1.1. All ASEAN Member States have ratified and are parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
1.2. At the 10th ASEAN Summit in November 2004, the ASEAN Leaders adopted the Vientiane Action Programme 2004-2010 (VAP) which among others called for the establishment of an ASEAN commission on the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children (Measure 1.1.4.7 of the VAP).