On 30 July 2019, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Interface with ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representatives was held during the 52^nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM)/ Post Ministerial Conferences (PMCs) in Bangkok. The session was chaired by H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

         The Ministers and the AICHR exchanged views on several matters, especially on the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and cross-pillar collaboration with other sectoral bodies of ASEAN, as well as closer engagement with Dialogue Partners and civil society. The Ministers praised the adoption of the “ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” initiated by AICHR, and adopted at the 33rd ASEAN Summit in November 2018.  The Ministers were informed of AICHR’s achievements on the occasion of the 10^th anniversary of AICHR. They recommended AICHR to consider promoting business and human rights, which will complement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.

          Dr. Amara Pongsapich, Thailand Representative to the AICHR, on behalf of AICHR, updated the Ministers on the progress of implementation of AICHR’s Work Plan in the past year, such as the promotion of universal design and accessibility for persons with disabilities, economic empowerment for women and rights of children.   The AICHR submitted its Annual Report 2019 and the Work Plan for 2021 – 2025 to the Ministers, who recommended AICHR to continue sharing the information on its website. 

        The AICHR was created based on Article 14 of the ASEAN Charter. Its mandate in promoting and protecting human rights in ASEAN as well as in raising human rights awareness was endorsed by the ASEAN Leaders during the 15^th ASEAN Summit in Cha-Am Hua Hin, Thailand. The establishment of the AICHR demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to strengthen regional cooperation on human rights. 

       The AICHR members are called Representatives, who are nominated by their respective Governments. The AICHR holds two regular meetings per year and additional meetings when necessary, and reports to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers. It is an overarching human rights institution of ASEAN.

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