Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Kao Kim Hourn told a press conference ahead of the opening ceremony for the 21st Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit that following discussions members had decided to add a paragraph to the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration to be signed on Sunday.
The draft document came under criticism from activists who insisted it was too flawed to be passed but Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told media earlier that it was a "starting point" for the region to address human rights concerns.
His sentiments were echoed by Kao Kim Hourn who said that the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights would continue to look at ways to improve the declaration.
"The current draft may not be perfect," he admitted but stressed that it will be submitted for signing.
Following the ASEAN Foreign Minister's review of the declaration, they had decided to include a new paragraph to the second section of the document that deals with the operating mechanism.
"The new paragraph will be focusing on ensuring implementation of the declaration in accordance with international and ASEAN commitments held by the members," he noted.
In a landmark move, the ASEAN foreign ministers had also discussed ongoing suppression of minorities in Myanmar and agreed to include a paragraph on the issue in the final document to be adopted at the end of the summit.
"Myanmar has made commendable progress but there is still room for development," Hourn said.
In addition, US President Barack Obama is also expected to raise human rights concerns when he meets ASEAN leaders here on Monday.-The Philippines Star (November 18, 2012 8:07AM)
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