Press Release: AICHR Study Visit to Australia, 4-7 December 2017

On 4-7 December 2017, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) went on a Study Visit in Sydney and Canberra, Australia organized by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The AICHR delegation, which had representatives from all ASEAN Member States, was led by H.E. Leo M. Herrera-Lim of the Philippines.

During the Visit, AICHR interfaced with the AHRC Commissioners and senior executives, led by its President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher.   AICHR also met with the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, the different Australian governmental departments that deal directly with gender equality in the workplace, people smuggling and human trafficking.

One of the key highlights of AICHR’s Visit was a call on Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, MP.

AICHR also received briefings on the Australian High Court and the priorities of Australia in the Human Rights Council when it starts its term next year.  AICHR also had met with the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), Disabled Peoples Organizations Australia (DPOA), civil society groups and lawyers’ groups.

On the last day of the Study Visit, AICHR went to the Tranby National Indigenous Adult Education Training Centre.

The Study Visit fostered closer relations between AHRC and AICHR and built upon the engaging interface AICHR had with Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Jane Duke and AHRC Commissioner Ed Santow in May 2017 and focused on many key priority areas of AICHR’s programme for 2017.