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