ASEAN leaders and AIPAA representatives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2022
Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev
In November 2022 at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit which is the most prominent policy-making body in the organization of ASEAN where the Heads of State or Government of ASEAN Members states participate, Cambodian Prime Minister, Hu Sen, handed over the chairmanship for ASEAN chairmanship to the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. Thus, symbolically emphasizing the change in ASEAN leadership. One of ASEAN’s chair goals is setting ASEAN priorities and acting on behalf of ASEAN countries in the international community. Indonesia’s once again the chairman of ASEAN for the fourth time, prior to holding this during 1976, 2003, and 2011. This time, Indonesia upholds the theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” aiming to develop ASEAN’s capacity institutionally and effectiveness to enhance the region’s growth, economic sustainability, and inclusivity. Furthermore, Indonesia prioritizes the continuity of overcoming the challenges with cooperation among the ASEAN nations, including human rights challenges.
One of the instances ASEAN as a whole has to tackle regarding human rights issues is the humanitarian situation in Myanmar deteriorating into a catastrophe. Civilians are becoming the target of indiscriminate attacks adding to war crimes. Therefore, the authorities in Myanmar are obligated to release the prisoners jailed for political crimes and adopt a process that is inclusive to help stabilize the country democratically to create peace and security. The systematic abuses in Myanmar and the widespread use of the junta have been deteriorating since the coup which was prompted by the military’s goal to maintain its central role in Burmese politics that took place in February 2021. Recently, Myanmar’s National Unity Government which democratically is Myanmar’s elected government in exile continuously seeks international aid. More than 2.500 people have lost their lives to the junta military and more than 13.000 people have been detained, according to an interview with Radio Free Asia in November 2022. In this regard, the ASEAN found its middle ground in regulating a consensus called the Five Point Consensus. Five Point Consensus focuses on eliminating violence, holding dialogues among relevant parties, and providing mediation by the special envoy of ASEAN as well as humanitarian aid.
Protests happening in Myanmar
However, the High Commissioner of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, believes that the junta has violated the consensus severely. Additionally, Human Rights Watch stated that ASEAN didn’t meet the expectations about taking serious measures to demand the Junta end its human rights violations. Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, encourages all ASEAN countries to team up and seek solutions that are unified and centered on fulfilling the aspirations of the people in Myanmar. Moreover, advocates for more protection, access to open borders, and assistance for refugees are in dire need. The immense situation in Myanmar has been a threat to the stability and unity of ASEAN. This crisis also harms the values of democracy and human rights.
ASEAN has taken an open-door policy by vitalizing liberalization through pushing investment and trade as well as acknowledging the influence of Junta military leadership. This approach was strongly supported by the other ASEAN members as it complemented the vision of a “non-interference policy” in ASEAN. This policy reinforces ASEAN regulations consisting of the ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and ASEAN Declaration in 1967.
As chair, Indonesia is expected to lead ASEAN to straighten out this issue and strengthen democracy and human rights in Myanmar. The Five Point Consensus should be applied entirely considering the situation in Myanmar is significantly fragile. Indonesia, as ASEAN’s chair, has put some effort such as conducting “shuttle diplomacy” to deal with Myanmar’s conflict. Regionally, Indonesia has continuously encouraged every ASEAN member to implement the action plan persuading Myanmar’s Junta to hold elections. In conclusion, Myanmar’s human rights crisis is a challenge to be solved for the new ASEAN chair. However, decisive measures shall be applied thoroughly with more persuasion from the ASEAN countries.
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