MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) expressed disappointment yesterday over the ASEAN rights body’s “lack of clear protection mandate.”
But UNHCR chief Navi Pillay said she hoped the role of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights would expand after its launch at the 15th ASEAN Summit this October.
Pillay urged the ASEAN body to encourage full integration of civil society groups in its establishment and development as part of regional leaders’ stated commitment to create a “people-oriented ASEAN.”
She congratulated the High Level Panel, composed of government officials and human rights experts responsible for preparing the draft endorsed by foreign ministers, saying she looks forward to continued cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN states in the development of the new regional commission.
Human rights group Freedom House also urged the ASEAN to improve its new human rights commission by adding a strong protection mechanism.
The terms of reference for the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights were formally approved last July 20 at the 42nd meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Phuket, Thailand.
The document calls for a body focused on promoting human rights, rather than protecting them, and emphasizes the commission’s commitment to “non-interference in the internal affairs of ASEAN member states.” – Pia Lee Brago, Philippine Star
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
June 6: Migrant Workers Day
June 19: Filipino Youth Day
June 25: Day of the Filipino Seafarer
