Regional Dialogue

A female waste picker’s simple dream is, in its own way, part of a much bigger plan toward a plastic-free future for Vietnam. 

Since its establishment in 2009 as part of the ASEAN Regionalism Framework, the AICHR has played a crucial role in advancing human rights in the region. Despite facing criticism, it has withstood significant challenges in the region, including silence of the ASEAN member states on pressing issues such as the Philippines’ “war on drugs” in 2017 and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the overall human rights ecosystem in the region.

In a coastal city in the Philippines, poor families in the urban margins participate in the efforts to stem the effects of climate change, yet they are still likely to bear its worst effects. This piece explains why “segregation at source” measures that target households is not enough to stem the tide of plastic wastes. 

Since 2005, the ACSC/APF remains a valuable platform for civil society organizations in Southeast Asia fostering regional advocacy and solidarity. Over the years, it has attracted diverse organisations such as the members of the LGBTQI+. As the 2024 forum was recently held in Timor-Leste in September, this article looks back, reflects on the particular issues and concerns observed through the years and how these could be addressed to provide safe spaces for CSOs, particularly to countries with restrictive regimes.

This web-dossier serves as a platform to share a wide range of knowledge from Southeast Asia experts. 

Despite warnings that Typhoon Yagi would be a superstorm, its aftermath left devastation beyond what Vietnam could have imagined, offering a costly lesson in responding to natural disasters.

Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day with a historic ceremony in Nusantara, the new capital. Outgoing President Jokowi and incoming President Prabowo both took part in the event, symbolizing the shift to a new era. Despite the celebration, the move to Nusantara has sparked mixed reactions and debates.

Now in its 20th year, the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum (ACSC/APF, the largest gathering of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Southeast Asia, has held a vital role as a platform for CSOs in voicing various concerns.

Indonesian Tempe Movement (ITM), an organization founded by a three-generation food scientists in Indonesia, has rediscovered the centuries old traditional food – Tempe – and explored the use of different types of leaves in wrapping it. Although modernity has swept across all aspects of life, including food consumptions, many regions in Indonesia still face significant challenges related to malnutrition particularly growth stunting due to economic and natural factors. 

The ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue offers opportunities for Member States to be more transparent and frank in their discussions of human rights – as the key avenue for making stronger progress through normalizing talk of human rights and addressing issues.