Philippines: Ratify ASEAN Charter, says CHR

The Philippines, particularly the Senate, is urged to join the seven other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and ratify the regional bloc's charter, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said in a press statement.

On the 41st anniversary of the ASEAN, the constitutionally created CHR en banc passed a resolution making "an urgent call to the Philippine government, particularly the Senate, to conclude the ratification process in the most timely manner."

The CHR, chaired by Leila De Lima and composed of Cecilia Quisumbing and Ma. Victoria Cardona, said the ratification of the ASEAN Charter would not only promote regional cooperation but also strengthen human rights promotion and protection. (The fourth appointed commissioner, Norberto Dela Cruz, is yet to assume office.)

The ASEAN Charter, which needs the ratification of all 10 ASEAN member-states, creates a regional human rights body, sets down in writing the obligations of the members to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law, and sets the process for the body to take up matters of non-compliance.

"The Philippines usually points to itself as a leader and a champion of human rights in the region. Holding up the effectivity of the ASEAN Charter delays the long-overdue progress of human rights in Southeast Asia," De Lima said.

Noting that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed the document, the commission still urged the executive "to advocate in the appropriate manner for the concurrence of the President's ratification of the ASEAN Charter, and to provide such technical and advisory support as may be necessary to discussions and advocacy efforts towards the immediate ratification of the ASEAN Charter."

Asia is the only region without a regional human rights mechanism, agency or body. There are such mechanisms in Europe, Africa, and the Inter-American Region.

"The varying degrees of adherence to human rights and democratic principles and standards by the different ASEAN member states cannot be a reason for the Philippines to not ratify the ASEAN Charter. Indeed, this international agreement can be used by more progressive members to advocate for better adherence," the CHR said.

ASEAN was created on 8 August 1967. Fifteen years ago, ASEAN members recognised the importance of setting up a human rights mechanism for the region. Since then the most significant occurrence was in 2007 when the member states agreed on the blueprint for the ASEAN Charter, which included the creation of a regional human rights body.

"The Philippines was so proud to have been a key player in achieving agreement on this Charter. But now, it might be the last ASEAN government to ratify it. Even later than countries such as Myanmar and Laos, which do not have the same democratic and human rights principles in their respective Constitutions," the CHR chair said.

The commission quoted the preamble of the Charter in pointing out that the Philippine President was among the Heads of States or Governments of the ASEAN member States, who assembled in Singapore on the historic occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, which agreed to this Charter.

Aside from the Philippines, only Indonesia and Thailand remain the two other ASEAN member-states that have not ratified the Charter.

The other members of the bloc are: Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Date: 8 August

Source: Inquier.net