The Concerns and Sustainability of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)

Abstract

This chapter attempts to examine the extent of importance that ASEAN gives to human rights issues. In particular, it examines the extent to which the ASEAN human rights body named ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Commission (hereafter AICHR) can sustain human rights promotion and protection. As many people have predicted, the functions of the body are slow moving. This is particularly because of the nature of ASEAN cooperation efforts itself, which places strong emphasis on the principles of non-intervention and sovereignty of its members. These principles have prevented them from enacting policies and making statements to protect human rights of members that may be seen as interfering in the domestic problems of another ASEAN member.