AICHR convenes Regional Consultation on Promoting Rights to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN

BANGKOK, 8 December 2025 – The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened the Regional Consultation on Promoting the Rights to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN in Bangkok, Thailand.

AICHR Thailand led the consultation in collaboration with SOMSWD Thailand, ACWC Thailand, the Australian Human Rights Commission, UNICEF, the International Disability Alliance, and the ASEAN Disability Forum. The consultation brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), ASEAN sectoral bodies, the ASEAN Secretariat, civil society, international organisations, and organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).

Discussions built on the recent adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, with a strong focus on integrating disability inclusion into environmental and climate-related policymaking.

Participants underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, data-driven planning, and the meaningful participation of OPDs in the development and implementation of the Regional Plan of Action. The discussions emphasised a rights-based framework, promoted constructive engagement with governments, and highlighted the need for strategies that reflect intersectionality and diverse disability experiences.

During the breakout group activities, participants highlighted environmental risks that disproportionately affect persons with disabilities due to inaccessible systems and limited participation. Recommendations included developing disability-inclusive protocols, universal-design evacuation centres, accessible environmental information, strengthening OPD leadership, circular-economy initiatives, and improved data systems, all coordinated through rights-based governance to ensure inclusive and effective regional responses.

The consultation concluded with a call for continued multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that the new declaration is effectively operationalised. Participants reaffirmed that meaningful disability inclusion is essential to building a resilient, people-centred, and sustainable ASEAN Community.