ASEAN has established mechanisms to facilitate human rights cooperation in the region. The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights was established in 2009 with an overarching mandate on human rights. It serves as a vehicle for progressive social development and justice, human dignity, human security and wellbeing. AICHR works together with existing mechanisms on human rights in ASEAN to uphold the rights of people of ASEAN to live in peace, dignity and prosperity. 

AICHR’s general mandates and functions are outlined in its Terms of Reference. The Commission comprises ten Representatives of the Member States of ASEAN to serve for one term of three years with possible renewal for a second term. The Commission holds its meetings on a quarterly basis, and reports to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. 

In carrying out its mandates and functions, AICHR:

• Upholds its commitments to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD);
• Prioritises the implementation of the AHRD and other ASEAN instruments as well as international human rights instruments to which ASEAN Member State are parties of;
• Focuses attention on the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, people with disabilities, and older persons; and
• Enhances engagement with all stakeholders as well as public outreach and communications.

To fulfil its mission, AICHR is actively mainstreaming human rights in ASEAN through a wide spectrum of priority thematic areas. The Commission follows a robust framework known as the Five-Year Work Plan that is translated into its annual Priority Programmes and Activities. The current work plan for the period of 2021-2025 strongly adheres to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the APSC Blueprint 2025. It also complements the 2030 Development Agenda on Sustainable Development.

To build an enabling environment for meaningful and constructive interaction with civil society actors, AICHR established the Guidelines on the AICHR’s Relations with Civil Society Organisations in 2015. AICHR has accredited 30 CSOs to-date and holds an annual consultation with the accredited CSOs since 2017. Modalities of engagement with CSOs varied, including but not limited to:

• Consultation to seek views and advice; 
• Seminar to provide information on thematic subject matters;
• Workshop to engage in intensive substantive discussion in a particular field;
• Regular briefing, including policy recommendations and feedback on various initiatives undertaken at the national and regional level; and
• Implementation of activities in AICHR’s work plans.

AICHR also receives communications from individuals and non-governmental organisations, concerning alleged violations of human rights in the region. 

Alongside AICHR, other ASEAN bodies are also overseeing the implementation of ASEAN’s instruments and commitments on the rights of women and children and the rights of migrant workers, namely:

• The ASEAN Committee on Women, established in 1976
• The ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, established in 2007
• The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, established in 2010