Singapore Hosts 7th Workshop, Sets Forth Recommendations for ASEAN Human Rights Body

 

WG Co-Chair Vitit Muntarbhorn, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, and OHCHR Resident Representative Homayoun Alizadeh confer during the 7th Workshop.

Singapore hosted the 7th Workshop on the ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights from 12-13 June 2008, a first of its kind in the country. It was co-organized by the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (Working Group) and the Singapore Institute for International Affairs with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

About 60 participants, representing related government agencies, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), and civil society groups from ASEAN member-states, discussed their recommendations for the ASEAN human rights body, the creation of which is promised by the ASEAN Charter. These inputs will be officially submitted by the Working Group to ASEAN for the consideration of the High-Level Panel (HLP) who will be mapping out the scope and powers of the ASEAN human rights body. The HLP is expected to convene in July 2008.

In his keynote speech, Singapore Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim described the drafting of the terms of reference of the ASEAN human rights body as an "important new ASEAN process". While he felt that the creation of the human rights body must have the support of all ASEAN member-states, he said that "consensus should not be (used as) an excuse for inaction".

ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan also shared his thoughts on the ASEAN human rights body. He acknowledged that the diversity of ASEAN member-states must be taken into consideration but also stressed that human rights were universal. Furthermore, Dr. Pitsuwan called on the soon-to-be-created HLP to define a human rights body that would reflect the aspirations and expectations of ASEAN peoples.

SIIA Chair Simon Tay and WG Secretary-General Carlos Medina Jr. brief the press on the outcome of the workshop.

From the floor, participants proposed that the ASEAN human rights body be empowered to: 1. Submit state or thematic reports coupled with an optional protocol to conduct investigations; 2. Act on the human rights body's findings and be given resources for its operations; 3. Study and promote relevant international human rights treaties; and 4. Promulgate human rights declarations on behalf of ASEAN. They also noted that, while the ASEAN human rights body will be an intergovernmental body by nature, it should always be transparent and consultative. This can be achieved through regular dialogue with civil society groups, NHRIs and other stakeholders on matters such as the appointment of its members.

The human rights body and the VAP

The 7th Workshop also touched on how the ASEAN human rights body might possibly relate to the human rights areas of ASEAN's Vientiane Action Programme (VAP). The VAP, which maps out goals for each ASEAN community pillar, expires in 2010. Participants say that whatever is accomplished within the timeframe must be aligned to the ASEAN human rights body. They particularly noted the developments for two of the four VAP human rights areas, namely the proposed Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children and the elaboration of an ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the rights migrant workers.

"The Working Group is pleased with the outcome of the 7th Workshop," said Working Group Co-Chair Vitit Muntarbhorn, "It took place during an important junction- the adoption of the ASEAN Charter and an increasingly participatory ASEAN. The Working Group has deepened the understanding of human rights in ASEAN through step by step consultations and engagement with the ASEAN governments. It is imperative to now sustain activities to promote and protect human rights and contribute to its implementation for the betterment of the region".

The Workshop is the seventh in a series that is annually organized by the Working Group. Co-organized by the ministry of foreign affairs and the national human rights institution (if any) of a host ASEAN member-state, it has become a platform for stakeholders to dialogue on the establishment of a regional human rights mechanism.

Download the Summary of Proceedings of the 7th Workshop on the ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights here.