The seventh meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) wrapped up on Dec. 2 after three days of working (Nov. 28 – Dec. 1) in Indonesia .

Also attending the meeting were ASEAN General Secretary Surin Pitsuwan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay.

The meeting discussed and finalised the AICHR Work Plan for the 2013-2015 period as well as AICHR’s Priority Programme 2012 and its budget. The meeting also discussed and adopted the budget for the thematic study on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Human Rights, the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) on the thematic study of Right to Peace and approved in principle the concept paper on two training programmes on human rights.

The meeting appreciated efforts of the Drafting Group on the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, also agreeing to extend the mandate of the Grafting Group by arranging an additional meeting in January, 2012.

Speaking after the meeting, the ASEAN General Secretary Pitsuwan spoke highly of the importance of AICHR in ASEAN activities, affirming that relevant parties need to enhance the recognition and legitimacy of human rights through their leadership, guidance and cooperation./.