ASEAN HUMAN RIGHTS BODY LACKS PROTECTION MANDATE - UN

By D. Arul Rajoo

PHUKET, July 23 (Bernama) -- United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights Navi Pillay has expressed disappointment at the Asean human rights body's
"lack of a clear protection mandate".

However, she hoped that the role of the Asean Inter-Govermental Commission
of Human Rights would be expanded after its launch at the 15th Asean Summit here
from Oct 23 to 26.

Pillay, however, welcomed the endorsement by Asean foreign ministers on the
terms of reference (TOR) for the commission, which she called "an important
step forward" in the establishment of a new mechanism to protect and promote
the human rights of people living in the region.

She also asked the 10-member Asean to appoint commission members who were
independent and impartial, and have proven expertise in human rights.

"I also hope that national selection processes would allow for wide
consultation and participation by all sections of society," she said in a
statement Thursday.

The commission's TOR was heavily criticised by civil society groups, and
even one of Asean's founding members, Indonesia, was very vocal in calling for
provisions that emphasise on protection, country visit and sanction on human
rights abuses.

Pillay also urged Asean to encourage the full integration of civil society
groups in the establishment and development of the body, in line with the
regional leaders' stated commitment to create a people-oriented Asean.

The commission will be the first regional body of its kind in the Asia and
Pacific region.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman had said that retired judges, civil
servants and representatives from non-govermental organisations would be
considered to represent Malaysia in the commission.
-- BERNAMA