Speeches, Statements & International Documents

 

 

ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS’ INTERFACE WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES

OF ASEAN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (AICHR)

 

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

8 JULY 2025 

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OPENING REMARKS BY

THE HONOURABLE DATO' SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA

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Distinguished ASEAN Colleagues,

Secretary-General of ASEAN,

Timor-Leste Foreign Minister,

All Representatives of ASEAN and Timor-Leste to the AICHR,

 

1.   Welcome to Kuala Lumpur. Or as we say in Bahasa, selamat datang.

2.   I am pleased to address you all, as Malaysia has the honour of hosting this gathering between the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, and the Representatives of AICHR. 

3.   The work that brings us together on this day is of great importance.   

4.   As everyone here is aware, Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year is centred on the values of Inclusivity and Sustainability.

5.   This theme is anchored in our belief, that ASEAN’s future must be built upon an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented framework. One that places the people of ASEAN at its very heart. 

6.   Today’s Interface is a timely one. ASEAN is entering its next phase of integration, following the adoption of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, during the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025. 

7.   This Vision recognises the promotion and protection of human rights, as a fundamental component, of ASEAN’s community-building efforts. 

8.   As we work towards realising the Vision, ASEAN must uphold its human rights commitments. Our aspirations for a resilient, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN will only be meaningful, if we first ensure the rights and dignity of our people.

9.   True regional integration can only be achieved if ASEAN empowers its people, so that they may collectively enjoy the fruits of shared prosperity, equitable growth, and social justice.

Excellencies,  

10.   Malaysia welcomes the ongoing efforts by AICHR to develop two important 6 declarations.

11.   The first of these is the ‘ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment’, and the second being the ‘Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace, Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development’.

12.   These declarations highlight the urgent and pressing concerns of our people, especially those who are vulnerable to environmental harm, inequality, and instability.

13.   They reaffirm the unwavering commitment of AICHR to advancing human rights in ASEAN, addressing both present and future challenges, in a timely and relevant manner.

14.   During this Interface, we look forward to hearing from AICHR’s representatives, regarding its Annual Report 2025.

15.   This is an opportunity for the Ministers to be updated on AICHR’s achievements, challenges, and the way forward in advancing human rights across the region.

16.   Today marks just over 15 years since the establishment of AICHR. I hope that its efforts and mechanisms will continue to evolve, strengthening its capacity to deliver impactful outcomes and foster meaningful engagement, while upholding ASEAN Centrality and unity.

17.   These efforts are key to advancing human rights and regional cooperation, in support 7 of both the national and international commitments of ASEAN Member States.  

18.   Our efforts to promote and protect the wellbeing of our people should remain ASEAN led and ASEAN-owned. They should reflect the values and norms of our Member States, while ensuring alignment with the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD).

19.   With that, I end my opening remarks. We will now proceed with our interaction with the Representatives of AICHR shortly. Before we begin the interaction, may I request the Media to kindly leave the room?

20.   Thank you.