FM Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan delivers his opening remarks during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
By PHUBIEYAS AHMAD
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 – Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called on ASEAN to place human rights, dignity, and social justice at the core of its regional development agenda, as he opened the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Kuala Lumpur today.
In his opening remarks, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to a people-centric ASEAN, echoing the country’s 2025 chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
“ASEAN’s future must be built upon an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented framework—one that places the people of ASEAN at its very heart,” he stated.
FM Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaks at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with AICHR Representatives in Kuala Lumpur, 8 July 2025, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
The dialogue comes at a critical juncture as ASEAN begins operationalising ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, adopted during the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. The new vision recognises the protection and promotion of human rights as essential to deepening regional integration.
The AICHR is among the key events of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings scheduled from July 8 to July 11.
Held under Malaysia’s fifth ASEAN Chairmanship, the meetings will gather approximately 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN Member States, an observer from Timor-Leste, and senior representatives from major powers such as China, the United States, and Russia. The European Union, Japan, and Australia will also participate.
Myanmar is represented by a senior official instead of its foreign minister.
Dato’ Seri Mohamad underscored that meaningful integration requires more than policies and summits—it must be grounded in shared prosperity, equitable growth, and social justice.
“True regional integration can only be achieved if ASEAN empowers its people, so that they may collectively enjoy the fruits of shared prosperity,” he added.
Elevating Human Rights Through Regional Declarations
Malaysia also expressed strong support for AICHR’s efforts to develop two key declarations:
- The ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, and
- The Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace, Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development.
These declarations, the Minister said, reflect the urgent needs of communities vulnerable to environmental degradation, inequality, and socio-political instability.
AICHR Representatives and ASEAN delegates at the Foreign Ministers’ Interface in Kuala Lumpur, 8 July 2025
“They reaffirm AICHR’s unwavering commitment to advancing human rights in ASEAN, addressing both present and future challenges, in a timely and relevant manner,” he noted.
Strengthening AICHR’s Impact After 15 Years
Marking over 15 years since AICHR’s establishment, the Minister called for the body to continuously evolve, strengthen its mechanisms, and deliver tangible outcomes while maintaining ASEAN Centrality.
The session also saw the presentation of AICHR’s 2025 Annual Report, providing an opportunity for ASEAN Foreign Ministers to review progress, discuss current challenges, and coordinate the way forward in realising the region’s human rights goals.
“Our efforts to promote and protect the wellbeing of our people should remain ASEAN-led and ASEAN-owned, reflecting our values while staying aligned with the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration,” Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad concluded.
The session continued behind closed doors following the formal opening.
About AICHR:
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), established in 2009, serves as the primary ASEAN body for promoting and protecting human rights across the region. It functions within ASEAN’s consensus-based framework and operates under the principles of non-interference and collective leadership.
- TNS News