ASEAN okays creation of human rights commission

 

Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)

July 30, 2007 - Speaking this afternoon, Philippine Foreign Secretary, Alberto Romulo, told reporters that consensus had been reached for the formation of a regional human rights body.

"I am pleased to announce that among the issues on which there was consensus among the ASEAN Foreign Ministers is the inclusion of a provision in the ASEAN Charter that mandates the creation of a human rights body," stated Romulo following a briefing of ASEAN Foreign Ministers by a High Level Task Force charged with making recommendations regarding the substance of the forthcoming ASEAN Charter.

It is hoped that the creation of a human rights body will further pressure the Burmese junta toward political and civil reform inside the country.

Such a body was originally opposed by Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

As of writing, there are no details as to the structure or authority of the commission.

Romulo gave no mention of any agreement regarding the incorporation of punitive measures in the Charter, intended to punish member countries that fail to meet the guidelines and rules stipulated within the Charter, though he did state that other provisions were also agreed upon.

ASEAN, and related organization, meetings are to continue in Manila throughout the week.

 

 

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