Joint Press Release – 2nd Interface Meeting between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Norway
The 2nd Interface Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Norway was held on 20 May 2026 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
The Meeting was chaired by the Acting Chair and Alternate Representative of the Philippines to AICHR, Bolivar L. Bao, and the Norwegian delegation led by Ambassador Mariann Ruud Hagen. It was attended by the Representatives and Alternate Representatives of AICHR, officials from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Representatives of AICHR and Norway shared updates on human rights developments, ongoing cooperation, and initiatives since the last meeting.
AICHR presented 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 Declarations.
The Meeting discussed enhancing cooperation in implementing the Five-Year Work Plan of AICHR (2026-2030) and the ASEAN-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas (2026-2030) through capacity building and knowledge sharing of best practices in the promotion and protection of human rights. Thematic areas addressed include rule of law and human rights, including through supporting the work and mandate of AICHR.
AICHR and Norway noted the need to foster closer cooperation in areas of common concern in the promotion and protection of human rights, such as environmental protection, climate change, human rights cities, digital rights, and peace and reconciliation. Both parties looked forward to future interface meetings to sustain dialogue.
