Sep 30, 2021 | CCHR, Tools for MPs
The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic recession have revealed the failure and fragility of
our economic system, which has prioritized business interests over people and the environment,
deepened inequalities, and failed to protect the most vulnerable.
To recover from the recession caused by the pandemic, countries are now adopting recovery measures
to boost their economy. The type of economic model these measures will support is crucial in shaping
our future, and this moment presents an ideal opportunity to break away from the past and shift
towards a more just, sustainable and resilient economy.
Shifting towards a greener economy is an essential part of “building back better” by moving away from
fossil fuel-dependent industries and instead towards clean and renewable sources of energy that help
reduce Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming.
It will not only help the region to more rapidly absorb the immediate impact of the recession, but also to
avoid and be more resilient to future similar shocks and crises caused by climate change.
To help parliamentarians seize this opportunity APHR evaluated recovery measures taken in Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste between February 2020 and April 2021.
This assessment was undertaken to identify best practices MPs can adopt in their respective countries,
as well as structural obstacles they need to overcome to promote a transition to a green economy.
These toolkits are designed for MPs to help them advance a green economic recovery after COVID-19.
DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH | BURMESE | BAHASA INDONESIAN | KHMER | LAO | MALAYSIAN | TETUM | THAI
| VIETNAMESE
You can read the full report here.
Sep 30, 2021 | CCHR, Statements
Please click here for a Thai translation of this statement
Please click here for a Malay translation of this statement
Please click here for a Bahasa Indonesian translation of this statement
JAKARTA – Despite Southeast Asia being one of the world’s most at-risk regions from the impacts of climate change, governments in the region have failed to capitalize on the opportunity to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing recovery measures that help promote a transition to a green economy, a new report has found. Many have instead used their COVID-19 recovery packages to enact policies that contribute to global warming and create major barriers to a low-carbon economic transition.
The new report, entitled “Building Back Better: Southeast Asia’s transition to a green economy after COVID-19”, published today by ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), evaluated pandemic recovery measures taken by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste between February 2020 and April 2021.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic recession that followed, has brought into sharp focus the injustices ingrained in our current economic model, which for too long has pursued profits over people and the environment, exacerbated existing inequalities, and done nothing to protect the most vulnerable,” said Charles Santiago, chair of APHR and a Malaysian Member of Parliament (MP). “The economic recovery from the pandemic has presented the perfect opportunity to change towards a green and sustainable economy that works for everyone.”
“While our governments have so far fallen drastically short when it comes to implementing much-needed policy changes, as MPs we have a crucial role to play, and must do everything we can to urge the leaders in our region to invest in smart policies for a green transition,” Santiago said.
APHR found that governments have adopted limited green policy measures as part of their national COVID-19 recovery plans, with examples including subsidies and tax reductions for environmentally friendly products, tax increases for environmentally harmful products, as well as investment in clean transport and energy infrastructure.
However, these measures were critically undermined by numerous “brown policies” that increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For example, bailouts with no green strings attached for high GHG-emitting businesses such as aviation, oil and gas, and land development exceeded USD 50 billion in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.
The issue of how to tackle climate change is particularly timely, ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which will begin in Glasgow, Scotland, in late October, APHR said.
“It is mind blowing that while world scientists keep warning us that we are running out of time, and while people and economies of the region are increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, our governments are continuing to support the highly emitting industries of the past, and have not prioritized policies and budgets that promote green and sustainable development of the region,” said Mercy Barends, an APHR Board Member and Indonesian MP.
Among the focal countries, Singapore had the most recovery measures across sectors that supported a green recovery, whereas Indonesia and the Philippines had the most recovery measures opposing it, APHR found.
“Initiating a green recovery would have huge benefits for our region. Not only would it help limit global warming, but would also help us to recover quicker from the pandemic, as well as build an economy that is more resilient,” said Pita Limjaroenrat, a Thai MP and APHR member.
“Lawmakers lie at the heart of fulfilling climate change commitments, whether that’s through our role in pushing progressive legislation, overseeing national budgets, or in our mandate to be the voice of our constituents, who will be the worst affected by climate change if no action is taken,” he said.
Sep 30, 2021 | CCHR, Reports
Report, September 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic recession have revealed the failure and fragility of
our economic system, which has prioritized business interests over people and the environment,
deepened inequalities, and failed to protect the most vulnerable.
To recover from the recession caused by the pandemic, countries are now adopting recovery measures
to boost their economy. The type of economic model these measures will support is crucial in shaping
our future, and this moment presents an ideal opportunity to break away from the past and shift
towards a more just, sustainable and resilient economy.
Shifting towards a greener economy is an essential part of “building back better” by moving away from
fossil fuel-dependent industries and instead towards clean and renewable sources of energy that help
reduce Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming.
It will not only help the region to more rapidly absorb the immediate impact of the recession, but also to
avoid and be more resilient to future similar shocks and crises caused by climate change.
To help parliamentarians seize this opportunity APHR evaluated recovery measures taken in Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste between February 2020 and April 2021.
This assessment was undertaken to identify best practices MPs can adopt in their respective countries,
as well as structural obstacles they need to overcome to promote a transition to a green economy.
DOWNLOAD IN: ENGLISH (FULL REPORT)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES: BURMESE | BAHASA INDONESIAN | KHMER | LAO | MALAYSIAN | TETUM | THAI | VIETNAMESE
TOOLKITS TO HELP MPs TO ADVANCE A GREEN ECONOMY ARE AVAILABLE HERE
Apr 22, 2021 | CCHR, Statements
JAKARTA 23 APRIL – Southeast Asian lawmakers today commended the United States and fellow countries for announcing, on the occasion of the “climate leaders summit”, enhanced action to tackle climate change.
“In this time of global climate meltdown and a devastating pandemic, the United States’ and fellow countries’ announcements are a welcome development to get the world one step closer to complying with the Paris Agreement.” said Wong Chen, member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and a Member of Parliament (MP) of Malaysia. “However the world must do more to tackle climate change. As for ASEAN, we deeply regret that parties like Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore did not use this opportunity to enhance ambition despite being invited to the summit and we urge all countries in the region to put maximum efforts to realise their climate plans. If we do not step up to meet our obligations, we will risk a destabilised region with catastrophic geo-political impacts, including rising food insecurity, conflicts and environmental disasters”, he added.
With the world on track for a temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius this century, MPs highlighted the critical need for more international action to address climate change and the lack of ambition of countries in the region.
Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam’s climate action plans submitted to the Paris Agreement process are still considered highly insufficient and Thailand’s upgraded plan has still made no improvement to mitigate the impact of climate change, added APHR.
“Ambition across the world is not just too low, it’s abysmal. 2021 is the final year for countries to submit meaningful plans before their first review at COP26 in November. More countries, including the United States, must still increase their climate targets this year if we are to avoid a critical situation, with rising numbers of pests and diseases and displaced populations,” said Ibu Mercy Barends, board member of APHR, and Indonesian MP.
APHR added that although the COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge, it also creates a critical opportunity to decarbonize economies and ensure a green recovery.
“States can harness this critical disruptive moment caused by the global pandemic to restructure their economy at minimal costs so as to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This means committing to decarbonizing economies, stepping away from coal power and tackling countries such as Cambodia’s alarming rates of deforestation. Last year, APHR submitted a manifesto committing to promoting a sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. We call on fellow MPs and member states to join us in achieving this objective” said Wong Chen.
The United States announced a 50 to 52% reduction in the country’s greenhouse gas pollution levels in 2030 compared to 2005. This comes as groups demanded a fair share reduction of at least 70% domestically. Japan and Canada announced plans to cut their emissions by 46% in 2030 as compared to 2013 and 40-45% as compared to 2005 respectively. This was followed by further countries’ announcements to increase climate ambition including by South Korea and South Africa.
Apr 8, 2021 | CCHR, Tools for MPs
Explainer, April 2021
Forests in ASEAN cover more than 193 million hectares, or 44% of the land area. Everyday, they play a vital role in our lives by contributing to national economic development and environmental stability.
Yet, forests in the region are threatened, and have declined by almost 7 million hectares, or 3.4%, since 2013, contributing to an alarming rate of loss of biodiversity, massive forest fires, pollution and climate change. Much of this has been undertaken at an industrial scale for agricultural and cash crop plantations.
This document gives key information and steps for lawmakers in Southeast Asia to ensure forest protection and management, and reduce pollution and climate impacts.
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Mar 18, 2021 | CCHR, Open Letters
To:
Ms Fatou Bensouda,
The Prosecutor,
International Criminal Court
Den Haag
Netherlands
Open Letter: Supporting the Cambodian Land Grabbing Case
Dear Madam Prosecutor,
In your 17 February 2021 speech to the Institute of International and European Affairs, you confirmed that your Office will soon take a decision on the pending Cambodian land grabbing situation, which you already referred to in your December 2020 report on preliminary examinations activities. This is extremely welcome news. We offer our strong support for positive action on this case.
The Cambodia situation offers a unique opportunity for the ICC to engage with the single greatest threat facing humankind – the climate and environmental emergency. Land grabbing is not only about the violent forced evictions of residents, or the beatings, murders, or unlawful imprisonment of land activists. In many countries around the world, land grabbing is the harbinger for illegal resource exploitation, persecution of indigenous people, and environmental destruction. Putting the brakes on illegal land grabbing will help protect the environment and combat climate change.
As demonstrated in Article 15 Communications, filed in 2014 and 2015 by Richard J Rogers of Global Diligence LLP with the support of FIDH and Global Witness, evidence suggests that the mass crimes associated with land grabbing in Cambodia amount to a widespread or systematic attack against poor Cambodians. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forcibly displaced, including a significant proportion of the minority indigenous population. This has laid the ground for an environmental catastrophe – over a quarter of Cambodia’s ancient rainforests have been destroyed during the ICC’s short lifetime.
Pursuing the Cambodia situation would send a crucial message to would-be violators globally that, in the most extreme cases, the crimes associated with land grabbing may amount to crimes against humanity. Politicians and businesspeople alike would have to re-think practices that cause mass human harm and environmental degradation.
Madam Prosecutor, merely by opening a full examination into the situation in Cambodia, your Office can start to play a meaningful role in tackling the climate and environmental crisis, consistent with your 2016 policy on case selection and prioritization. This is your chance to support the rights of future generations.
Patrick Alley, Co-Founder, Global Witness
Eléonore Morel, CEO, FIDH
Richard J Rogers, Executive Director, Climate Counsel
This Open Letter is supported by the following UN Experts, civil society organisations, and individuals. (For security reasons, we have not included Cambodian-based organisations).
United Nations Experts:
- UN Working Group on the use of mercenaries, Ms. Jelena Aparac (ChairRapporteur), Ms. Lilian Bobea, Mr. Chris Kwaja, Mr. Ravindran Daniel, and Ms. Sorcha MacLeod.
Organisations: - Africa Europe Faith Justice Network (AEFJN), Belgium
- Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma, Burma
- Al-Haq, Palestine
- Amazon Frontlines, Ecuador, Mitchell Anderson, Executive Director
- ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, Southeast Asia, (HQ: Jakarta)
- Association Marocaine des Droits Humains (AMDH), Morocco
- Australian Earth Laws Alliance, Australia, Dr Michelle Maloney, National Convenor
- Avocats sans frontières (ASF)
- Cambodia Democratic Council, USA, Vibol Touch, Founder
- Center for International Environmental Law, USA, Carroll Muffett, President & CEO
- Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), USA
- Centro de Políticas Públicas y Derechos (Equidad), Peru
- Comisiόn De Derechos Humanos De El Salvador, El Salvador
- Corporate Responsibility Coalition (CORE), UK
- Diakonia, Sweden
- Earth Law Center, United States, Canada and Mexico, Grant Wilson, Executive Director
- Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, Egypt
- FIAN International, Switzerland
- Finnish League for Human Rights, Finland
- Focus on the Global South
- Forum-Asia
- Greenpeace International, Netherlands, Charlie Holt, Legal Counsel (Campaigns
and Action) - Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan
- Indigenous People’s Rights International, Philippines, Joan Carling, Co-Founder
- International Partnership for Human Rights, Belgium, Simon Papuashvili, Program Director
- INTERPRT, Norway, Nabil Ahmed, Founder and Director
- Justice for Iran, Iran
- Latvian Human Rights Committee, Latvia
- Ligue des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen, France
- Ligue des Droits de l’Homme en Iran, Iran
- Maldivian Democracy Network, Maldives
- Mouvement Laotien pour les Droits de l’Homme, Laos
- Narasha Community Development Group, Kenya
- Not1More, UK, Fran Lambrick, Co-Founder
- Odhikar, Bangladesh
- Programa Venezolano de Educación – Acción en Derechos Humanos (PROVEA), Venezuela
- Promise Institute for Human Rights, UCLA School of Law, USA, Kate Mackintosh, Executive Director
- Sisters’ Arabic Forum for Human Rights (SAF), Yeman
- Stop Ecocide Foundation, Netherlands, Jojo Mehta, Chair & International Director
- Vietnam Committee on Human Rights & Que Me: Action for Democracy in Vietnam, Vietnam
- Wild and Legal, France, Marine Calmet, President
- Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice (WIGJ), Netherlands
- Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific
Individuals: - Barrett, Nicole, Director, International Justice and Human Rights Clinic, Allard
School of Law, University of British Columbia and former UN Prosecutor (ICTY) - Batesmith, Alex, Law Lecturer, University of Leeds, UK, and former UN Prosecutor
(ECCC) - Robinson, Darryl, Professor at Queens University, Canada, and former Advisor to
ICC Prosecutor - Heather Ryan, Former court monitor (OSJI) at ECCC, USA
- Schromen-Wawrin, Lindsey, City Council Member, Port Angeles, Washington,
USA - Toussaint, Marie, MEP, Green Member of the European Parliament, France
- Work, Courtney, Assistant Professor, National Chengchi University, Taiwan
