AICHR Highlights Climate Action, Inclusivity As Key Priorities For Asean 2025 Chairmanship

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) aims to address climate change through the proposed ASEAN Declaration on the Right to Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, as one of its key priorities for Malaysia as Chair of ASEAN in 2025.

AICHR will also be focusing on the right to economic, social, cultural, and political development and its intersection with business and human rights, gender mainstreaming, environment, climate change, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

“We will begin examining, documenting, and finding an ASEAN common position on regional human-induced disasters and conflicts through the lens of human rights, accountability, reconciliation, and peace,” chair of the AICHR and Malaysia’s Representative to the AICHR Edmund Bon Tai Soon told media here today.

He said this at the inaugural Malaysian Human Rights and Environmental Rights Dialogue titled ‘Malaysia’s Human Rights Priorities for ASEAN 2025 as Chair’.

The dialogue, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with  AICHR, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), served as a vital platform for Malaysia to consult with stakeholders and reinforce its commitment to advancing human rights and environmental protection across the region.

At the dialogue, the discussions focused on Malaysia’s approach to inclusivity and sustainability, grounded in the MADANI framework.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Bon said that not all ASEAN countries may align on these issues.

However, Malaysia, he said will remain steadfast in its effort to address core human rights issues while strengthening the commission's capacity to meet the dynamic challenges in the region.

Bon also stressed that inclusivity demands the voices of vulnerable and marginalised groups, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, migrant workers, and refugees, to be heard and addressed.

“These groups are entitled to participate in and benefit equitably from economic, social, cultural, and political development. 

“Sustainability, on the other hand, requires recognising and respecting human and environmental rights. Economic growth must be achieved with minimal impact on human rights and the environment, with accountability for those who fail to act responsibly,” he said.

Bon reiterated the importance of a rights-based approach to ensure development meets present needs without compromising future generations' dignity, rights, and ability to meet their own needs. 

Effective remediation and remedies for victims and survivors remain pivotal in this effort, he added.

The dialogue, the first of its kind, provided a platform to brief and consult government and civil society stakeholders on Malaysia’s human rights priorities and approach for its ASEAN Chairmanship. 

Bon affirmed that Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN presents a significant opportunity to elevate human rights standards across the region.

The dialogue saw the participation of nearly 90 stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, civil society organisations, think tanks and academia to exchange ideas and provide insights that will guide Malaysia’s priorities under its Chairmanship.  

Also present were BHEUU Deputy Director-General (Policy and Development) Dr Punitha Silivarajoo and SUHAKAM Chair Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus. 

-- BERNAMA