APHR Statement on Human Rights Day 2017

On Human Rights Day, we as parliamentarians, are reminded of our role to promote and protect the rights of those we represent. In this spirit, members of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), constituting lawmakers from across Southeast Asia, commit ourselves to continuing to work toward the realization of democracy and human rights for all.

2017 has been a challenging year for human rights advocates in Southeast Asia. In country after country, we have witnessed backsliding on democracy and human rights commitments and seen vulnerable communities increasingly put at risk. Among the most concerning developments have been an all-out assault on democracy and civic space in Cambodia, the perpetuation of a bloody war on the poor in the Philippines, and unspeakable atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar. Meanwhile, the trend of shrinking democratic space in the ASEAN region has only grown starker.

Increasingly, we are seeing leaders at the national, regional, and global levels abdicating their responsibilities and failing to defend the rights and dignity of their people. ASEAN, in particular, must clarify where it stands. Despite commitments included in its Charter to uphold human rights and promote democratic governance, ASEAN has stood by silently as human rights are violated, protections eroded, and democratic norms and processes trampled. If the regional bloc truly wants to embrace its people-centered mantra, it must work to shift course and address pressing human rights challenges.

In this deeply concerning regional and global context, it is critical that human rights defenders of all types, from grassroots activists to parliamentarians, join together to safeguard the rights of all. We, as parliamentarians, stand in solidarity with civil society as they bravely continue their important work, despite setbacks and threats. All is not dark, but there is more to be done. Those on the ground – NGOs, community groups, trade unions, peoples’ movements, and others – are working together in difficult times, operating within the limited space they are permitted, to ensure that the human rights cause is carried forward and that tomorrow can be a brighter day for the ASEAN region. We are committed to working with them toward this goal.

Hon. Charles Santiago (MP, Malaysia)

Chairperson, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)

On behalf of the membership of APHR