ASEAN Foreign Ministers have lauded the achievements of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in enhancing human rights protection.
They made the appreciation in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Interface Meeting with AICHR Representatives, held this afternoon under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Kung Phoak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation told reporters at a daily press conference this evening.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, which was adopted in November 2012 in Phnom Penh, he said.
H.E. Kung Phoak, also Spokesperson of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings, continued that the ASEAN Foreign Ministers also spoke highly of the key role of AICHR in human rights protection and promotion in the region.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also agreed with AICHR to publish its 2022 report and check the possibility to review the terms of reference of AICHR.
AICHR was inaugurated by the ASEAN Leaders on Oct. 23, 2009 at the 15th ASEAN Summit in Cha-Am Hua Hin, Thailand.
It was further enhanced with the promulgation of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), adopted in November 2012 with the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD signed by ASEAN Leaders. The establishment of the AICHR demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to pursue forward-looking strategies to strengthen the regional cooperation on human rights.
The AICHR is designed to be an integral part of ASEAN organisational structure and an overarching institution with overall responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights in ASEAN.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press