Workshop on Transition between AICHR Representatives 2022-2024 and AICHR Representatives 2025-2027
On 10 February 2025, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission of Human Rights (AICHR) hosted a Transition Workshop themed “Building better and stronger, and staying relevant, inclusive, innovative and people-centred” to facilitate the transition of several outgoing AICHR Representatives (2022-2024) and incoming AICHR Representatives.
The workshop provided a platform to stock-take on AICHR’s progress and challenges while ensuring continuity in AICHR’s operations. It facilitated the sharing of knowledge and alignment of work particularly on the new Five-Year Work Plan (FYWP) to be developed in 2025, AICHR’s Terms of Reference and the proposed ASEAN Declaration on the Right to Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment.
Former Representatives spoke about their experience with AICHR in the past and incoming Representatives provided valuable insights into key human rights trends and emerging issues and challenges for AICHR. The workshop also heard about the evolving regional human rights landscape and its implications for AICHR, as well as opportunities to advance human rights diplomacy in the region.
Ending the programme, an active and constructive dialogue with discussants from the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (Entity Associated with ASEAN under Annex 2, ASEAN Charter), and Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) (both being Civil Society Organisations with consultative relationship with AICHR) provided an opportunity for civil society to share their views and expectations for the future of AICHR.
Key points that emerged from the workshop included the need to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration on human rights, and for AICHR’s work to be impactful through its adaptability, flexibility, and being balanced on the promotion and protection aspects of human rights.
Following this workshop, the 40th Meeting of the AICHR will be held from 11 to 14 February 2025 in Langkawi, Kedah, chaired by His Excellency Edmund Bon Tai Soon.
