The inaugural Interface Meeting between the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was held on 16 May 2025 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

The AICHR was led by the Chair, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, while the ROK delegation was led by its Ambassador to ASEAN, Ambassador Lee Jang-keun. The meeting was attended by Representatives and Alternate Representatives of the AICHR, including Timor-Leste as Observer, delegation from the Mission of ROK to ASEAN, and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat.

During the meeting, AICHR and ROK updated on their respective human rights focus areas including initiatives on business and human rights, access to justice, new and emerging digital technologies, rights to health, persons with disabilities, environment and climate change, and strengthening human rights mechanisms, among others.

The AICHR Chair shared AICHR’s Annual Report 2023-2024 and that over the past 15 years since it was established, the Commission has conducted more than 150 activities covering 40 thematic human rights areas.

Both parties further explored potential future collaborations and possible engagements to advance joint efforts to promote and protect human rights in ASEAN.

The meeting concluded with appreciation extended to Malaysia and the ASEAN Secretariat for the excellent meeting arrangements.
 
https://aichr.org/news/joint-press-release-the-1st-interface-meeting-between-the-asean-intergovernmental-commission-on-human-rights-aichr-and-republic-of-korea-16-may-2025-asean-headquarters-asean-secretariat/

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