Press Release: The AICHR Workshop on Regional Mechanisms: Best practices on implementation of human rights (with partial support from UN Women and Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument)

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights held a two-day workshop on Regional Mechanisms: Best Practices on Implementation of Human Rights from 17-18 November 2014 at Eastin Grand Sathorn in Bangkok, Thailand. This Workshop was organised by the Representative of Thailand to the AICHR (H.E. Dr. Seree Nonthasoot) with partial support from UN Women and Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument.

The AICHR Workshop on Regional Mechanisms aimed at creating a platform of exchanging and sharing experiences, best practices and lessons learned among participants. This Workshop not only included participation of experts from other regional human rights systems, such as Inter-America, Europe and Africa but also representatives from government agencies, National Human Rights Institutions/ bodies and Civil Society Organisations in ASEAN.

The Workshop discussed a number of key issues on development and implementation of human rights, for instance experiences and challenges in implementing regional norms and standards with the focus on the example of the rights of women, which is a human rights commonality of all ASEAN Member States due to their ratification of the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination against Women and also challenges in developing and implementing communication procedure which is a key protection mandate that the AICHR has contemplated in the review of its Terms of Reference.

In addition, the Workshop further discussed ways in which cooperation among the AICHR and other regional mechanisms as well as other stakeholders could be enhanced and regularised. Outcomes and recommendations from the Workshop would contribute to the work of the AICHR in the promotion and protection of human rights in the region.