Outcomes of the 21st ASEAN Summit

The ASEAN Heads of State/Government and the Secretary-General of ASEAN gathered at the Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the 21st ASEAN Summit. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Chairman of the 21st ASEAN Summit, presided over the Plenary Session. The ASEAN Heads of State/Government discussed the Progress of the Implementation of the ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN Community, Follow-up to the 20th ASEAN Summit, the Progress Report on the Implementation of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, signed Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, Exchange of View on Regional and International Issues, and issued Leaders’ Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).  ASEAN Leaders agreed to sign, adopt and note the following documents as the outcome documents:  a) Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration; b) ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD);  c) ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC);  d) Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) Showing their commitment to peace and stability in the region, the Summit also witnessed the launch of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR). ASEAN achieved another landmark with the adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. The AHRD would include provisions on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as well as the right to development and the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups. Provisions would also be included to foster cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights. The Leaders adopted the Bali Concord III Plan of Action 2013 – 2017, which is a manifestation of ASEAN’s global outreach to contribute further in a more coordinated, cohesive and coherent manner. It reflects ASEAN commitment to take an increasing role in addressing global challenges by enhancing collaboration to adopt common positions on issues of mutual interest in regional and international fora. The leaders also approved the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre in Cambodia. The move is timely and essential, as almost all ASEAN countries had to deal with the menace of land mines. The ASEAN Summit is an annual meeting held by the member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in relation to economic, and cultural development of Southeast Asian countries. The league of ASEAN is currently connected with other countries who aimed to participate on the missions and visions of the league. Apparently, the league is conducting an annual meeting with other countries in an organization collectively known as the ASEAN dialogue partners. ASEAN +3 adds China, Japan and South Korea.