Latest news with #AseanForeignMinisters'InterfaceMeeting
The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Human rights the top focus
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.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean prioritises human rights in its regional integration efforts
KUALA LUMPUR: As Asean embarks on its next phase of regional integration, the focus remains steadfast on upholding human rights as a fundamental component of its community-building efforts, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. This initiative follows the adoption of the Asean 2045 vision during the recent Summit held in May 2035. "As we work towards realising the vision, Asean must uphold its human rights commitments. Our aspirations for a resilient, dynamic, and people-centred Asean will only be meaningful if we first ensure the rights and dignity of our people," he said during his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with Representatives of the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on Tuesday (July 8). He added that Malaysia has welcomed Asean's ongoing efforts to develop two significant declarations: the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment, and the Right to Development and Peace. "These declarations highlight the urgent and pressing concerns of our people, especially those who are vulnerable to environmental harm, inequality, and instability. "They reaffirm the unwavering commitment of Asean to advancing human rights, addressing both present and future challenges in a timely and relevant manner," he added. The AICHR will also present its 2025 annual report during the interface, participated in by the Asean member countries. He noted that the presentation will provide updates on achievements, challenges, and the way forward in advancing human rights across the region. "I hope that its effort and mechanism will continue to evolve, strengthening its capacity to deliver impactful outcomes and foster meaningful engagement while upholding Asean centrality and unity. "These efforts are key to advancing human rights and regional cooperation in support of both the national and international commitments of Asean Member States," he added.
