Malaysia Leads ASEAN Push for Regional Peace and Human Rights Advancement
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on Tuesday launched its Thematic Study on the Right to Peace, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN's move towards implementing a rights-based approach to peace agenda.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the study also offers key policy recommendations to support ASEAN initiatives to respect human rights and implement practices to secure regional peace and security in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
It also reaffirmed that the right to peace is a fundamental human right, and is essential for sustainable development, human dignity, and the enjoyment of all other rights.
Speaking at the launch of the study, Malaysia's representative to AICHR and AICHR Chair 2025, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, commended the study, describing it as a springboard for actions that strengthen ASEAN's broad commitment to peace and respect for human rights.
"This thematic study is very important as there are still many regional problems and conflict in ASEAN and also globally.
"Spillover conflict issues that become region-centric cannot always be considered internal affairs of ASEAN Member States. This is reflected in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and ASEAN's initiatives on conflict prevention, as well as civilian and human rights protection.'
He added that ASEAN is working to address regional and international challenges, including the situation in Gaza and situational conflicts within the region, by taking positions to improve conditions on the ground.
Meanwhile, AICHR will organise a six-part AICHR Regional Training Programme on Human Rights on July 2 to build capacity of ASEAN officials in conflict prevention and to promote sustainable peace through the practical application of human rights principles.
The programme, tilted 'Workshops on Intersection Between Conflict and Human Rights: Pathways and Approaches to Peace in ASEAN' also aims to strengthen ASEAN's collective ability to implement proactive peacebuilding strategies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Malaysia sees Italy as key strategic partner, says Anwar
ROME: The peace that Malaysia and the region enjoy has paved the way for a blossoming economic environment and a robust private sector, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said Malaysia, as Asean chair, had endeavoured to resolve contentious issues, as only a stable bloc could lead to fruitful economic achievement. Reminding Malaysians that they are, in fact, ambassadors of the nation, he said: 'The Malaysian diaspora is an important asset as they function as envoys representing the country outside. Let me urge you to continue taking opportunities to boost your skills and expertise so that you will bring something back to the country,' he told Malaysians living in Italy at a dinner soon after touching down here. Anwar and his delegation, which includes prominent corporate figures, arrived here yesterday (July 1) for a three-day visit at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations. The group will visit Paris and Rio de Janeiro in the coming days. The PM, who travelled with his delegation on a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight, was received by Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysian envoy to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, among others, upon landing. 'Malaysia sees Italy as a vital strategic partner in Europe, and we are committed to enhancing cooperation in the trade, investment and defence industries. Anwar added that the visit would also further close the gap between Europe and South East Asia in the current geopolitical challenges. Earlier, Mohamad Hasan paid tribute to Malaysia's excellent image, saying that the nation's good perception by outsiders had brought about numerous and frequent requests to meet with Anwar. 'The fact that we practise neutrality is also a pull factor, let's be clear that Malaysia talks to all parties,' he said. Transport Minister Anthony Loke also noted that Malaysia's profile was growing, which bodes well in pulling more tourists to the country. 'This is excellent as we will have Visit Malaysia Year next year.' Loke noted that once Malaysia become more famous, especially among travellers, his ministry would come up with even more connectivity, adding that several key transport projects were shaping up very well. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the nation's economy was faring well despite challenges in geopolitics. 'Investments and FDIs are coming in,' he said, thanking the corporate side for their contributions.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Anwar departs for a series of high-level meetings
Heading abroad: Anwar at KLIA departing for official visits to Italy, France and Brazil from July 1 to 7. — Bernama SEPANG: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is on a series of visits to three countries, starting with Italy, followed by France and Brazil. The chartered Malaysia Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister and his delegation departed KL International Airport at 2.15pm yesterday. His three-day official trip to Italy is part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level. The visits to the major economic hubs of Rome, Paris and Rio de Janeiro aim to strengthen Malaysia's diplomatic ties and trade relations with the respective nations, Bernama reported. The three markets collectively recorded bilateral trade valued at RM50.91bil last year. Anwar is accompanied by a business delegation comprising representatives from major Malaysian corporations and innovative enterprises, including PETRONAS, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Maybank, FGV, YTL Power, and Sunway. The Prime Minister's inaugural visit to Italy is at the invitation of his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. Malaysian Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam said the visit was expected to further strengthen bilateral relations across a wide range of sectors. In Rome, Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. In Paris, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with French president Emmanuel Macron. Their discussions will focus on trade, technology and education sectors. Besides the roundtable with France's industry giants, Anwar will engage with local Muslim leaders, meet Malaysian citizens in France and deliver a public lecture at Sorbonne University on Friday. After Paris, Anwar will head to Rio de Janeiro to attend the 17th BRICS Summit on the invitation of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Malaysia's role as a BRICS Partner Country and Asean Chair for 2025 will emphasise the importance of multilateralism based on law, governance of artificial intelligence, climate action and global health, representing the aspirations of over 650 million Asean citizens. Anwar will attend the BRICS Summit as a partner country in the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, among others.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia leads Asean cybersecurity charge
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is leading the development of the Asean Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2026-2030, a forward-looking framework to boost collective cyber resilience in the region, set to be unveiled at the upcoming Asean Summit. As chair of Asean this year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia has put cybersecurity at the heart of the regional agenda. As such, Ahmad Zahid called for the upcoming Asean Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy to prioritise real-time collaboration among member states in areas such as incident response, digital forensics, secure data sharing and policy harmonisation. 'These mechanisms must uphold the principles of confidentiality, sovereignty and mutual trust, which are essential in managing sensitive and transboundary cybersecurity threats,' he said in his speech at the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (Cydes) 2025 here yesterday, Bernama reported. Themed 'Advancing Cyber Resilience', Cydes 2025 is organised by the National Security Council (Prime Minister's Department) and National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), in collaboration with Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd. Cydes 2025 gathers 70 international delegations from 20 nations alongside five global organisations, underscoring confidence in Malaysia's efforts to foster a more secure, cooperative and responsive cybersecurity environment. Referencing the Cisco 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, he noted that 93% of organisations experienced AI-driven cyberattacks over the past year, yet only 51% of employees have a clear understanding of such threats. Building on this, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to play a vital role in producing industry-ready talent and promoting social mobility within the cybersecurity sector.
