Press Release – Special Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights 2013
14 – 16 August 2013, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened a Special Meeting on 14 to 16 August 2013 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. The Special Meeting was chaired by H.E. Pehin Dato Dr. Awang Hj. Ahmad bin Hj. Jumat, the Representative of Brunei Darussalam and the Chair of the AICHR. The Meeting had a full agenda, taking focus on the implementation of the AICHR’s Priority Programmes and Activities 2013. Several concept papers for upcoming workshops and trainings were adopted; among them were the Workshop on Combating Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children which is expected to be conducted in November 2013, the Training of the Trainers on Human Rights for public prosecutors and police officers to be conducted in mid-November, as well as the AICHR Regional Workshop on the Promotion of Maternal Health and Reduction of Maternal Mortality also expected to be conducted in November 2013.
The Meeting also discussed the preparations of the launching of the book of the translations of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD. The book is a compilation of the translations of the two documents into the national languages of the ASEAN Member States. The book will be launched in conjunction with the ASEAN Day celebrations on 23 August 2013 at the ASEAN Secretariat. The AICHR will be partnering with the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to hold a panel discussion at the launching on the AHRD and the ASEAN Community Building 2015.
The Meeting was presented with the Summary of the Human Rights Dialogue, organised by the Government of Indonesia for the AICHR Representatives. The AICHR appreciated the initiative by the Government of Indonesia to convene the Human Rights Dialogue which supported the work of the AICHR.
The Meeting expressed their appreciation to the Representative of Viet Nam and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the hospitality and excellent arrangements. The AICHR plans to conduct another meeting in November 2013 in the Philippines.