Press Release of the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its first meeting for the new term 2013 – 2015 this year under the Chairpersonship of Brunei Darussalam, from 29 January to 2 February 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Meeting welcomed several newly appointed and re-appointed Representatives. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Pehin Dato’ Dr. Awang Hj. Ahmad bin Hj. Jumat, the Representative of Brunei Darussalam and the Chair of AICHR.

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Brunei Darussalam and the Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM), graciously hosted a luncheon for the AICHR Representatives and their delegations at the first day of the Meeting. The luncheon provided an opportunity for the various AICHR delegates to interact with the Foreign Minister with respect to the work, programmes and activities in AICHR, and which information may contribute substantially to HRH’s leadership in AMM.

At this Meeting, AICHR discussed and followed up the progress of the implementation of AICHR’s priority programmes and activities, including progress of the thematic studies in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Human Rights, and Migration and Human Rights. AICHR also had an extensive discussion on the implementation of the recently adopted ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). AICHR agreed to give first priority to the dissemination of the landmark AHRD, such as the publication of the AHRD and the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD in a booklet format, translation of the AHRD into national languages and the possibility of developing future ASEAN human rights instruments.

AICHR appreciated the contribution of the Representatives of AICHR from the previous term and will continue to build on the solid foundation that was achieved.

The Meeting expressed their high appreciation to the Chair of AICHR and the Government of Brunei Darussalam for the hospitality and excellent arrangements. AICHR has scheduled a number of meetings in 2013 and the next Meeting of AICHR will be convened at the ASEAN Secretariat on 8 – 10 March 2013.

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