Press Release of the Special Meeting 1/2024 of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened the Special Meeting 1/2024 of AICHR from 23 to 26 July 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy, Representative of Lao PDR, and Chair of AICHR in 2024, 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 on human rights in the region, including new laws and regulations at the national level related to human rights, and human rights initiatives by ASEAN Member States as presented by the AICHR Representatives of Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, respectively.
The Meeting discussed the progressive implementation of AICHR’s Priority Programmes/Activities, including business and human rights, the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, trafficking in persons, youth debate on human rights, prevention of torture, and implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations. The Meeting deliberated initiatives to enhance the engagement of AICHR with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and entities, relevant stakeholders, and dialogue partners, including the preparation for the 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue and an official visit of AICHR to China.
The Meeting commenced discussions on the next Five-Year Work Plan of AICHR for the period of 2026-2030.
On 24 July, the AICHR Representatives had their annual Interface with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings. The Interface saw candid exchanges between the Ministers/Deputy Ministers and the AICHR Representatives on progress and ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights in the region. The Chair of AICHR delivered AICHR’s Statement and submitted AICHR’s Annual Report 2024 to the 57th AMM during the Interface.
The AICHR Representatives also held their annual Interface with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. The parties shared views and deliberations on AICHR’s ongoing works for the advancement of human rights cooperation and dialogue in ASEAN.
On 25 July, AICHR met with the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group (AER-WG) and expressed appreciation for their work. AICHR also met with the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF), which shared experiences and discussed possible areas of mutual interest for cooperation.
The Meeting expressed its appreciation to AICHR Lao PDR and the ASEAN Secretariat for the excellent arrangements of the meeting.
