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.
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 took place on 22–23 November 2022 in Bangkok, leading to the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group (AER Working Group) by AICHR in early 2023. The AER Working Group was tasked with developing a regional framework on environmental rights, which later informed the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, now formally adopted by ASEAN leaders.
As one of the civil society organisations involved in this process, ARIEL contributed legal expertise, research, and civil society perspectives to the Working Group’s discussions, helping shape the substance and direction of the final declaration. The AER Working Group—chaired by H.E. Professor Amara Pongsapich and composed of representatives from AICHR, ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, civil society organisations, and experts—will continue refining the regional framework for consideration by relevant ASEAN bodies.
With the declaration now adopted, ARIEL remains committed to supporting its implementation and advancing environmental rights across the region.
Recent Events
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Press Release: On ASEAN Declaration on the Rights to Clean, Safe and Sustainable Environment
As one of the civil society organisations contributing to the development of the ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Rights, ARIEL provided research, legal expertise, and regional advocacy to ensure people-centred and rights-based principles were reflected in the final text. Explore our contributions and ongoing work to support its implementation.
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Seeds of Justice: From Busan to Geneva - The Roads Towards a Plastic Treaty
From Busan to Geneva, Global Plastics Treaty negotiations continue at INC-5.2. In this special Seeds of Justice episode, ARIEL’s Rocky Guzman speaks with Salisa Traipipitsiriwat of EJF Thailand at Palais des Nations, discussing progress, challenges, ASEAN’s role, and civil society’s push for a stronger plastics treaty.
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5th ASEAN Environmental Law Conference
The 5th ASEAN Environmental Law Conference in Bali gathered regional experts under the theme “Advancing Regional Commitments for Environmental Justice.” Sessions covered oceans, forests, biodiversity, plastic pollution, and rights of defenders and indigenous peoples.
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.