Publication

In November 2012 ASEAN adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). This paper argues that the AHRD is the product of compromise among the member states. The new provisions on human rights are tempered by concerns for national security and continued support of individual state authority. Given the diversity of political systems within ASEAN and a commitment to non-interference, the author expects progress to be slow. Nonetheless, human rights will increasingly be a concern that ASEAN will be unable to avoid.