Joint Press Release – The 4th Interface Meeting between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Japan, 13 May 2025, ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
The 4th Interface Meeting between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Japan was held on 13 May 2025 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
The AICHR was led by the Chair, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, and Japan was led by its Ambassador to ASEAN, Ambassador Kiya Masahiko. The meeting was attended by the Representatives and Alternate Representatives of AICHR, including Timor-Leste as Observer, delegation from the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat.
During the meeting, AICHR outlined its key thematic priorities, which include business and human rights, due diligence, supply chain transparency, digital and information rights, artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation, disaster risk reduction and management, environment and climate change, the right to development, women’s empowerment, and social harmony and inclusion.
Japan shared their focus areas and support for AICHR’s activities in the recent years on issues ranging from rights of persons with disabilities, business and human rights, rights of migrant workers and remedies.
The meeting also explored areas of potential collaboration, including capacity building, raising awareness, and policy dialogues on human rights. Topics for discussion included the promotion of the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities, the rights of older persons, business and human rights, climate change and environmental issues, torture, the right to development, human trafficking, cybersecurity and digital transformation, as well as human rights at sea.
AICHR and Japan reiterated their mutual commitment to enhancing collaboration and expressed anticipation for forthcoming interface meetings, which will serve as a foundation for ongoing and constructive dialogue on human rights.
The Meeting concluded with appreciation extended to Malaysia and the ASEAN Secretariat for the excellent meeting arrangements.
