Civil society groups are pressing Southeast Asian leaders to adopt a strong and inclusive ASEAN Environmental Rights (AER) Declaration as the 46th ASEAN Summit opens in Kuala Lumpur.
In a joint statement, more than 40 organizations and 48 individuals criticized the drafting process led by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), citing “lack of transparency, inclusivity, and participation,” especially from climate-vulnerable and marginalized communities.
“Suggestions from CSOs were barely included,” the statement read.
The petition, endorsed by groups including the Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law (ARIEL), Indonesian Centre for Environmental Law (ICEL), ASEAN Youth Forum (AYF), and Asia Pacific Network for Environmental Defenders (APNED), outlined nine key demands.
These include protections for environmental defenders, recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights—including free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC)—stronger corporate accountability, and enforceable environmental assessments.
“ASEAN must no longer delay,” said Max Han of Youths United for Earth and AYF. “We call on Member States to urgently adopt a people-centric Environmental Rights Declaration… Environmental rights mean nothing without enforcement, equity, and accountability from both corporation and state-level.”
Fithriyyah, a former member of the AER Working Group, said the declaration “should be a strong foundation for future environmental rights policies in Southeast Asia.”
Rocky Guzman of ARIEL called for a “robust framework” to prevent abuses and protect defenders and communities, while Lia Mai Torres of APNED cited the killing of at least 34 land and environmental defenders in Southeast Asia between 2022 and 2023.
The declaration remains under negotiation. AICHR Chair Edmund Bon Tai Soon has expressed optimism that it will be adopted this year under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
