AICHR advances regional human rights cooperation and institutional development during its 42nd Meeting in Manila
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its 42nd Meeting in Manila, Philippines, from 24 to 27 February 2026 to deliberate on priority programmes, institutional development, and regional human rights cooperation. The Meeting was chaired by Severo S. Catura, Representative of the Philippines to AICHR, and was attended by AICHR Representatives, Alternate Representatives, their Assistants, and officials of the ASEAN Secretariat.
The Meeting was preceded by a parallel AICHR Representatives’ Retreat and an AICHR Assistants’ Meeting. It was held in conjunction with the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, marking the beginning of its leadership of AICHR for the year.
Photo Credit: AICHR Philippines
In his opening remarks, the Chair reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to leading the AICHR Chairship with focus and purpose, aiming to deliver concrete outcomes to strengthen the Commission’s institutional development and advance the promotion and protection of human rights in the region. He expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of ASEAN Member States and welcomed Timor-Leste as a full member of AICHR, noting that its participation would further enrich regional human rights cooperation.
The Meeting discussed and agreed upon a development process for a Regional Plan of Action on the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment. Representatives also deliberated follow-up measures to advance the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development, including planned regional consultations in 2026 to be further examined by an AICHR Working Committee.
AICHR Representatives and Alternate Representatives from eleven ASEAN Member States exchanged views on recent human rights developments in their respective countries, including legislative reforms, national action plans, regulatory frameworks, and policy initiatives addressing emerging regional challenges.
On institutional matters, the Commission considered measures to enhance its effectiveness, including plans for a self-assessment of AICHR’s work and the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation framework for the implementation of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2026–2030. Discussions also covered thematic human rights priorities, improvements in regional dialogue processes, thematic studies and notes, and mechanisms for handling external communications and strengthening public engagement.
The Meeting further reviewed coordination with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Entities, including collaboration with the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC). Representatives also discussed stakeholder engagement, including consultative relations with accredited civil society organisations, as well as cooperation with ASEAN dialogue partners and international organisations on areas of mutual interest.
The 42nd Meeting concluded with appreciation expressed to AICHR Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat for hosting the event. Members reaffirmed their commitment to advancing human rights cooperation and implementing priority programmes in 2026 in line with ASEAN’s broader community-building objectives.
Source: ASEAN
