Edmund Bon

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon said that AICHR can operate to lead the region in meeting human rights challenges. He elaborated that the consultation will continue to explore good practices for adoption, foster dialogue, and generate recommendations on ways to make AICHR more effective.

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon stated that AICHR’s view is that the ASEAN Community of Practice’s objectives on women, peace and security will be further strengthened by incorporating a human rights-based approach into its activities, which recognises that sustainable peace and security are fully achieved when fundamental human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

Edmund Bon presented a 2022 SUHAKAM report that found that Malaysian laws are partially compatible with nine UNCAT provisions, but not compatible with seven others. He spoke on the need for political will by the Malaysian Government to accede to UNCAT, and for more research and advocacy on the compatibility of UNCAT with Islamic principles and practices.

Edmund Bon, AICHR Chair and Representative of Malaysia to AICHR, described the youth debate as an enabling environment and safe space provided by AICHR for ASEAN youths, where they can maximise the exercise of the right to freedom of speech, expression, and opinion, without interference.

According to AICHR Chair Edmund Bon, gender equality is not just a “women’s issue”; it is a human rights issue, a development issue, and an economic issue, all of which must be viewed through an intersectional lens, as inclusivity demands.

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon put forward seven proposals for optimising and scaling up people-facing coordination efforts. These include establishing a dedicated channel or pathway for people and communities in vulnerable situations to access ASEAN bodies for remedies and to provide constructive feedback loops, and publishing an annual ASEAN Human Rights Report.

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon stated that development currently faces two major challenges: climate change and human mobility. Climate change impedes development by undermining livelihoods, deepening inequality, fuelling internal tensions, and forcing families to flee.

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon spoke on the importance of the role of regional human rights institutions such as AICHR in advancing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Edmund Bon, AICHR Chair and Representative of Malaysia to AICHR, called on AICHR to pivot to a more action-oriented, resilient, and strategic institution capable of addressing complex and growing human rights issues in the ASEAN region, and to reimagine how ASEAN can do more and better in moving towards a shared future.

Edmund Bon said, among others, that it is an opportune time for ASEAN to declare and commemorate its “ASEAN Human Rights Day” on 18 November every year. This date is significant because the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration was adopted 13 years ago, on 18 November 2012.

Edmund Bon, Chair of AICHR and Representative of Malaysia to AICHR, said that AICHR commits to investing in institutional strengthening of modalities that respects ASEAN Centrality. This will enable AICHR to be a timely and future-ready body for safeguarding human rights in the region.

Edmund Bon, AICHR Chair for 2025, said that to enhance ASEAN’s peacebuilding capacity, AICHR is advancing a transformative initiative comprising six workshops on pathways to peace in ASEAN.

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon said business structures and practices often appear gender-neutral but continue to reinforce inequality in effect. ASEAN’s frameworks must evolve to reflect the lived realities of women and girls in our region and that they are not treated as an afterthought in economic growth.

If implemented as intended, the Guideline represents a vital human rights-based protection measure for victims and survivors, said Edmund Bon, AICHR Chair and Representative of Malaysia to AICHR.

Edmund Bon, Malaysia’s Representative to AICHR and AICHR’s Chair for 2025, highlighted that the deeply concerning rise in forced criminality has become a critical regional and global security issue. He emphasised that a coordinated ASEAN approach to forced labour and forced criminality is essential.

AICHR Chair Edmund Bon said that the regional consultation is the first one aimed at developing AICHR’s proposed work plan. It creates an open and safe space for dialogue on how AICHR can strengthen its human rights efforts and position itself among the leading commissions globally, while remaining relevant to current challenges.

Edmund Bon spoke on how AICHR is currently pursuing the adoption of the “ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development”. This declaration links both the right to development and the right to peace with inclusive and sustainable growth and development.

Edmund Bon underscored the significance of Malaysia’s ASEAN theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, emphasising its connection to the protection of the right to freedom of religion and belief in the region. Inclusivity ensures that everyone is free to practise, express, change, or reject religion without fear of discrimination, marginalisation, or violence.

Edmund Bon emphasised that ASEAN’s future lies in its ability to lead, not just regionally, but globally. ASEAN and AICHR’s position as a global reference point for multilateralism, partnership and peace should be elevated. Further, AICHR must assert its place in ASEAN to forge a common path based on shared values and aspirations.