Press Release – 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue
5 November 2024, ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
Following 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 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue on 5 November 2024 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat 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. Timor-Leste attended the Dialogue as Observer.
The opening session was honoured by the presence of H.E. Arrmanatha Nasir, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia; H.E. Mugiyanto Sipin, Vice-Minister of Human Rights of Indonesia; H.E. Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy, Representative of Lao PDR to AICHR and Chair of AICHR for 2024; and H.E. Wahyuningrum, Representative of Indonesia to AICHR. In their remarks and keynote speeches, the dignitaries highlighted that the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue plays an important role in the promotion and protection of human rights in ASEAN.
It serves as a form of cooperative forum for dialogue on human rights thematic issues of AMS to share human rights progresses and challenges in a culture of openness, constructiveness and mutual understanding. By ensuring the participation of diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, national human rights institutions, and civil society organisations, the Dialogue promotes inclusivity in addressing human rights issues within the ASEAN region and beyond.
The Delegates exchanged new normative frameworks and policy developments, as well as best practices in AMS 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 treaties by the AMS including reporting requirements and follow-ups on recommendations, as well as their participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
Thematic discussions during the Dialogue covered the issues of the rights of migrant workers, women, children, and persons with disabilities, gender equality, business and human rights, freedom of religion and belief, protection of journalists, human rights past abuses, death penalty, the environment and climate change, online sexual violence against children, digital rights, disinformation and misinformation, basic principles for 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 15th anniversary of the establishment of AICHR on 23 October 2024 and the 12th anniversary of the AHRD on 18 November 2024, 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 the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD.
The 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue was jointly chaired by AICHR Indonesia and Lao PDR, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat.