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
March –
IT’S WOMEN’S MONTH!
“Respect and support women
every day of the year/s!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week;
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and “
Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
March 4: Employee Appreciation Day
March 15: World Consumer Rights Day
March 18: Global Recycling Day
March 21: International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination
March 23: International Day for the Right to the Truth
Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
and for the Dignity of Victims
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 27: Earth Hour
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