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Timor-Leste Participates in 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue: Strengthening Human Rights Cooperation Across ASEAN

Jakarta, Indonesia – 5 November 2024 – The 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue was held at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, bringing together representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and key stakeholders such as National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and civil society organizations (CSOs). This important dialogue, part of AICHR’s 2024 priority program, aimed to promote human rights, strengthen regional cooperation, and share best practices among AMS.

This year’s dialogue builds on previous initiatives held in 2013, 2014, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and is aligned with AICHR’s Five-Year Work Plan (2021-2025), particularly focusing on ASEAN’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. The event follows up on the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue, which underscores the role of AICHR in facilitating cooperative forums to address human rights challenges in the region.

Key Themes and Sessions

The opening session featured remarks from Indonesia’s AICHR Representative, Wahyuningrum, and Lao PDR’s Representative, Yong Chantalangsy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Harta Sugiono, delivered the keynote address. The dialogue’s main objective is to create a space for ASEAN countries to discuss and share progress on human rights, challenges, and best practices, with a view to fostering solidarity and regional cooperation.

During the first session, ASEAN Member States presented their briefings on the promotion and protection of human rights, covering a variety of topics, including national human rights frameworks, legal compliance, and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. These briefings were followed by interactive dialogues, where participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions on how to address common challenges such as human rights violations, gender equality, and the rights of marginalized groups.

Timor-Leste’s Contribution

At Session #2, the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa, presented Timor-Leste’s contributions and experiences in the promotion and protection of human rights. As an observer member of ASEAN, Timor-Leste has made significant strides in building a democratic system where human rights are central to national development. The country’s National Human Rights Institution, the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights situations, conducting public education, and advocating for good governance.

“Timor-Leste’s commitment to human rights stems from our own historical experiences and our aspirations for a peaceful, just, and inclusive society,” said Deputy Ombudsman Maria Marilia da Costa. “As an observer member of ASEAN, Timor-Leste is dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration among ASEAN Member States to promote and protect human rights across the region.”

The session was well-received, with delegates noting the importance of collaboration between AMS to address emerging human rights issues such as discrimination, statelessness, and the rights of vulnerable groups.

Along with the Deputy Ombudsman, senior professionals from PDHJ participated in the event, including Aureo José Antonio Savio, Senior Professional for Good Governance, and Florindo José da Costa, General Inspector from the Ministry of Justice.

Key Outcomes and Future Directions

The 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement and a set of recommendations to guide future actions and enhance cooperation among ASEAN Member States (AMS). The event included state briefings, interactive dialogues, and stakeholder contributions from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and ASEAN’s Permanent Representatives.

Aligned with AICHR’s mandates, the Dialogue emphasized the importance of encouraging AMS to ratify and implement international human rights treaties, strengthen national reporting and follow-up mechanisms, and address cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Moving forward, AICHR will continue to play a key role in shaping ASEAN’s human rights agenda, ensuring that the region remains committed to advancing the protection and promotion of human rights for all.

This event further contributes to ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to build a people-centered, people-oriented ASEAN Community, where human rights are respected, protected, and upheld across the region.

Please visit the press release on the AICHR website: https://aichr.org/news/press-release-6th-asean-human-rights-dialogue/

This post is also available in: Tetun

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