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Cambodia and ASEAN Encourage More Active Role of AICHR on COVID-19 Pandemic

Cambodian and ASEAN Foreign Ministers have emphasised the commitment to uphold human rights agenda, and protect and promote the fundamental freedom of the ASEAN people and encouraged ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) be more proactive in their mandate to promote and protect human rights in ASEAN, in particular in the difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic.
This encouragement was made during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Interface with AICHR Representatives, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the outcomes of the first day of the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings yesterday.
During the Meeting, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlighted that while ASEAN is grappling with COVID-19 and its severe impacts which hit the hardest on people who live in the margin, collective efforts are needed to mitigate their difficulties and keep progress in poverty reduction from sliding back.
The Cambodian top diplomat emphasised the necessity to differentiate between the exercise the fundamental rights and freedoms to promote harmony and human progress, and the manipulation of these sacred principles to instigate hatred, social discord, instability, and interference in the internal affairs of others.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn also stressed that human rights must be understood and approached in a holistic manner without double standards, with due respect to national sovereignty and the principle of non-interference.
The Meeting endorsed the Reports on AICHR’s Priority Programmes/Activities and Proposed Budget for 2022.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press