Press Release Special Meeting 1/2021 of AICHR, 12-14 and 26 July 2021, Video Conference

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its Special Meeting 1/2021 on 12-14 July and 26 July 2021 via videoconference. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Hajah Nor Hashimah Haji Mohammed Taib, Representative of Brunei Darussalam to AICHR, and was attended by Representatives/Alternate Representatives of AICHR, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The Meeting deliberated on the AICHR Annual Report 2021 and the Statement of the Chair of AICHR to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) to prepare for the annual interface between the AMM and AICHR Representatives scheduled on August 2021. The Meeting also discussed progress of the implementation of the AICHR Priority Programmes/Activities of 2021 in the areas of human rights and environment, right to health, children’s rights, freedom of religion and belief, humanitarian action and human rights, and institutional developments of AICHR through a regional dialogue: self-assessment of AICHR progress after 10 years. AICHR also discussed on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2021-2025 for implementation in 2021.

The Meeting was updated on recent developments and initiatives on human rights as presented by Representatives Indonesia and the Philippines. Cross-sectoral and cross-pillar initiatives were also discussed, including its alignment with the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan, and the Strategic and Holistic Initiative to Link ASEAN Responses to Emergencies and Disasters (ASEAN SHIELD).

The Meeting expressed its appreciation to AICHR Brunei Darussalam for the excellent arrangements of the virtual meeting.