Towards a regional framework for adherence to children’s human rights in ASEAN?

Abstract

The chapter maps ASEAN’s journey from rejecting universal human rights to the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights in 2012, focusing on the human rights of children. Progress towards achieving specific human rights for children, including participation, health, education and protection from abuse, is assessed both at a regional level and within ASEAN member countries. The chapter highlights considerable progress, but identifies ongoing violations, especially in relation to children whose citizenship status is uncertain or contested. The chapter focuses particularly on gross violation of the human rights of Rohingya children in Myanmar, arguing that the extent of those violations is sufficient to undermine efforts within ASEAN towards a regional framework for children’s human rights. Show more