Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Advocates Divided on Worth of Asean Commission

Soeung Sophat, VOA Khmer
Washington, D.C
Monday, 28 June 2010

After years of effort by civil society, the establishment of the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights was seen as a milestone. However, activists and critics now say they have concerns the body, which was formed in October 2009, might not live up to its goals, and they are divided on it current value.
Human rights violations remain a problem in Cambodia and other parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Burma. The Asean rights commission was supposed to be a major step toward strengthening rights in these countries. But at least four prominent activists interviewed by VOA Khmer agree that the main obstacle for an effective commission will be its lack of protection mechanisms and independence.
“I haven’t seen this commission doing any investigation at all,” said Kek Galabru, founder of the rights group Licadho.

No comments: