The purpose of the study is to support the ASEAN Commission for Women and Children (ACWC) in their efforts to promote the well-being, development, empowerment and participation of women and children in the ASEAN community. Over the years ASEAN has made several statements recognizing the importance of regional cooperation in improving the conditions of women and children. The Plan of Action for Children was issued in 1993 and in 2004 all 10 ASEAN foreign ministers adopted the declaration on the elimination of violence against Women in the ASEAN region. The ASEAN commitment was reaffirmed through the establishment of ASEAN intergovernmental human rights commission (AICHR) and ASEAN Commission of the promotion and protection of women and children (ACWC).
The study launched 30th of May is meant to provide a basis for a research plan that can serve as a major resource for the ACWC, AICHR, the civil society organisations and ASEAN governments in their future work to create safe environments for women and children. Norway is happy to support this important work. In his speech, the Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN H.E. Eivind S. Homme, congratulated the Human Rights Resource Centre for initiating the study and raising the issue among ASEAN states. He underlined that women’s rights, participation and influence, as well as children’s rights, education and wellbeing are high on the Norwegian political agenda, at home and in our foreign policy.
