Excellency Ouch Nipon, representing Excellency Keo Remy, Representative of Cambodia to AICHR,
Bridget Collier, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in Cambodia,
Professor Amy Maguire, Australian Research Council Fellow, Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC),
AICHR Representatives,
Debaters, participants, friends, and guests.
Welcome to the 7th AICHR Youth Debate on Human Rights!
Cambodia, you did it! Congratulations on finally pulling this off. After six years, we are back. The last competition — the sixth — was held in Thailand from 18 to 20 September 2019. I am very excited that AICHR is convening this again after six years under Malaysia’s chairship.
Yesterday, I was in the car on the way to the hotel, and with me were the Malaysian debaters. We discussed life and what young people care about. I shared information about ASEAN and AICHR, including what we do and what we are supposed to do as the human rights commission of ASEAN. One of them — obviously quite well-versed in ASEAN — asked if, during the debate, they could speak about sensitive issues. I said, of course, as that is precisely why we are hosting this debate. It would not be a proper competition if we did not discuss important issues that matter to us, which are also controversial. If we do not speak about what matters, we miss the reason we are here.
In 2019, among the topics were juveniles committing crimes to be treated as adults, enforcing an ASEAN carbon tax, and legalising medical marijuana.
In 2018, here in Phnom Penh, the debates were over the rights of migrant worker children, the privacy of celebrities, air pollution, and rape as a crime punishable by death.
In 2017, in Bangkok, debaters argued over the establishment of an ASEAN human rights court, balancing economic growth and human rights, a quota system for women’s representation, and environmental damage as a human rights violation.
In 2016, during my first term as AICHR Representative, Malaysia hosted the third iteration of the competition. I was especially thrilled as I got to choose some of the motions for debate and could push the envelope. We had a lot of fun listening to debates on abortion, child marriage, climate change, and peace rights.
In 2015, in Singapore, energy was expended poring over the role of youth in human rights, good governance, and the death penalty.
The point I make is that AICHR provides this platform as an enabling environment and safe space for ASEAN youths. To do what? To maximise the exercise of your right to freedom of speech, expression, and opinion without interference and to seek and impart information. This is our protected right under Article 23 of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD).
Even though we at ASEAN are at times diplomatic in our language, it does not mean we do not have the same rights and are censored from speaking out. More so, the youth in this public space!
We want to hear from you. I thank you for participating in this endeavour. A safe and enabling environment also means that there should be no fear of reprisals or retaliation for speaking your mind. There should be no bullying or making disparaging personal remarks against one another. This is also what democracy is about; democracy is recognised under the ASEAN Charter and Article 25 of the AHRD.
When I stand in a room like this full of young students — and I wish I could turn back the clock — I recall how, when I was younger, I enjoyed interacting with my peers while also organising groups and communities to work together on human rights.
Although I have more grey hair now, I encourage you to consider this as well. Human rights are not reserved for the elite, government officials, or a select few. Human rights are owned by all of us, and we must take steps to claim, defend, protect, and uphold them. This includes speaking out on human rights violations. I do not believe that we should leave it to the adults only to decide the fate of our future. We must act together.
In fact, as testament to our commitment, on 15 May 2025, AICHR interacted with and heard from children and youth across Southeast Asia in Jakarta. This was our second interface engagement with them. The children and youths shared their statements, concerns, and messages on climate change, migration, poverty, discrimination, bullying, online safety, and violence against children.
Today, we live in a fragile and complex world. We need to unite, keep each other safe, and be vigilant. I ask that you make friends, group together, and enjoy the time you have here. Remember that we are all winners, even if you do not win.
The real win is in today’s conversation about human rights in a way that your messages can influence people to take action, real action. Especially for the voiceless and those whose rights have been violated and who need redress. It is through the power of words that influence can be made, one step at a time. It is why we use diplomacy to push for human rights in ASEAN.
Fight for your rights! You are the future of ASEAN, so speak up!
I wish you great success and all the best. Importantly have fun.
Finally, on behalf of AICHR, I thank Australia and the AHRC. Together with our ASEAN AICHR Fund, you have made this programme possible.
These opening remarks were delivered on 2 September 2025 at the 7th AICHR Youth Debate on Human Rights held on 1-2 September in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The press release on the event is accessible here.
