Joint Press Release – 2nd Interface Meeting between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the Republic of Korea
The 2nd Interface Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was held on 21 May 2026 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
The Meeting was chaired by the Acting AICHR Chair and Alternate Representative of the Philippines to AICHR, Bolivar L. Bao, with the ROK delegation led by Ambassador Lee Chul. The meeting was attended by the Representatives and Alternate Representatives of AICHR, officials from the Mission of ROK to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Representatives of AICHR and the ROK shared updates on human rights developments, ongoing cooperation, and initiatives since the last meeting. Both parties also provided updates on their respective human rights focus areas, including initiatives on business and human rights, access to justice, new and emerging digital technologies, technology-facilitated trafficking in persons, rights to health, persons with disabilities, environment and climate change, and strengthening human rights mechanisms, among others.
AICHR shared its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting progress in various areas of work, including the adoption of two landmark ASEAN Declarations on human rights at the 47th ASEAN Summit, i.e., the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment, and the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development. AICHR also updated on follow-up activities in the realisation of these important Declarations.
AICHR and ROK agreed to continue working closely with a view to strengthening cooperation in supporting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). Both sides encouraged continued engagement, including through dialogue and exchange of views, to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
