Team ABA

The Star | Environmental and human rights groups say the recent adoption of the environmental declaration is an important milestone for ASEAN. However, they are concerned by key issues that remain insufficiently unaddressed in the declaration, such as protection for environmental defenders, indigenous peoples’ rights, and concrete measures to combat environmental harm and climate crises.

Fokus Bernama | AICHR Chair Edmund Bon said that although the recently adopted ASEAN declaration on the environment is not law, it is “soft law” and can be used in judgements when dealing with trans-boundary environmental issues. Member states, civil societies and communities can also use the declaration as a framework for advocacy and implementation at the national level.

UNDP Nature Pledge | Malaysia recently adopted a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR). AICHR Chair Edmund Bon provides insights into how attitudes in Malaysia have changed towards nature, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and human rights, and how businesses have adapted.

Borneo Bulletin | AICHR Brunei Darussalam hosted the Consultation on the Right to Mental Health (AHRD 29(1)) in the Digital Age on 3 November 2025, focusing on the protection of children’s mental health in an increasingly connected world.

AICHR | AICHR Chair Edmund Bon commended the joint efforts of AICHR and SOMTC in advancing the non-punishment principle as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s human rights–based approach to combating trafficking in persons.

New Straits Times | FGV welcomed a delegation from the sixth ASEAN- EU Policy Dialogue on Human Rights to its Krau Complex, including representatives from ASEAN, the EU, government agencies, academia, and civil society. Key figures included AICHR Chair Edmund Bon, and Kajsa Ollongren, EU special representative for human rights.

ARIEL | Environmental groups expressed disappointment and concern over the recent adoption of the ASEAN environmental declaration, because key issues remain insufficiently addressed.

东方Online | 在马来西亚轮值东盟主席期间，成员国通过两项历史性宣言，申明和平、人权与可持续发展的承诺。相关东盟宣言分别是《促进发展权利与和平权利，以实现包容和可持续发展》，以及《享有安全、清洁、健康与可持续环境的权利》。