Latest news with #AseanIntergovernmentalCommissiononHumanRights
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean, Switzerland deepen ties for sustainable, inclusive growth
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean–Switzerland Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) 2022–2026 represents a forward-looking framework that strengthens the bloc's core priorities in peace, security, sustainable development, and human capital advancement. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the theme of this year's Asean Chairmanship — Inclusivity and Sustainability — reflected the region's aspiration to build a future that leaves no one behind, while ensuring balanced, resilient, and environmentally responsible growth. He added that the theme also closely aligned with Switzerland's longstanding commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable development. "Switzerland's emphasis on peace, human rights, responsible business conduct, and humanitarian mine action reflects genuine alignment with Asean values. "This is evident in its ongoing support for Asean's political-security agenda, particularly through the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, the Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Asean Regional Mine Action Centre," he said in his opening remarks at the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the Asean Secretariat. The Asean–Switzerland Sectoral Dialogue Partnership was formalised in 2016, encompassing all three pillars of the Asean Community. On the economic front, Mohamad welcomed Switzerland's backing of sustainable trade and innovation. He said the 2024 Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation between Asean and the European Free Trade Association provided a platform to strengthen trade, empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and promote digital entrepreneurship. "Switzerland's expertise in innovation and technology can greatly support Asean's transition towards a digital and green economy," he said. In the socio-cultural sphere, he said that cooperation between Asean and Switzerland in disaster management had helped bolster regional resilience. He also acknowledged Switzerland's contributions in areas such as climate adaptation, biodiversity, water resource management, and vocational training — especially through the Asean–Swiss TVET Initiative. Mohamad said that Switzerland's role as host of the World Economic Forum in Davos underscores its stature as a global convener on economic, social, and environmental issues. "The WEF's emphasis on inclusive and sustainable solutions resonates strongly with Asean's priorities," he said. The meeting formed part of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related events, which include 24 ministerial-level engagements with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean and Switzerland must champion dialogue and peace, says Mohamad Hasan
KUALA LUMPUR: In an era where warlike language dominates global discourse, Asean and Switzerland must champion dialogue and peace together, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Delivering his opening remarks at the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the Asean Secretariat, Mohamad stressed the importance of promoting respect for international law and pursuing peaceful and just resolutions to conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. "Asean and Switzerland should lend a collective voice to advocate for dialogue and peace. This is vital in a world where warlike language has come to occupy significant space," he said on Thursday (July 10). "It is imperative that Israel be held accountable for its relentless atrocities and persistent violations of numerous international laws in Gaza and against other countries in the region. "To allow such inhumanity and impunity to go unpunished raises concerning questions about the credibility of the international community and systems," he added. Mohamad welcomed Switzerland's strong alignment with Asean values, highlighting its focus on peace, human rights, responsible business conduct, and humanitarian mine action. "We see this in its sustained support for Asean's political-security agenda, especially through the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Asean Regional Mine Action Centre," he noted. On the economic front, Mohamad expressed appreciation for Switzerland's support in promoting sustainable trade and innovation, particularly through the 2024 Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation between Asean and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). He said the initiative would enhance trade, MSME empowerment, and digital entrepreneurship. "Switzerland's expertise in innovation and technology can contribute significantly to Asean's transition into a digital and green economy," he said. Mohamad also underscored the importance of Asean–Switzerland cooperation in the socio-cultural realm, especially in disaster management, climate adaptation, biodiversity, water resource management, and vocational training. He highlighted the Asean–Swiss TVET Initiative as a key platform for enhancing skills development in the region. "Beyond these, Asean and Switzerland play key roles in advocating peace and prosperity. Asean, through its annual meetings, brings together many countries, including major powers, to discuss issues of common concern and promote cooperation for mutual benefit. "Meanwhile, Switzerland's role as host of the World Economic Forum in Davos underscores its standing as a key convener of global dialogue on economic, social, and environmental challenges," he added. Mohamad noted that the WEF's focus on inclusive and sustainable solutions aligns strongly with Asean's priorities.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AICHR aims for historic adoption of two human rights declarations under Malaysia's leadership
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) is aiming for a landmark achievement this year: the adoption of two major declarations on human rights under Malaysia's chairmanship. Malaysia's Representative to AICHR, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, said one focuses on climate change, while the other centres on the right to development and peace. 'If we are able to do it this year, it would be the first time in 13 years that Asean adopts two human rights declarations in a single year,' he told reporters after the Interface Between Asean Foreign Ministers and AICHR Representatives here on Tuesday (July 8). The proposals, which have been in negotiation for years, are expected to be tabled for adoption at the Asean Summit this October, he said. If adopted, Bon said they would mark Asean's first new human rights declaration since the 2012 Asean Human Rights Declaration, also spearheaded during Malaysia's chairmanship. The first was the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, proposed in response to growing regional threats from climate change and displacement. 'Climate change in our region is very serious. There are a lot of displaced persons, a lot of climate refugees. 'This declaration, which Malaysia is leading, has received strong support. 'If adopted, it will give people in Asean a basis to claim their environmental rights,' he said. Bon explained that the draft includes core principles such as public participation in environmental decisions, access to justice for pollution victims and the right to freedom of information. 'It's not just about environmental protection. It's about embedding human rights into how we govern environmental issues,' he added. The second proposed declaration centres on the right to development and the right to peace, promoting inclusive and sustainable development that encompasses political, economic, social and cultural dimensions. Bon said the right to development was a unique Asean contribution to human rights, as it is not explicitly featured in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 'This right is already in the Asean Human Rights Declaration, but now we're expanding it into a full declaration. 'This will be for everyone in Asean, not just about economic growth, but about inclusive and people-centred development,' he said. Alongside the two declarations, AICHR was also calling for the establishment of a structured framework - or 'template' - for Asean's collective response to internal and regional conflicts, such as the protracted crisis in Myanmar. 'At the moment, Asean's responses to conflicts are very ad hoc. What we need is an institutionalised approach - a common Asean framework that guides how we respond when there's a crisis or hotspot,' said Bon. He said AICHR has begun a series of workshops to develop this mechanism, which would serve as a go-to guide for future Asean envoys and member states alike. 'It's not just for Myanmar, but for any future hotspot in the region. It must be Asean-owned, not externally imposed, and built from within existing Asean mechanisms,' Bon said. He stressed that the framework would help ensure a consistent and principled Asean approach to both intra- and inter-state issues. Separately, Malaysia was also proposing for Nov 18 to be designated as Asean Human Rights Day, to commemorate the date the Asean Human Rights Declaration was adopted in 2012. 'Just like how Dec 10 is recognised globally as International Human Rights Day, we're suggesting that Asean commemorates Nov 18 as our own human rights day. 'It's been 13 years since the declaration. This is the time to affirm our commitment,' he said.
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Mohamad: Asean must uphold human rights to achieve Asean 2045 vision
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must uphold its human rights commitments to achieve the goals of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future'. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted the importance of promoting and protecting human rights to ensure shared prosperity, equitable growth and social justice in the region. "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 in his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface with Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) representatives. AICHR, established in October 2009 as a consultative body to Asean, is developing two declarations. Mohamad said the body is developing the Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean Healthy and Sustainable Environment and the Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development. He said the meeting today would discuss AICHR's 2025 annual report. "This is an opportunity for ministers to be updated on AICHR's achievements, challenges and the way forward in advancing human rights across the region." He said efforts to promote and protect the well-being of Asean citizens should be Asean-led and Asean-owned. "They should reflect the values and norms of our member states, while ensuring alignment with the Asean Charter and the Asean Human Rights Declaration."
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.
