This week, Malaysia may host two regional human rights consultations in order to develop Asean’s commitment to a people-centred and diverse plan.
The Consultations, led by Malaysia’s Representative to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights ( AICHR ), will take place on April 28 and 29, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
The second AICHR Consultation on the Human Right to Development to Enhance the Asean Community, scheduled for April 28, will concentrate on achieving Article 35 of the Asean Human Rights Declaration 2012, which affirms the right to growth as a fundamental human right for all Asian people.
On April 29, Malaysia will host the AICHR Regional Consultation to Support the Development of the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan ( 2026-2030 ), which will align with the Asean Community Vision 2045 and the Strategic Plans of Action.
These sessions are a part of Malaysia’s efforts to lead ASEAN this time, and they demonstrate AICHR’s commitment to creating a people-centered, people-oriented, and forward-looking human right agenda, the statement read.
The ministry added that these consultations are a part of Malaysia’s wider initiatives at Asean this year, which have the theme” Inclusivity and Sustainability”  , and highlight the regional body’s efforts to promote inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive programs.
These initiatives aim to close growth cracks in the region, protect human and environmental right, and reduce poverty.
The sessions will then go on Malaysia’s request for an Asean Declaration to Promote the Right to Development and Peace in the Interest of Realizing Equitable and Sustainable Development.
The government added that the plan promotes a whole-of-Asean approach to human rights that is led by Asean and owned by Asean, ensuring that the right to development is supported at the highest level.
Members will also formulate strategies to enhance the security of the right to advancement across all sectors and participate in thematic discussions on the crossroads of human rights, peace, and growth.
The findings of the consultations will inform the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan ( 2026-2030 ), which places human rights advancement as a central pillar of Asean community-building efforts. – Bernama