The Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) at the 21st ASEAN Summit and the Special Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)

November 18, 2012

by Mr.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 17 – 18 November 2012

ASEAN marks another milestone achievement with the adoption of an important document. The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) has accomplished one of its main mandate: the development of an ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). The ASEAN Leaders has adopted the AHRD at their Plenary session at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 18 November 2012. To reaffirm the commitment of the ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Heads of State/Government signed the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.

In his Opening Remarks, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that the adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration will further promote peace, security, reconciliation and protection of human rights in the ASEAN region.

Prior to the commencement of the 21st ASEAN Summit, AICHR conducted a Special Meeting to prepare for the Adoption of the AHRD as well as to discuss the progress of their work. The Special Meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Om Yentieng, Senior Minister and the Representative of Cambodia to AICHR. AICHR also had a discussion with several representatives from ASEAN Sectoral Bodies on matters related to cooperation with external partners. AICHR also held a handover ceremony of the chairpersonship of AICHR from the Representative of Cambodia to the Representative of Brunei Darussalam. Several other AICHR Representatives expressed their appreciation for the leadership and the hard work of the Cambodian AICHR Chair in 2012, especially during the deliberation of the AHRD, and the hospitality of the people of Cambodia that has been extended to the delegates. The AICHR Representatives expressed their support for the incoming Chairpersonship of Brunei Darussalam in 2013.

The first Meeting of AICHR in 2013 is expected to be held in late January 2013.

For the “Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration”click here
For the “ASEAN Human Rights Declaration” click here
For photos of the Signing Ceremony of the “Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration” click here

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