AICHR and Key Stakeholders Consult on Key ASEAN Human Rights Issues in the Process of Developing AICHR’s Human Rights Work Plan For 2026 to 2030
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 April 2025: The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened the inaugural Regional Consultation to Support the Development of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan (2026-2030) (FYWP) in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Strategic Plans of Action.
The FYWP serves as the strategic document guiding AICHR’s programming and direction. Since its establishment in 2009, the AICHR has adopted three Five-Year Work Plans to implement its mandate and functions. The current FYWP (2021-2025) concludes in 2025 and AICHR, under Malaysia’s leadership, is currently formulating the new FYWP for 2026 to 2030.
Given that AICHR has conducted 155 activities covering 40 thematic human rights areas, the consultation sought to identify key issues, challenges and opportunities to advance human rights protection and promotion in ASEAN and to enhance AICHR’s role as the overarching human rights body in ASEAN.
Led by Edmund Bon Tai Soon, the current AICHR Chair and Representative of Malaysia to the AICHR, the consultation marked the first time that the AICHR has held an open consultation on its work plan to consult, discuss and receive feedback and inputs from stakeholders, including ASEAN sectoral bodies, entities and centres, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society organisations (CSOs), and experts from ASEAN Member States.
In his opening remarks, Bon said:
“The upcoming Work Plan commences in 2026. After two phases of norm setting and socialisation — and 16 years since our establishment — we are looking at a new phase of AICHR’s programming to protect and promote human rights in the region. …
Today marks the first time AICHR is hosting a regional consultation to develop its proposed work plan. We believe it is crucial to create an open and safe space for dialogue on how AICHR can strengthen its human rights efforts and position itself among the leading commissions globally, while remaining relevant to current challenges. Our aim is to finalise the work plan by June, but as of now, nothing is set in stone. We are here to listen and learn from you. As always, we welcome all perspectives and look forward to receiving your recommendations on how we can improve the previous work plan. …
Importantly, we cannot forget that our work must impact the people. How do we adopt a more programmatic approach? How do we deepen the understanding or reporting or monitoring of the 40 thematic areas to ensure coherence in the region? How do we respond to emerging threats and challenges to human rights?”
Delegates, resource persons and speakers at the consultation discussed numerous important issues including broadening AICHR’s thematic areas to include both emerging traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI); governance and accountability matters; transnational organised crimes; online scamming; forced labour; impact on human rights as a result of trade wars and the imposition of governmental tariffs; the rights of older persons and the care sector; human rights in post-conflict and reconciliation settings; and advanced protection for persons with disabilities.
The consultation also heard presentations of findings from three reviews and evaluations of the current FYWP – one by the ASEAN Secretariat and two by independent experts from Malaysia and Thailand. Key follow-up actions and recommendations included maintaining critical focus areas for long-term impact, improving tracking, categorising thematic monitoring and evaluation areas, updating outdated human rights work areas, institutionalising outcome-oriented frameworks, and establishing regular consultation and structured feedback mechanisms with stakeholders.
The AICHR was also encouraged to cooperate with Parliamentarians, national and local authorities, NHRIs and the private sector on relevant human rights matters.
Building on the aspiration for AICHR’s work to be impactful through its adaptability, flexibility, and balance on the promotion and protection aspects of human rights, the recommendations and inputs were well-received and will be considered by the AICHR when formulating the new FYWP.
More than 60 delegates participated in the consultation. They included AICHR Representatives, Alternate Representatives and Assistants, and representatives from ASEAN sectoral bodies, NHRIs and CSOs.
Malaysia led the consultation as part of its 2025 inclusivity and sustainability initiatives chairing ASEAN together with co-proponents, Thailand, Lao PDR, Indonesia, and Singapore. ASEAN, through its AICHR Fund, co-funded the programme with Australia through the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and Australian AID (AusAID).
This landmark consultation underscored AICHR’s commitment to shaping a people-centred, people-oriented and forward-looking human rights agenda that continues to implement the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration 2012 in line with international human rights standards and the upcoming ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Strategic Plans of Action.
The consultation was conducted in the usual ASEAN spirit of mutual respect and courtesy.
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