For the first time in 42 years of ASEAN’s existence, we see ASEAN member countries working towards a regional human rights body. It has not been an easy road.
Civil society groups in the region have been active in giving inputs to influence the outcome of this body. We all want a body that will be credible and effective in addressing human rights issues. We also know that we cannot have the perfect thing as yet. But it is equally important to let officials and leaders know how we can make this mechanism a better one.
On that note, the Singapore Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (MARUAH) is pleased to invite you to a public consultation on the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the proposed ASEAN Human Rights Body (AHRB).
This dialogue aims to highlight the latest developments, and to elicit comments from you, so that they can be considered for the second consultation with the High Level Panel meeting with civil society groups to be held at Kuala Lumpur in 20 March 2009.
We have a rare opportunity to influence this process, so please do come and tell us what you think of the proposed AHRB and the TOR process.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ms Braema Mathi
Focal Point
Singapore Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism
(MARUAH)
Public consultation on the proposed ASEAN Human Rights Body
Date: 11 March 2009
Time: 4pm
Venue: Asia-Europe Foundation (www.asef.org), 31 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119595
Programme
4:00 – 4:05 : Welcome
4:05 – 4:20 : “The Road to an AHRB” by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, former ASEAN Secretary-General.
4:20 – 4:40 : “The AHRB’s Term of Reference” by Ms Braema Mathi, Chairperson Singapore Working Group for anASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (MARUAH).
4:40 – 6:30 : Open Discussion, moderated by Dr Cherian George
**To register, please email [email protected] with your name and contact details**
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