Press Release: Special Meeting (1/2018) of the AICHR, 31 July – 3 August 2018, Singapore
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its first Special Meeting in 2018 from 31 July to 3 August in Singapore. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Barry Desker, Representative of Singapore to the AICHR.
The Meeting discussed the progress of the implementation of the Priority Programmes/Activities of the AICHR 2018, which covers areas including right to health, children’s rights, and rights of persons with disabilities, ICT and gender equality towards the sustainable development goals.
The AICHR also discussed the upcoming Workshop on Article 14 of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, ASEAN Forum on Women’s Economic Empowerment, and the 5th AICHR Youth Debate on Human Rights. The Meeting was also briefed on several ongoing AICHR thematic studies, including on the right to education, right to peace, access to justice, and migration and human rights.
On August 1 2018, the AICHR held its annual interface with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) during the 51st AMM and Related Meetings. The Interface saw candid exchanges between the Ministers and the AICHR on human rights in the region, taking into account the diversity among ASEAN Member States. Recognising the important role of the AICHR and its significant contribution to ASEAN Community-building, the AMM reaffirmed its support to AICHR’s endeavours in the promotion and protection of human rights. The AICHR also delivered its Statement and submitted its Annual Report 2018 to the AMM at the Interface. The AICHR Annual Report 2018 will be uploaded on the AICHR website.
The Meeting was also briefed on the ongoing work of ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) with Myanmar to deliver humanitarian assistance and aid to all displaced persons.
The Meeting expressed its appreciation to the Government of Singapore for the gracious hospitality and excellent arrangements of the meeting. The next meeting of the AICHR will take place from 26 to 29 November in Singapore.