Norwegian support to Human Rights Resource Centre’s study on violence, exploitation and migration affecting women and children in ASEAN

At the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Senior Officials' Meeting in Copenhagen on 1 March it was decided that Norway would be admitted to the forum. “I am very pleased with the decision taken in Copenhagen. This opens up a new and meaningful forum for dialogue for Norway,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The 16th summit in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held in early April in Hanoi in Vietnam. The permanent secretariat of ASEAN is located in Jakarta, as well as the Council of Permanent Representatives of the member states.

ASEAN is an association of 10 countries in Southeast Asia that aims to accelerate economic growth, social and cultural development and to protect the peace and stability in the region. The association has its headquarters in Jakarta and the head of the secreatriat is Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan. As of 2009 Thailand acts as Chairman of ASEAN in a rotating Chairmanship.