gmail.com
Posted by lee sze yong 
MARUAH Singapore 