The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its first meeting for the new term 2013 – 2015 this year under the Chairpersonship of Brunei Darussalam, from 29 January to 2 February 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Meeting welcomed several newly appointed and re-appointed Representatives. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Pehin Dato’ Dr. Awang Hj. Ahmad bin Hj. Jumat, the Representative of Brunei Darussalam and the Chair of AICHR.

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Brunei Darussalam and the Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM), graciously hosted a luncheon for the AICHR Representatives and their delegations at the first day of the Meeting. The luncheon provided an opportunity for the various AICHR delegates to interact with the Foreign Minister with respect to the work, programmes and activities in AICHR, and which information may contribute substantially to HRH’s leadership in AMM.

At this Meeting, AICHR discussed and followed up the progress of the implementation of AICHR’s priority programmes and activities, including progress of the thematic studies in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Human Rights, and Migration and Human Rights. AICHR also had an extensive discussion on the implementation of the recently adopted ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). AICHR agreed to give first priority to the dissemination of the landmark AHRD, such as the publication of the AHRD and the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD in a booklet format, translation of the AHRD into national languages and the possibility of developing future ASEAN human rights instruments.

AICHR appreciated the contribution of the Representatives of AICHR from the previous term and will continue to build on the solid foundation that was achieved.

The Meeting expressed their high appreciation to the Chair of AICHR and the Government of Brunei Darussalam for the hospitality and excellent arrangements. AICHR has scheduled a number of meetings in 2013 and the next Meeting of AICHR will be convened at the ASEAN Secretariat on 8 – 10 March 2013.

In conjunction with the 3^rd anniversary of its inauguration, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) celebrates the official launch of its regional website and booklet. The event, held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phookethra Hotel, brought together Ministers and government officials of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as well as Ambassadors and the diplomatic community in Phnom Penh.

While launching the web portal, H.E. Dr. Om Yentieng, Representative of Cambodia and Chair of AICHR, showed distinguished guests the various features of the site – such as the Commission’s calendar, activities and download able public documents of AICHR. In addition, web visitors can also access general information, news and updates on AICHR.

Afterwards, the Senior Minister presented the AICHR Booklet to Senior Officials of the Kingdom of Cambodia, signifying its official launch. The booklet provides general information of ASEAN and the development of human rights in the region. Additionally, the booklet also briefs the Commission’s activities to date. Finally, readers of the Booklet are also provided with a brief profile of each ASEAN Member States’ Representative to AICHR.

The regional website and booklet are in line with AICHR’s Five Year Work Plan of 2010-2015 for awareness raising and dissemination on the Commission’s work and/or activities.

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) has concluded the Second Regional Consultation with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), and the Ninth Meeting on the AHRD, from 12 – 14 September 2012 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation and Meeting were chaired by H.E. Dr. Chet Chealy, Member of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), the Alternate Representative of Cambodia to AICHR and Chair of AICHR.

The Second Regional Consultation was conducted with stakeholders after the submission of the first draft of the AHRD to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in July 2012. Throughout the consultation, AICHR received inputs from representatives of national, regional and international CSOs on the AHRD. The consultation enabled a constructive dialogue between AICHR and the representatives of CSOs.

At their Ninth Meeting on the AHRD, AICHR discussed and considered the inputs received from CSOs to further refine the draft AHRD. In addition, AICHR also met with Regional Experts from Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand to seek their views and inputs on the AHRD. AICHR will submit an improved draft AHRD for the consideration of the Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (IAMM), end of September in New York, USA.

The Meeting expressed appreciation to the Host, the Representative of the Philippines to AICHR, and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, for the hospitality and excellent arrangements for the Meeting. The next Meeting of AICHR is expected to take place next week in Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia.