APHR issues open letter expressing deep concern over deteriorating human rights and democracy in Cambodia

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urges global parliaments to condemn Cambodia’s escalating human rights crisis and erosion of democracy. APHR appeals for action to deny legitimacy to the upcoming July elections, citing they serve as a tool for Hun Sen’s regime to consolidate power.

APHR calls on Indonesia to champion human rights, democracy, and climate action in ASEAN

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urge Indonesia, as ASEAN Chair, to take a decisive lead in addressing regional human rights issues, bolstering democracy, and advancing climate protection initiatives.

Human rights groups call for bold ASEAN, UNSC action on Myanmar crisis

Progressive Voice, ALTSEAN-Burma, and FORUM-ASIA demand urgent ASEAN and UNSC intervention against Myanmar’s military junta, criticising the current Five-Point Consensus as ineffective and unenforceable.

Big power disputes in spotlight at Southeast Asia security meet

Top diplomats from the US, China, and Russia attended a security meeting with Southeast Asian foreign ministers.

Indonesian president warns ASEAN ‘can’t be proxy’ of any country

Indonesian President Joko Widodo stresses that ASEAN should not become a proxy for other countries amidst rising US-China tensions.

Divided ASEAN grapples for united Myanmar stance

ASEAN foreign ministers continued to work on a united position regarding the Myanmar crisis, with no agreement reached yet on a communique. Efforts by Thailand and Indonesia are diverging, potentially undermining ASEAN’s peace plan.

ASEAN-plus-three to meet on South China Sea, economic ties

Southeast Asian foreign ministers will meet with their Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean counterparts for ASEAN-plus-three talks. The discussions will focus on economic cooperation and the South China Sea dispute, where China’s territorial claims intersect with those of ASEAN members. The ongoing crisis in Myanmar and ways to address it will also be on the agenda. Additionally, topics such as health cooperation and economic recovery post-pandemic will be discussed. The meetings aim to strengthen regional ties and promote collaboration in various areas among the participating nations.

Myanmar crisis tops agenda at divided ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting

ASEAN foreign ministers meet, divided over engaging with Myanmar’s junta, while also discussing China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Malaysia fails to meet target goal of 40-gold and sets worst-ever record in SEA Games 2023

Malaysia’s disappointing performance at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, with only 34 gold medals instead of the targeted 40, has raised concerns about the country’s sports future. Host Cambodia achieved its best-ever performance, finishing fourth with 81 gold medals. The outcome has prompted calls for action from sports authorities to address the decline. Malaysia’s Chef de Mission apologized while expressing confidence in future improvements.

Indonesia’s Widodo says no real progress on Myanmar peace plan

Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated that Southeast Asian nations have made “no significant progress” in implementing a peace plan to end the violence in Myanmar during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. Divisions among ASEAN members and the junta’s refusal to engage with opponents have hampered efforts. The draft of the summit statement reflects the diplomatic challenges in addressing the crisis, and calls for a review of ASEAN’s charter principles.