07 Aug 2017
07-Aug-2017 - Special Meeting of the AICHR, 4-6 August 2017, Manila, the Philippines
Source: ASEAN Secretariat News
MANILA, 4-6 August 2017 – The Special Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was convened on 4 – 6 August 2017 in Manila, the Philippines.
The AICHR had its annual interface with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), during which the AICHR submitted its Annual Report of 2017 to the AMM. The AMM reaffirmed their continued support to the work of the AICHR in the promotion and protection of human rights in ASEAN and encouraged the AICHR to continue its engagement with relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and civil society organisations (CSOs) in mainstreaming human rights across the three pillars of the ASEAN Community.
During the three-day Meeting, the AICHR discussed updates on the implementation of several activities under its Priority Programmes/Activities that cover issues such as the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, access to education for children with disabilities, right to health and right to life, among others. The AICHR also granted consultative relationship status to six (6) CSOs.
The Meeting was briefed on the report on the AICHR Thematic Study on Women Affected by Natural Disasters. The Meeting also highlighted the successful convening of its first joint activity with the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) to further promote the implementation and reporting of the UN CRC in the region.
As part of the commemorative activities of the golden anniversary of ASEAN and to increase awareness, the AICHR welcomed the production of the AICHR: What You Need to Know – ASEAN 50th Anniversary Edition, A Compendium and its corresponding video. The AICHR participated in the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN in Manila, the Philippines.
The Meeting expressed its appreciation to the Government of the Philippines for the gracious hospitality and excellent arrangements of the meeting. The next meeting of the AICHR will take place at the last week of November in the Philippines.