The Interim Singapore Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism

The RoundTable endorsed the formation of the Interim Singapore Working Group [SWG] with Think Centre remaining as the focal point. Interim SWG will be supported by Think Centre, until the SWG is ready to function as an independent entity. This will enable and strengthen the SWG to develop.

The Interim SWG will invited concern individuals to join the SWG to promote awareness on human rights.

The Interim SWG will call for meetings in the coming months to expand its membership.

The Interim SWG will also promote awarness on the need for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism and the ASEAN Charter process.

Networking to be done at ASEAN Civil Society Conference II [ACSC II], Cebu, Philippines, to have understanding of the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism and the ASEAN Charter process.

Sinapan Samydorai, Focal Point in Singapore for the Regional Working Group and President of the Think Centre, make a short PowerPoint presentation on the Singapore experience in working towards a human rights mechanism [from 2000 - 2007] There was a brief introduction to the ASEAN Charter process and ASEAN Civil Society Conference II [ACSC II], Cebu, Philippines.

Discussion commenced with clarification on what is the concept of the working group (WG).

• It was established that the WG is one that works in partnership with other regional WG in working towards a human rights mechanism for ASEAN.
• In Singapore, Think Centre (TC) is the focal point and has been spearheading efforts for a local WG since 2000.
• The format of the WG is still open to discussion. Decisions will be taken collectively by consensus.

• To circulate information on the other WGs and how they work.
• TC will continue to be the focal point for the WG until it is established.
• Various suggestion on how the Singapore WG can become a separate identity from TC was shared. The process can be started from our communication process, for instance, in emails that are sent out.
• It was also suggested that the WG undertake Human Rights education. For instance, other countries specific human rights educational experience can be highlighted for learning.
• A position paper from the WG was also suggested
• Media engagement was briefly discussed as an important strategy
• the WG should take note of ‘image and packaging'. The content that we produce should of interest to people
• We should also try to appeal to people from different sectors of society and bring them into the WG, otherwise, it might be the same few faces from civil society and this might not be progressive.

• Perhaps some networking can be done at Cebu Meeting. There is also a forum on the human rights mechanism. WG to look into the outcome of that particular forum
• It was also suggested that the WG steer clear of all political parties and "party politics"
• The WG to focus on how we can help Singaporeans to understand human rights by promoting human rights education in creative ways.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism is an informal coalition of individuals and groups within the region who are working with government institutions and NGOs in the field of human rights. It is organized into national working groups in ASEAN states which are composed of representatives of government institutions, parliamentary human rights committees, the academe, and NGOs. Its primary objective is the establishment of an intergovernmental human rights mechanism in Southeast Asia

20 October 2006, The Focal Point for the Singapore Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism (Think Centre) in co-operation with the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism organized the first "Roundtable Discussion on Establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism" at the Asia-Europe Foundation.

On 20 October 2006, RoundTable Discussion aimed to achieve the following, among others:


• Learn from experience the role of National Working Groups supporting the formation of the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism;


• Learn from experience how Civil Society, Academics and the governments, are facing this challenges;



Note: The RoundTable Discussion was held at the SCWO Centre, on 2nd December 2006.

Relevant Links:

Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism

KomnasHAM Indonesia - National Comission of Human Right


ASEAN Secretariat

Vientiane Action Programme (VAP) 2004-2010

The Paris Principles

Think Centre RoundTable Discussion on Establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism 16 October 2006

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