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The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Human rights the top focus
KUALA LUMPUR: Upholding human rights remains central to Asean's community-building efforts as the region moves into its next phase of integration, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Speaking at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) yesterday, he said this focus aligns with the Asean Community Vision 2045 adopted in May. 'Our aspirations for a resilient, dynamic and people-centred Asean will only be meaningful if we ensure the rights and dignity of our people,' he said in his opening remarks. He welcomed efforts to develop two key human rights declarations: the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment and the Declaration on the Right to Development and Peace. 'These initiatives reflect urgent concerns, especially for those vulnerable to environmental harm, inequality and instability. 'They reaffirm Asean's commitment to addressing human rights challenges in a timely and relevant manner,' he said. Building on this momentum, AICHR is pushing for both declarations to be adopted at the Asean Summit in October, which would mark the first time in 13 years that Asean endorses two human rights declarations in one year. Meeting of minds: Mohamad (centre) delivering his speech during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with AICHR representatives at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Malaysia's representative to AICHR Edmund Bon Tai Soon said the proposals, which have been years in the making, carry significant weight. 'These two declarations are not only timely but vital. One affirms the right to a clean and sustainable environment, and the other promotes the right to development and peace,' he said. The first declaration, led by Malaysia, responds to escalating climate threats and displacement in the region. Bon said it outlines principles such as public participation in environmental decisions, access to justice for pollution victims and freedom of information. The second declaration seeks to strengthen the right to development – already referenced in the Asean Human Rights Declaration 2012 – by expanding it into a standalone commitment that encompasses political, economic, social and cultural development. 'This is not just about economic growth but about inclusive, people-centred development,' Bon said. AICHR is also working on a regional framework to guide Asean's response to conflicts, including the crisis in Myanmar. 'Currently, responses are too ad hoc. We need a consistent, Asean-owned mechanism grounded in existing structures,' Bon said. Separately, Malaysia has proposed that Nov 18 be designated Asean Human Rights Day to mark the adoption of the Asean Human Rights Declaration 2012. Bon said the move would help affirm Asean's commitment to advancing human rights.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- 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 Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AICHR aims for historic adoption of two human rights declarations under Malaysia's leadership
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) is aiming for a landmark achievement this year: the adoption of two major declarations on human rights under Malaysia's chairmanship. Malaysia's Representative to AICHR, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, said one focuses on climate change, while the other centres on the right to development and peace. 'If we are able to do it this year, it would be the first time in 13 years that Asean adopts two human rights declarations in a single year,' he told reporters after the Interface Between Asean Foreign Ministers and AICHR Representatives here on Tuesday (July 8). The proposals, which have been in negotiation for years, are expected to be tabled for adoption at the Asean Summit this October, he said. If adopted, Bon said they would mark Asean's first new human rights declaration since the 2012 Asean Human Rights Declaration, also spearheaded during Malaysia's chairmanship. The first was the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, proposed in response to growing regional threats from climate change and displacement. 'Climate change in our region is very serious. There are a lot of displaced persons, a lot of climate refugees. 'This declaration, which Malaysia is leading, has received strong support. 'If adopted, it will give people in Asean a basis to claim their environmental rights,' he said. Bon explained that the draft includes core principles such as public participation in environmental decisions, access to justice for pollution victims and the right to freedom of information. 'It's not just about environmental protection. It's about embedding human rights into how we govern environmental issues,' he added. The second proposed declaration centres on the right to development and the right to peace, promoting inclusive and sustainable development that encompasses political, economic, social and cultural dimensions. Bon said the right to development was a unique Asean contribution to human rights, as it is not explicitly featured in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 'This right is already in the Asean Human Rights Declaration, but now we're expanding it into a full declaration. 'This will be for everyone in Asean, not just about economic growth, but about inclusive and people-centred development,' he said. Alongside the two declarations, AICHR was also calling for the establishment of a structured framework - or 'template' - for Asean's collective response to internal and regional conflicts, such as the protracted crisis in Myanmar. 'At the moment, Asean's responses to conflicts are very ad hoc. What we need is an institutionalised approach - a common Asean framework that guides how we respond when there's a crisis or hotspot,' said Bon. He said AICHR has begun a series of workshops to develop this mechanism, which would serve as a go-to guide for future Asean envoys and member states alike. 'It's not just for Myanmar, but for any future hotspot in the region. It must be Asean-owned, not externally imposed, and built from within existing Asean mechanisms,' Bon said. He stressed that the framework would help ensure a consistent and principled Asean approach to both intra- and inter-state issues. Separately, Malaysia was also proposing for Nov 18 to be designated as Asean Human Rights Day, to commemorate the date the Asean Human Rights Declaration was adopted in 2012. 'Just like how Dec 10 is recognised globally as International Human Rights Day, we're suggesting that Asean commemorates Nov 18 as our own human rights day. 'It's been 13 years since the declaration. This is the time to affirm our commitment,' he said.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- 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
