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
July 2025
Nutrition Month
“Give us much more than P50 increase
for proper nutrition!”
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
July
3 July – International Day of Cooperatives
3 July – International Plastic Bag Free Day
5 July – World Youth Skills Day
7 July – Global Forgiveness Day
11 July – World Population Day
17 July – World Day for International Justice
28 July – World Nature Conservation Day
30 July – World Day against Trafficking in Persons
Monthly Observances:
Schools Safety Month
Nutrition Month
National Disaster Consciousness Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 2: Cultural Communities Week
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise
Development Week
Week 3: National Science and
Technology Week
National Disability Prevention and
Rehabilitation Week
July 1-7:
National Culture Consciousness Week
July 13-19:
Philippines Business Week
Week ending last Saturday of July:
Arbor Week
Daily Observances:
First Saturday of July:
International Cooperative Day
in the Philippines
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