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 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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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.
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Civil Society Regional Forum on Environmental Rights in ASEAN
Civil society groups from Southeast Asia met in Kuala Lumpur on April 4–5 to push for a strong ASEAN Environmental Rights Declaration. A joint statement, led by ARIEL and partners, urged stronger protections for defenders, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable communities, greater corporate accountability, and a transparent, inclusive process for sustainability.
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We hope to share inspiring stories as told by environmental law champions, activists and leaders from across the region and beyond.