Press Release – 5th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue, 6 November 2023, ASEAN Headquarters
Subsequent to the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue during the 43rd ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened the 5th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue on 6 November 2023 at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Delegates who attended the Dialogue comprised representatives of the ASEAN Member States (AMS), AICHR, the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from some AMS, and invited stakeholders including the civil society organisations (CSOs) having consultative relationship with AICHR, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
During the opening session, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Retno Marsudi delivered her keynote speech underscoring that the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue signified an important milestone in ASEAN on human rights framework. The convening of the Dialogue marked a significant development in advancing a culture of openness to develop a deeper understanding of human rights issues and challenges in ASEAN and promote inclusivity by ensuring participation of different stakeholders. Furthermore, the Minister said that the human rights dialogue helps bridge differences, build understanding, and forge a path toward meaningful change.
The Delegates exchanged best practices to promote and protect human rights and ways to overcome challenges to implement the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). The Delegates also shared experiences on the accession and implementation of the international human rights conventions by the AMS including reporting requirements and follow-ups on recommendations, as well as their participation in the Universal Periodic Review process.
Thematic discussions during the Dialogue covered the issues of freedom of religion and belief, protection of journalists, the rights of migrant workers, the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities, gender balance and equality, business and human rights, human rights past abuses, death penalty, the environment and climate change, online sexual violence against children, disinformation and misinformation, basic principles for the treatment of prisoners, access to justice, prevention of torture, and sustainable development goals, among others.
The Dialogue stimulated constructive discussion, deliberation and exercise of mutual respect and understanding. Stakeholders such as NHRIs and CSOs were engaged and shared their views and recommendations towards improving cooperation and enhancing capacity to better promote and protect human rights.
In commemoration of the 11th anniversary of the AHRD on 18 November 2023 and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 2023, the Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights in the region in line with the AHRD and UDHR.
The 5th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue was chaired by AICHR Indonesia as the Chair of AICHR in 2023 and supported by the ASEAN Secretariat.
