2014 – AICHR’s Term of Reference Will be Due for Review

    Campaign_TOR of AICHR-campaign
    Update:
    AICHR Consultation with Stakeholders on the Review of the TOR of AICHR
    Pursuant to Articles 9.6 and 9.7 of the AICHR Terms of Reference (TOR), the TOR of the AICHR shall be initially reviewed five years after its entry into force. In this connection, the AICHR shall assess its work and submit recommendations for the consideration of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting regarding future efforts that could be undertaken in the promotion and protection of human rights within ASEAN consistent with the principles and purposes of the ASEAN Charter and the TOR. In preparing the review of the TOR, the AICHR will hold a series of consultations with its stakeholders in order to gain inputs and recommendations regarding the AICHR’s work during its first five years of existence.
    A two days consultation will be held in Jakarta this April 2014 hosted by Indonesia:
    The Consultation between the AICHR and ASEAN Sectoral Bodies/Organs/Entities
    Date    : Monday, 28 April 2014 at 09.00 -17.00 hrs
    Venue    :  Caraka Loka Building, MFA of Indonesia (TBC), Jakarta
    Agenda:
    •    Presentation on Assessment  of the AICHR’s work
    •    Discussion on  Assessment of the AICHR’s work as well as the AICHR’s Relations with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies
    •    Discussion on Ways and Means to further promote and protect Human Rights within ASEAN
    Consultation between the AICHR and Civil Society Organizations and Stakeholders including national/regional/international CSOs, National Human Rights Institutions, Related Human Rights Agency, Acedeme and University
    Date    :  Tuesday, 29 April 2014 at 09.00 -17.00 hrs
    Venue    :  Caraka Loka Building, MFA of Indonesia (TBC), Jakarta
    Agenda:
    •    Presentation on Assessment of the AICHR’s work
    •    Discussion on Assessment of the AICHR’s work
    •    Discussion on Ways and Means to further promote and protect Human Rights within ASEAN
     
    Consultation Agenda
    Tuesday, 29 April 2014
    Consultation with Civil Society Organizations
     
    08.30 AM – 09.00
    Registration
    09.00 – 09.30
    Opening Session
    To welcome participants and outline the purpose and format of the meeting by the Chair of AICHR, H. E Ambassador kyaw Tint Swe
    Introduction of AICHR Representatives and CSOs Delegates
    Photo Session
    09.30 – 10.00
    Presentation on Assessment of the AICHR’s work
    The Chair of AICHR will present on the development, challenges, and opportunities faced by the AICHR during its 5-years’ existence.
    10.00 – 10.15
    Coffee Break
    10.15 – 12.30
    Discussion on Assessment of the AICHR’s work
    CSOs Delegates will give their assessment on the AICHRs Mandates and Functions followed by discussion with AICHR Representatives.
    12.30 – 14.00
    Lunch
    14.00 – 16.00
    Discussion on Ways and Means to further promote and protect Human Rights within ASEAN
    CSO delegates will deliver their inputs on how to strengthen AICHR’s mandates and functions, followed by exchange views on the issue with the AICHR Representatives.
    16.30
    Closing

    —
    Can AICHR hold a country visit?
    Can AICHR conduct a human rights inquiry?
    Can AICHR have its own Secretariat to support its work?
    Can we submit human rights complaints to AICHR?
     
    None of the above questions are addressed in AICHR’s current Terms of Reference (TOR). Civil society has been calling for an independent regional human rights commission with a stronger mandate. The review of AICHR’s TOR presents an opportunity for AICHR to expand and strengthen its work to protecting human rights in ASEAN.
    AICHR’s TOR provides that the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting shall review the TOR five years after its entry into force. The review shall be undertaken in order to further, “enhance the promotion and protection of human rights within ASEAN.” 2014 will be fifth year of the AICHR TOR.
    Neither AICHR nor the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting have provided details about when and how this review of AICHR’s mandate will occur.
     
    Below are the documents related to the event:

    Objective

    1. To ensure the review of the AICHR TOR makes AICHR more independent from government and gives it a stronger protection mandate
    2. To ensure the review of the AICHR TOR is a participatory process including civil society and all relevant stakeholders in ASEAN

    Target Institution

    • The Foreign Ministry offices of ASEAN member states
    • The Committee of Permanent Representatives of ASEAN
    • The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR): The Individual Representatives of the ASEAN Member States
    • The ASEAN Secretariat

    How to Support The Campaign

    We need more information!

    Email and ask for information about the timing and process for the review of the AICHR TOR from:

    • Foreign Ministry offices of ASEAN member states
    • The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN
    • The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR): The Individual Representatives of the ASEAN Member States
    • The ASEAN Secretariat

    A list of email contacts can be accessed HERE.