MARUAH Singapore

https://aichr.org/news/press-release-special-meeting-2-2025-of-aichr/

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its Special Meeting 2/2025 from 7 to 10 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, the Chair and Representative of Malaysia to AICHR, and attended by Representatives and Alternate Representatives of AICHR and officials of the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste participated as Observer.

AICHR Representatives welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans on 26 May 2025 through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and affirmed AICHR’s commitment to work towards realising its aspirations and goals.

On 8 July, AICHR participated in the annual interface with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the 58^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM). The AICHR Chair delivered AICHR’s Statement to the AMM, and submitted AICHR’s Five-Year Work Plan 2026-2030, Priority Programmes/Activities for 2026 and Annual Report 2025.

This 15^th AMM-AICHR Interface saw a constructive dialogue and frank exchanges on substantive human rights matters and emerging human rights challenges in the region. Possible ways to strengthen the implementation of AICHR’s mandates and functions as the human rights body of ASEAN were also discussed. The AMM reaffirmed its support for AICHR’s endeavours in promoting and protecting human rights.

AICHR Representatives also held its 14^th interface with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and shared views on AICHR’s ongoing work to advance human rights in ASEAN.

During its Special Meeting 2/2025, AICHR discussed the impact of its work in the region on the rights of peoples in marginalised and vulnerable situations, including women, children, persons with disabilities and youths, the right to peace, and the right to inclusive and sustainable development. Human rights concerns and thematic priorities such as human rights and the environment, disability inclusion, business and human rights, digital transformation, human rights and policing, conflict and peace, trafficking in persons (TIP), telecommunications fraud, online scams, and economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly in the context of poverty eradication and access to education, were also discussed.

The Meeting further deliberated on the proposed ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development.

AICHR Representatives/Alternate Representatives of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam exchanged views on their recent human rights developments in the region and their respective countries, and new and updated national laws, regulations, frameworks, and initiatives.

On 9 July, AICHR held its 6^th Interface Meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with consultative relationship with AICHR, and its 1^st Interface Meeting with New Zealand. The meetings shared information on human rights priorities and explored areas for potential cooperation. AICHR reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to promote and protect human rights in ASEAN and welcomed continued support from stakeholders and Dialogue Partners.

AICHR expressed its appreciation to Malaysia and the ASEAN Secretariat for the arrangements and support in convening the meeting.