PRESS RELEASE: 26th Meeting of the AICHR, 24-26 January 2018, Singapore

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its first meeting under the Chairmanship of Singapore from 24 to 26 January 2018. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Barry Desker, the Representative of Singapore to the AICHR.

During this three-day meeting, the AICHR was briefed on the implementation of the AICHR Priority Programmes/Activities. The Meeting adopted the AICHR Thematic Study on Women in Natural Disasters which was led by AICHR Philippines.

On cross-pillar cross-sectoral cooperation, the Meeting was updated on the progress of the development of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan on the Mainstreaming of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community by 2025. The Meeting also noted the report of the AICHR Cross-Sectoral Consultation on the Human Rights based Instruments related to the Implementation of ACTIP.

On the second day, the delegates visited Enabling Village, an integrated community in an all-accessible space, an initiative by Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development and SG Enable Ltd. The Village comprises individuals and organisations that serve – and are supported by – people with diverse abilities. It showcased, among others, several social businesses that balance commercial success with the social imperative of inclusivity to demonstrate that people with disabilities can make lively, vital contributions to society.

The Meeting expressed its appreciation to the Government of Singapore for the gracious hospitality and excellent arrangements of the meeting. The next meeting of the AICHR will take place in May 2018 at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta.