ASEAN Member States share a common interest in and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In accordance with the ASEAN Charter, respect for and promotion of human rights underspin regional cooperation among ASEAN Member States on human rights and its cooperation with relevant national, regional and international institutions and organisations. 

Human rights is the fundamental basis for peace, stability and sustainable development. The adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012 attests ASEAN’s commitment to advance the promotion and protection of human rights in the region.

The Declaration defines a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Furthermore, the right to development, as recognised in the Declaration, entitles people of ASEAN to participate in and contribute to the process of narrowing the development gap within ASEAN and promoting equitable and sustainable development, fair trade practice and effective international cooperation.

Human rights is a crosscutting theme across ASEAN Community building in the key areas of peace and security, sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and economic, social and cultural affairs. ASEAN has gradually expanded its regional human rights framework to encompass specific standards for women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.