Latest news with #ASEANDeclarationontheRighttoaSafe
BusinessToday
5 days ago
- Politics
- BusinessToday
Malaysia Supports AICHR's Push For Declarations On Environment And Development Rights
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers had an Interface with the Representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), on July 24 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Malaysia has welcomed the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights' (AICHR) efforts to draft two declarations focused on urgent human rights issues, environmental protection and inclusive development. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with AICHR on Tuesday, said the proposed declarations were timely and necessary. The two documents are: ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace, Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development 'These declarations highlight the urgent and pressing concerns of our people, especially those who are vulnerable to environmental harm, inequality and instability,' he said. Mohamad noted that the declarations reaffirm AICHR's commitment to advancing human rights in ways relevant to present and future challenges. He also expressed anticipation for AICHR's 2025 Annual Report, which is expected to highlight achievements, challenges and future direction. Marking 15 years of AICHR's existence, Mohamad urged the body to evolve and strengthen its impact while ensuring ASEAN centrality and unity. 'Efforts to promote and protect the well-being of our people should remain ASEAN-led and ASEAN-owned,' he said, adding that ASEAN's human rights work must align with the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. He said this dialogue with AICHR comes at a critical time as ASEAN enters a new phase of integration under the 'ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future' vision, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. That vision recognises the promotion and protection of human rights as a pillar of community building. The meeting is part of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related events held in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Around 1,500 delegates are expected across 24 ministerial-level meetings involving ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, dialogue and sectoral partners, and ASEAN Regional Forum participants. Related
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
AICHR aims to adopt landmark human rights declarations at ASEAN Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) is working towards adopting two major human rights declarations at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October. These declarations, focused on environmental rights and inclusive development, mark a significant milestone under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship. Malaysia's AICHR representative, Edmund Bon Tai, confirmed that the drafts for the 'ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment' and the 'Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace' are nearing completion. Both documents have been in development for two years. 'It will be a landmark declaration if we can adopt it. It will only be the second declaration on human rights that ASEAN adopts since the 2012 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration,' Bon told reporters after attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting. The environmental rights declaration, strongly supported by Malaysia, addresses pressing regional concerns such as climate change, pollution, and displacement due to environmental degradation. Bon explained that the framework includes principles like public participation in environmental decisions, freedom of information, and access to justice. The second declaration builds on ASEAN's 2012 human rights commitments, emphasising the right to development—a concept unique to ASEAN that extends beyond economic growth to include political, social, and cultural progress. 'If we manage to adopt both declarations in October, it would be the first time in 13 years that ASEAN adopts two human rights declarations in a single year,' Bon said. He stressed that these declarations would serve as practical tools for ASEAN citizens, making human rights more tangible. Bon, who currently chairs AICHR, also highlighted efforts to strengthen ASEAN's peacebuilding approach. The commission is developing a conflict resolution framework to ensure consistent responses to regional disputes, including the Myanmar crisis. Additionally, Malaysia has proposed November 18 as ASEAN Human Rights Day, though the final decision rests with ASEAN leaders. Vietnam's AICHR representative, Nguyen Trung Thanh, emphasised the need for ASEAN unity, stating, 'ASEAN must be there for ASEAN. ASEAN-driven, ASEAN-centred, people-centred, driven by ASEAN, motivated by ASEAN and for the interests of ASEAN in a changing world.' - Bernama
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia supports AICHR's human rights declarations for ASEAN
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed strong support for the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) as it works on two key declarations addressing pressing human rights issues. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted the importance of these documents in tackling environmental concerns and promoting sustainable development. The proposed declarations include the 'ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment' and the 'Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace, Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development'. Mohamad emphasised that these initiatives reflect ASEAN's dedication to protecting vulnerable communities from environmental harm and inequality. Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with AICHR representatives, Mohamad noted that the drafts reaffirm AICHR's commitment to advancing human rights in ways that address both current and future challenges. He also looked forward to reviewing AICHR's 2025 Annual Report, which will outline the commission's progress and future plans. With AICHR marking over 15 years of operation, Mohamad urged the body to continue strengthening its role in regional cooperation. 'Our efforts to promote human rights must remain ASEAN-led and ASEAN-owned, reflecting our shared values while aligning with the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration,' he said. The meeting coincides with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), where discussions focus on inclusivity and sustainability under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. Over 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners, are participating in the four-day event. - Bernama
