1st Workshop for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism

The First Workshop for an ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights was convened in Jakarta from 5 to 6 July 2001. The Workshop was organized and co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (KOMNAS HAM) and the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (Working Group).

The Workshop was attended by participants representing Governments, National Human Rights Commissions, NGOs and academicians from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR,, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and observers from the ASEAN Secretariat, officials from Indonesian government agencies, universities and NGOs. An official from Vietnamese Embassy attended the Workshop to observe the proceeding. The informal nature of the Workshop has provided frank and friendly atmosphere and encouraged participants to enthusiastically taking part in the exchange of views and discussions.

A number of options for an ASEAN mechanism proposed by the Working Group were also raised. They are:

1. establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Commission
2. establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Commission and an ASEAN Human Rights Court
3. establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Court
4. establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Commission and an ASEAN Human Rights Committee of Ministers or Assembly of Head of Governments
5. establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Commission, an ASEAN Human Rights Court and an ASEAN Human Rights Committee of Ministers or Assembly of Head of Governments
6. establishment of National Human Rights Commissions and Concretisation of their network
7. Promotion of regional human rights activities.

A number of options for ASEAN human rights were highlighted. However, the workshop strongly recommends that efforts should be made towards the establishment of an ASEAN human rights commission. It is also recommended that the Draft Agreement for the establishment for an ASEAN human rights commission be studied by appropriate body, preferably a joint committee between ASEAN and the Working Group.

Summary of Workshop Proceedings