Malcolm Rivera
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization that brings together 10 states in Southeast Asia to promote economic and security cooperation among its members. ASEAN has been criticized for its weak promotion of human rights and democracy, particularly in junta-led Myanmar, and its non-interference principle has been cited as a hindrance to addressing human rights abuses and haze pollution in the region. While there is no direct mention of slavery as a criterion for rejection from ASEAN, human trafficking and modern slavery are prevalent issues in the region, with thousands of people trafficked within and through ASEAN countries each year. The ASEAN member countries have signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), which aims to prevent and combat human trafficking and protect the rights of victims. However, the effectiveness of these measures and the impact of ASEAN in addressing these issues remain limited.
Explore related products
![A History of Violence (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lqpbUFtWL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
ASEAN's anti-slavery efforts
ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional grouping of 10 states in Southeast Asia. It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
The organisation has faced criticism for its weak promotion of human rights and democracy, particularly in junta-led Myanmar. Despite global outrage at the military crackdown on unarmed protesters in Yangon, ASEAN has refused to suspend Myanmar as a member and rejected proposals for economic sanctions. During a UN vote against the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya, most member states voted to either abstain or against the condemnation.
However, ASEAN has taken steps to combat modern slavery and human trafficking within its member states. In 2017, the ASEAN member countries signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), which entered into force after the Philippines became the sixth member state to ratify the convention. ACTIP is the first regionally binding instrument on human trafficking and aims to prevent and combat trafficking, ensure the punishment of traffickers, protect and assist victims, and promote cooperation among member states.
The ASEAN member states have also engaged in capacity-building activities, such as regional workshops, to share good practices and identify areas for effective domestic and regional cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. This is particularly important as human trafficking is predominantly a transnational crime.
While ASEAN has made efforts to address modern slavery and human trafficking, there are still concerns about the implementation and effectiveness of these measures. For example, in the fisheries sector, there has been criticism of industry groups for focusing more on discussions than on using their influence to create tangible change. Additionally, the gradual formation of the ASEAN Economic Community has softened borders, potentially increasing the flow of migrant workers and children who are vulnerable to the slave and trafficking trade.
Politics: A Key Influence on the Constitution
You may want to see also
Human trafficking
The ASEAN region is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking due to several factors. Firstly, the economic development and political instability of certain ASEAN countries make them attractive destinations for migrants, including Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, and Malaysia. These countries offer economic opportunities that draw in asylum seekers, regular and irregular labour migrants. Secondly, the gradual formation of the ASEAN Economic Community softens borders, facilitating the movement of people between ASEAN countries and potentially increasing the risk of human trafficking.
The fight against human trafficking requires inter-country and multi-sectoral collaboration, and ASEAN member states have been working to identify areas where effective domestic and regional cooperation can be established. However, critics have charged ASEAN with weakly promoting human rights and democracy, particularly in junta-led Myanmar, where human rights abuses have occurred. Despite global outrage, ASEAN has refused to suspend Myanmar as a member or impose economic sanctions. This has led to concerns among other regional blocs, such as the European Union, which has refused to conduct free trade negotiations with ASEAN due to these political reasons.
Bureaucracy: Constitutional Justifications and Their Limits
You may want to see also
ASEAN's political and security dialogue
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was established in 1967 by five original member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since then, it has expanded to include Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, signed at the First ASEAN Summit in 1976, outlines the fundamental principles that should guide the relations between the High Contracting Parties. These include mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity, as well as the right of every state to exist free from external interference, subversion, or coercion.
ASEAN has adopted several major political accords to further these goals. Notable examples include the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, the ASEAN Declaration on Joint Action to Counter Terrorism, and the Joint Declaration of the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Promoting Defence Cooperation for a Dynamic ASEAN Community.
ASEAN also fosters friendly relations and mutually beneficial dialogues, cooperation, and partnerships with countries, sub-regional, regional, and international organizations and institutions. This includes external partners, ASEAN entities, human rights bodies, non-ASEAN Member States Ambassadors to ASEAN, and ASEAN committees in third countries.
To facilitate these relationships, ASEAN has established ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organisations (ACTCs) to promote and coordinate ASEAN's interests and identity in their respective host countries and international organisations.
In terms of addressing slavery and human trafficking, ASEAN member countries have signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). This convention is the first regionally binding instrument on human trafficking and aims to prevent and combat trafficking, punish traffickers, protect and assist victims, and promote cooperation among member states.
The US Constitution: What's Been Removed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
ASEAN's stance on human rights
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was established in 1967 by five original member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since then, five other countries have joined: Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, signed at the First ASEAN Summit in 1976, declared that the high contracting parties should be guided by the following fundamental principles: mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations; the right of every state to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion, or coercion; non-interference in the internal affairs of one another; and the settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means.
The AHRD has been criticized by some ASEAN civil societies, international human rights organizations, and the U.S. Department of State for its lack of transparency and failure to consult with civil society during the drafting process. Despite these criticisms, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed ASEAN's renewed commitment to universal human rights norms, noting that "it is essential that ASEAN ensures that any language inconsistent with international human rights standards does not become a part of any binding regional human rights convention."
In addition to the AHRD, ASEAN has also established the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in 2009 to promote and protect human rights within the region. However, there have been concerns about the independence and critical capacity of AICHR, as its members are government appointees, with only three states having open selection processes.
ASEAN has also taken steps to address specific human rights issues within the region. For example, ASEAN member countries have signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), which aims to prevent and combat human trafficking, ensure the punishment of traffickers, protect and assist victims of trafficking, and promote cooperation among member states in addressing this issue.
The Evolution of Georgia's Constitution
You may want to see also
ASEAN's economic partnerships
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organisation that plays a pivotal role in economic growth, political stability, and cultural development across Southeast Asia. Established in 1967, it initially consisted of five member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since then, it has expanded to include Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste, which is currently in the process of integration.
ASEAN has established strategic partnerships with major powers such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. These partnerships are governed by frameworks such as the ASEAN Plus Three (APT), which includes China, Japan, and South Korea, for discussions on economic and political cooperation.
ASEAN also maintains economic relationships with other countries and organisations. For example, the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) has been in effect since 2008. Additionally, the United States and ASEAN have advanced their economic cooperation, with the relationship elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
ASEAN countries have diverse national interests, resulting in varying priorities in their economic partnerships. For instance, Vietnam focuses on expanding its manufacturing and export sectors, while Indonesia seeks investment in infrastructure and energy. Singapore, on the other hand, prioritises partnerships in digital innovation and biotechnology, and the Philippines emphasises cooperation in business process outsourcing and securing investments in infrastructure and agriculture.
While ASEAN has made significant strides in economic partnerships, it also faces challenges, such as addressing modern slavery and human trafficking within the region. ASEAN member countries have signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), recognising the need for inter-country and multi-sectoral collaboration to combat this issue effectively.
Interpreting the Constitution: Literal or Broad?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly abbreviated as ASEAN, is a regional grouping of 10 states in Southeast Asia that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its members.
Critics have charged ASEAN with weakly promoting human rights and democracy, particularly in junta-led Myanmar. Some scholars think that non-interference has hindered ASEAN's efforts to handle the Myanmar issue, human rights abuses, and haze pollution in the area.
ASEAN member countries have signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). ACTIP is the first regionally binding instrument on trafficking in persons, and is aimed at preventing and combating trafficking in persons, especially women and children; ensuring just and effective punishment of traffickers; protecting and assisting victims of trafficking in persons with full respect for their human rights; and promoting cooperation.
Slavery alone will not constitute a rejection to join ASEAN. However, ASEAN's non-interference principle means that it is unlikely to take action against a member state that fails to address slavery within its borders.
