Environmental Rights in ASEAN
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) established a Working Group to develop an environmental rights framework for ASEAN. Following the February 2024 meeting in Manila, a draft declaration was released for comment from stakeholders.
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) established a Working Group to develop an environmental rights framework for ASEAN. Following the February 2024 meeting in Manila, a draft declaration was released for comment from stakeholders.
To facilitate stakeholder consultations, ARIEL has established a website with background information and a submissions portal. The website is www.environmental-rights.net
ARIEL will review submissions made through this portal and prepare a paper for the next meeting of the Working Group in May 2024. ARIEL has used publically available materials from the AICHR and ASEAN websites and the Observatory on Environmental Rights.
Developing a Regional Framework on Environmental Rights in ASEAN
The Ad Hoc Preparatory Session of the ASEAN Environmental Rights Framework and the Interim Working Group (IWG) Meeting were held on November 22–23, 2022, in Bangkok, Thailand, to conclude the Working Group's Terms of Reference and discuss possible elements of the draft Regional Framework on Environmental Rights in ASEAN. Early in 2023, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) adopted the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group (AER Working Group) following this preparatory session. The purpose of the AER Working Group was to develop a regional framework on environmental rights for further consideration by ASEAN Sectoral Bodies before eventual adoption by ASEAN leaders. The AER Working Group abides by the AICHR's Terms of Reference, the Phnom Penh Statement of the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration's guiding principles. H.E. Professor Amara Pongsapich, Representative of Thailand to the AICHR, is the chair of the AER Working Group. The composition of the AER Working Group is indicated in its Terms of Reference. Its membership includes representatives of the AICHR, ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, civil society organisations, experts, and special advisors.
The purpose of the AER Working Group is to develop a regional framework on environmental rights, which will be submitted to AICHR for further discussion. AICHR will consult ASEAN Sectoral Bodies relevant to the environment, particularly the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN), for consideration before eventual adoption by ASEAN leaders.
Recent Events
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Dive into the Global Plastics Treaty and more!
ARIEL’s Outreach Manager Coleen Salamat as she shares on-the-ground insights from INC-5 in Busan, where the final negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty are happening!
Learn more about the treaty process and how you can help solve the plastic pollution problem.
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4th ASEAN Environmental Law Conference
ASEAN faces urgent environmental and social challenges requiring innovative solutions. The fourth ASEAN Environmental Law Conference brings together Asia Pacific and ASEAN legal experts to exchange knowledge and explore legal, policy, and community actions to turn environmental law into practice, focusing on environmental rights protection.
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The Advisory Opinion of the ICJ and Climate Justice
Started as a climate justice initiative by Pacific Island students, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which begins hearings on December 2. This webinar explores its impact on law, rights, and advocacy.
Tune In To Our Podcast Sessions
We hope to share inspiring stories as told by environmental law champions, activists and leaders from across the region and beyond.
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