by Zhou Erjie
HUA HIN, Thailand, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Human rights have always been a sensitive issue given the cultural and political differences in member countries of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Now the bloc seems to have determined to tackle the issue head on.
ASEAN leaders inaugurated ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in the 15th Summit held here Friday, amid concerns that the Commission would be a "toothless" body.
The leaders announced "Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on the Inauguration of the AICHR" to pledge full support to this new ASEAN body and emphasize their commitment to further develop cooperation to promote and protect human rights in the region.
They also pledged to provide 200,000 U.S. dollars start up fund to support activities of the AICHR during its first year of operation. The body will hold Introductory Meeting on Saturday.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva termed the launch of the Commission a "significant milestone in the evolution of ASEAN".
"Human rights is an important component of our people's lives, and it is important for the people-based community we plan to build," Abhisit said.
"But the success of AICHR goes beyond the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms as envisaged by the ASEAN Charter. Ultimately, it is all about the commitment of Member States to enhancing the quality of the life of ASEAN peoples, empowering and engaging them in ASEAN's community building process, all of which are the fundamental basis of a genuine community for peoples," he added.
The body, which is now composed of nine Representatives, will be chaired by the Representative of the Member State holding the Chairmanship of ASEAN.
The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
ASEAN foreign ministers adopted Terms of Reference (ToR) of AICHR in July, clearing way for the body's formal establishment in the summit. The ToR has been drafted as part of the implementation of Article 14 of the ASEAN Charter which came into effect in December 2008.
"In conforming with the purposes and principles of the ASEAN Charter relating to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, ASEAN shall establish an ASEAN human rights body," reads the ASEAN Charter.
Since the idea of the human rights body took shape, there had been concerns that it may lack the mandate and force to take concrete actions, and it may also breach the non-interference policy among ASEAN members.
In a respond to such doubts, Abhisit said "we realize there are concerns that the mandate and functions of AICHR do not go far enough. But the fact of the matter is, AICHR is not an end in itself but an evolutionary process towards strengthening the human rights architecture within the region."
ASEAN should be able to address human rights in all dimensions including civil, political, economic, social or cultural rights, as well as the rights of vulnerable groups, the Prime Minister said.
While Abhisit mentioned in his speech the responsibility of civil society to ensure the success of AICHR in carrying out tasks, one civil group was denied their voice at the Summit Friday morning.
Five out of ten representatives selected by ASEAN People's Forum were rejected from attending a scheduled face-to-face talk with ASEAN leaders, an incident the representatives described as "a show of bad faith" on the part of ASEAN.
They were planning to raise to the leaders issues including discrimination against women, migration, impunity, and economic rights of women.
The representatives said they were "appalled" and staged a walkout.
Ho Yock Lin, one representative from Malaysia, said despite the incident, they would still be committed towards continued engagement and "demanded a reciprocal commitment shown in good faith by the ASEAN member states."
