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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
