Joint Press Release of Interface Meeting between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW)
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) held its 2nd Interface Meeting with the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) on 10 July 2023 via videoconference, which was co-chaired by H.E. Wahyuningrum, Chair of AICHR and Representative of Indonesia to AICHR and H.E. Soukphaphone Phanit, Permanent Secretary of Lao Women’s Union/ACW Lao PDR, on behalf of H.E. Thamma Phetvixay, Chair of ACW and Representative of Lao PDR to ACW. The 1st Interface Meeting between AICHR and ACW took place during the 12th Meeting of AICHR held on 6-10 May 2013.
At this meeting, AICHR and ACW updated their respective work plans and areas of priority for implementation in 2023 under the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2021-2025 and the ACW Work Plan 2021-2025.
AICHR and ACW discussed possible areas of cooperation to support the implementation of the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021-2025, and the implementation of ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security. Relatedly, issues related to gender integration and protection of women’s rights, such as those in relation to business and human rights, the promotion of environmental rights and climate action, as well as the promotion of gender equality and protection of women and girls in the context of digital transformation, among others, were highlighted for further cooperation.
AICHR and ACW agreed to further intensify cooperation through effective implementation of initiatives on gender mainstreaming, and the Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN agenda. The two bodies also reaffirmed commitment and collective efforts in enhancing alignment of work towards the promotion and protection of human rights, gender equality and women empowerment in ASEAN.
