AICHR Regional Consultation: Business and Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change in ASEAN

Kuala Lumpur, 29 May 2023 – The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), is convening a two-days Regional Consultation on Business and Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change in Kuala Lumpur on 29 and 30 May 2023.

Conducted in a hybrid format, the Consultation aims to support ASEAN’s endeavour to strengthen its policies and regional collaboration in order to achieve sustainable recovery, while simultaneously protecting human rights and the environment.

The implications of climate change on human rights are extensive, affecting health, housing, sanitation, food security, living standards, and the well-being of both present and future generations. Southeast Asia, being one of the regions most susceptible to adverse impacts of climate change faces considerable challenges.

During her welcome remarks, H.E. Professor Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin, Representative of Malaysia to AICHR stated that “The issue of climate change is a major concern to ASEAN, as Southeast Asia is one of the most at-risk regions in the world to the impacts on climate change. ASEAN Member States (AMS) have proactively taken measures to address the issue at national, regional and global levels, as reflected in AMS’ national reports, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and active participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement. As environmental issues are multidisciplinary and cross sectional in nature, strong coordination, collaboration and communication among AMS both within the environmental sector and among relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and with dialogue with development partners are critical. This event is also in line with Priority Area 2.1 of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2021-2025 to develop human rights strategies focusing on mainstreaming human rights in all pillars/sectors, and which includes a consultation on human rights and climate change.”

H.E. Igor Driesmans, the EU Ambassador to ASEAN noted during his opening remarks that “The ASEAN region, being one of the world’s fastest-growing areas, continues to attract international investment, including from Europe. This growth must be balanced with the protection of our planet and citizens, a top priority of the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. As governments intensify their policies and regulatory frameworks, successful companies are those integrating human rights, environmental, social, and governance due diligence into their core operations. This event marks another important step in this direction.”

In his keynote, Dr Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change highlighted the key principles in advancing a human-rights based approach in the context of climate change.

The Consultation brings together nearly 80 key stakeholders, including representatives of AICHR, the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN sectoral bodies, the EU, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), private sector, academia, policy researchers, and the United Nations (UN). Experts from the EU and European institutions share insights and the EU’s experience in creating regional frameworks on business and human rights, environment, and climate change.

The EU’s proposed Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD), which aims to strengthen responsible and accountable business practices within the EU Member States and beyond, is one of the main features discussed at the regional consultation. It aims for a greater understanding of corporate sustainability due diligence requirements and increased collaboration between European and South East Asian companies to meet the requirements and ensure compliance, which would contribute to sustainable development and protection of the environment and human rights.

The event contributes to the Plan of Action of the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership (2023-2027), which seeks to promote cooperation on human rights and good governance. It aims to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with relevant international and regional human rights instruments to which all ASEAN and EU Member states are parties. Furthermore, it contributes to strengthening the cooperation between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the EU through awareness raising activities, training, regional dialogues, and exchange of best practices. This regional consultation with a broad range of stakeholders in ASEAN will serve to enhance the ASEAN-EU Policy Dialogue on Human Rights.

The Consultation is hosted by AICHR Malaysia with the support of the Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), and in partnership with the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), through their EU-Funded Project: “Engaging with Inter-Governmental Mechanisms on the Right to a Healthy Environment and Climate Change”.