SFA-AGR-543-08

THIRD MEETING OF THE ASEAN HIGH-LEVEL PANEL FOR THE DRAFTING

OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCES FOR AN ASEAN HUMAN RIGHTS BODY

03 September 2008 - The Philippines will host the Third Meeting of the High-Level Panel (HLP) on the Drafting of the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the ASEAN Human Rights Body on 10 – 12 September 2008 in Manila.

The initiative to host the meeting in Manila is part of the country’s efforts to support the HLP’s task to compete the TOR paving the way for the establishment of the ASEAN Human Rights Body.

This effort is consistent with the Philippines’ strong commitment to champion the promotion and protection of human rights in the region. The country worked tirelessly to ensure that the creation of an ASEAN Human Rights Body is a crucial and indispensable part of the ASEAN Charter signed in November 2007 in Singapore.

The first meeting of the HLP was held in Singapore on 21 July 2008. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Bilahari Kausikan, Second Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, and attended by the HLP Representatives from ASEAN Member countries.

The Second Meeting was held on 14-16 August 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand and was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow of Thailand. The meeting discussed and agreed on the indicative timeline and meeting schedule of the HLP and agreed to exchange with relevant stakeholders in ASEAN to learn about their views prior to submitting the first draft of TOR to AHRB to ASEAN Foreign Ministers.

The meeting in Manila will begin with a welcome dinner to be hosted by H.E. Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo, Philippine representative to the HLP.  During the meeting, the HLP will hold consultations with representatives from ASEAN Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and with the working group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, the Network of 4 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) and the Solidarity for Asian People’s Assembly (SAPA).

The establishment of the ASEAN Human Rights Body is mandated by the ASEAN Charter which was signed by the ASEAN leaders in Singapore in November 2007. On 28 August 2008, Senator Miriam-Defensor Santiago declared that she will recommend the Philippine ratification of the ASEAN Charter during the Plenary session of the Senate. END

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