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Myanmar signs Asean human rights pact
Published on Monday, 19 November 2012 21:20
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) yesterday adopted the first human rights declaration in the region.
"This declaration will be capable of upholding political and security measures. It is of utmost importance to the region," Indonesian Foreign Minister Natalegwawa told reporters at the Peace Palace Building during the 21st Asean Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 18.
The Asean human rights declaration was officially issued in July. Asean member countries, however, condemned the declaration, saying it did not meet international standards and demanded for its review. Proposals for amendments to the draft were sent to the Asean Secretariat's Office and Asean governments and was finalised during the summit.
“People’s concerns on and recommendations for the Human Rights Declaration were heard. Our declaration is said to fall short of international standards. This has been planned for a long time. We have started since 1992 to achieve this declaration,” Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said last Saturday.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong yesterday said the Asean Human Rights Declaration is a result of several meetings between the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and various associations.
"It's an Asean declaration toward effective protection and further respect for human rights. It is not a declaration of NGOs or civil society. In fact, it doesn't completely satisfy some NGOs. The adoption of the declaration is the first step. The commission will talk with civil society organisations to amend the document if necessary," he added.