Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed on Monday the Philippines’ commitment to an “ASEAN-owned and ASEAN-led” approach to the promotion and protection of human rights as the bloc begins implementing the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Five-Year Work Plan (2026–2030).

During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ interface with the AICHR, Lazaro lauded the commission’s continuous efforts and its role in fostering a deeper understanding of human rights across the region.

“A significant number of ambitious priority programs and activities across several thematic areas have been (implemented) since its inception. (This) provides us with a profound understanding of how human rights might be nurtured, underscoring an ASEAN-owned and ASEAN-led approach in addressing the challenges and leveraging opportunities in this area,” she said.

She underscored the importance of synergy among regional actors, adding that the Philippines “fully recognizes and trusts efforts to strengthen cross-sectoral and cross-pillar collaboration between future, regional actors, stakeholders, (and) concerned partners in the pursuit of this mandate.”

As the region embarks on the 2026–2030 work plan, Lazaro expressed hope that the commission would further refine its strategies to address both persistent and emerging challenges.

She also highlighted the bloc’s recent legislative milestones, specifically the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Health and a Sustainable Environment and the ASEAN Declaration Promoting the Right to Development.

“We commend AICHR for spearheading the process of crafting these landmark documents,” she added.

Lazaro said she looks forward to seeing these commitments transition “from inspiring words on paper to something concrete, tangible and actionable that will be felt by our peoples.”

In order for the AICHR to be more visible and relevant, Lazaro said institutional strengthening is needed to address its vision for a “principled, consultative and people-centered body”.

She said the rights and fundamental freedoms of ASEAN citizens, particularly the vulnerable, remain the priority.

“Together with the Philippine Chairship, we have asked them, guided by our Chairship theme ‘Navigating Our Future Together’, to set a path towards peace, stability, human and economic cooperation and empower our constituencies,” she added. (PNA)