Background Materials

Led by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the Environmental Rights Framework Working Group (ERF WG) aims to develop a regional framework on environmental rights for consideration by ASEAN. The form and content of the framework may be determined through collaborative discussion by the ERF Working Group and other bodies within and outside ASEAN and the UN to achieve a holistic approach and enhance the coherence of the regional framework. This draft discussion document draws on ASEAN and international experiences for the elements, principles, and framework structure. 

The ERF brings together existing ASEAN commitments and international obligations to restate these obligations in a comprehensive manner and in a single document. It does not create new obligations or seek to introduce new norms; rather, it brings international environmental and human rights norms into a new regional framework.

ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
Aarhus Convention
Escazu Agreement
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze
ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Sustainability
ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris
Agreement on the Establisment of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
ASEAN Declaration on Cultural Heritage
ASEAN Blue Economy Framework
Framework Principles on Human Rights and the Environment