Press Release 30th Meeting of The AICHR

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its 30^th Meeting from 18 to 21 February 2020 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Amb. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thai Yen Huong, Representative of Viet Nam to the AICHR and was attended by Representatives/ Alternate Representatives of the AICHR.

The AICHR focused its discussion on the development of the draft AICHR Five-Year Work Plan (FYWP) 2021-2025, building on the accomplishment of the FYWP 2016-2020 to further implement AICHR mandates in the promotion and protection of human rights in line with its Terms of Reference. The Meeting also discussed the formulation of the AICHR Priority Programmes and Activities 2021, and preparation for the Annual Report of the AICHR 2020 for submission to the 53^rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held on 31 July – 5 August 2020 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

The Meeting was updated on progress in the implementation of AICHR’s activities conducted in 2019 and 2020. Activities covered thematic issues, such as business and human rights, environmental rights, right to development, right to education, rights of children, women and persons with disabilities, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion and beliefs, and human rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Institutional matters were also discussed to further strengthen the AICHR’s visibility, responsiveness and cooperation with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, external partners and other stakeholders including civil society organisations.

The Meeting expressed its appreciation to AICHR Viet Nam for the excellent arrangements of the meeting. The AICHR will convene its next meeting in April 2020 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia.