Press Release of the 39th Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened the 39th Meeting of AICHR from 20 to 22 May 2024 at ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy, Representative of Lao PDR to AICHR, and was attended by Representatives/Alternate Representatives of AICHR, and the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended the Meeting as Observer.
The Meeting was updated on recent developments in the region including new laws and regulations, and human rights initiatives by ASEAN Member States as presented by the AICHR Representatives/Alternate Representatives of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
The Meeting discussed the implementation of AICHR’s Priority Programmes/Activities with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities, women and children’s rights, disinformation and misinformation, human rights and policing in ASEAN, business and human rights, among others. AICHR also discussed measures for strengthening governance of AICHR programmes and activities, the preparation of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan (FYWP) for the period of 2026-2030 in alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans.
In preparation for the annual interface between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and AICHR Representatives at the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in July 2024, the Meeting deliberated the draft Annual Report of AICHR 2024, the Statement of AICHR to the AMM, and the Priority Programmes/Activities of AICHR 2025.
AICHR held its 4th interface meeting with the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group (AER-WG), which discussed the progress of drafting a declaration on the right to a safe, clean, and sustainable environment. AICHR also held its 1st interface with the ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) to further promote and protect human rights. In addition, AICHR held its 5th Interface with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with a Consultative Relationship with AICHR to further promote an enabling environment for constructive engagement between AICHR and the accredited CSOs.
During its 39th Meeting, AICHR met with Australia, the European Union, Japan, and the United States of America respectively for discussions on cooperation in support of the implementation of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan (FYWP) 2021-2025 and the Priority Programmes and Activities of AICHR in 2024 and beyond.
The Meeting expressed its appreciation to AICHR Lao PDR and the ASEAN Secretariat for the excellent arrangements of the meeting.
