Human rights the top focus

The Star

09-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Upholding human rights remains central to Asean's community-building efforts as the region moves into its next phase of integration, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Speaking at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with the Asean Intergovernmental Com­mission on Human Rights (AICHR) yesterday, he said this focus aligns with the Asean Com­munity Vision 2045 adopted in May.
'Our aspirations for a resilient, dynamic and people-centred Asean will only be meaningful if we ensure the rights and dignity of our people,' he said in his opening remarks.
He welcomed efforts to develop two key human rights declarations: the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment and the Declaration on the Right to Development and Peace.
'These initiatives reflect urgent concerns, especially for those vulnerable to environmental harm, inequality and instability.
'They reaffirm Asean's commitment to addressing human rights challenges in a timely and relevant manner,' he said.
Building on this momentum, AICHR is pushing for both declarations to be adopted at the Asean Summit in October, which would mark the first time in 13 years that Asean endorses two human rights declarations in one year.
Meeting of minds: Mohamad (centre) delivering his speech during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with AICHR representatives at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Malaysia's representative to AICHR Edmund Bon Tai Soon said the proposals, which have been years in the making, carry significant weight.
'These two declarations are not only timely but vital. One affirms the right to a clean and sustainable environment, and the other promotes the right to development and peace,' he said.
The first declaration, led by Malaysia, responds to escalating climate threats and displacement in the region.
Bon said it outlines principles such as public participation in environmental decisions, access to justice for pollution victims and freedom of information.
The second declaration seeks to strengthen the right to development – already referenced in the Asean Human Rights Declaration 2012 – by expanding it into a standalone commitment that encompasses political, economic, social and cultural development.
'This is not just about economic growth but about inclusive, people-centred development,' Bon said.
AICHR is also working on a regional framework to guide Asean's response to conflicts, including the crisis in Myanmar.
'Currently, responses are too ad hoc. We need a consistent, Asean-owned mechanism grounded in existing structures,' Bon said.
Separately, Malaysia has proposed that Nov 18 be designated Asean Human Rights Day to mark the adoption of the Asean Human Rights Declaration 2012.
Bon said the move would help affirm Asean's commitment to advancing human rights.