MALAYSIA is taking the lead in advancing ASEAN’s agenda on business and human rights through a gender-inclusive approach, as it chairs the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for 2025.
Bernama reported, starting Monday, Kuala Lumpur will host a two-day regional workshop focused on developing a gender lens framework to address gender-based challenges, structural and cultural discrimination, and to enhance the protection of the rights of women and girls.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the workshop will also examine the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights – known as the “Protect, Respect and Remedy” framework – with emphasis on its role in realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reducing inequalities.
“Best practices in overcoming challenges and barriers to effective remedies on these issues will also be shared, in line with AICHR’s objective to support ASEAN Member States through recommendations to governments and businesses for consideration in policymaking and implementation,” the statement read.
“In line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, this workshop supports ASEAN’s inclusive and sustainable development efforts and strengthens Malaysia’s leadership in advancing a more responsive business and human rights agenda.”
The workshop is being led by Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Malaysia’s Representative to AICHR and Chair of AICHR for 2025. Opening addresses will be delivered by Bon, Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko, and Deputy Chair of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid.
Dr Pichamon Yeophantong, Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, will deliver the keynote address.
The programme is supported by ASEAN Member States via the AICHR Fund, the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as Malaysian ministries, agencies and SUHAKAM.
The workshop is one of Malaysia’s flagship initiatives as ASEAN Chair this year, reinforcing the country’s strong commitment to human rights under the broader theme of “Inclusion and Sustainability”. - June 30, 2025
