Manila: The Philippines advocated for stronger regional cooperation to promote human rights in Southeast Asia during a high-level meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this week. The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) held its 42nd Meeting in Manila from February 24 to 27, chaired by Severo Catura, the Philippine representative to the AICHR.

According to Philippines News Agency, Catura reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to leading the AICHR Chairship with a focus on achieving tangible outcomes, specifically in enhancing cooperation among member states for the protection of human rights in the region. He also welcomed Timor-Leste as a full member of AICHR, noting that its participation would enrich the commission's regional human rights developments.

During the meeting, the development of a Regional Plan of Action on the ASEAN Declaration regarding the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment was discussed and agreed upon. The commission also reviewed the realization of the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace, with related regional consultations planned for 2026.

Representatives from the 11 ASEAN member states shared information and exchanged views on recent human rights developments in their countries, including new laws, national action plans, regulatory frameworks, and human rights initiatives. Efforts to strengthen collaboration with relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, such as the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), were identified and explored further.

The meeting also focused on measures to enhance stakeholder engagement, including reviewing its consultative relationship with accredited civil society organizations. AICHR expressed appreciation to AICHR Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat for facilitating the meeting.