25 November 2013 - The Philippines is hosting a special meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) from November 24 to 26.

The AICHR is the overarching body responsible for human rights in ASEAN, mandated by ASEAN Leaders to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of the peoples of ASEAN in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.

The AICHR Representatives shall discuss at their meeting, among others, the implementation of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), upcoming AICHR activities, strengthening of the AICHR Secretariat, and cooperation with Dialogue Partners on human rights.

At the opening of the meeting, AICHR Representatives expressed their solidarity and condolences to the people and Government of the Philippines in the aftermath of super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).  END