ASEAN leaders adopted a major declaration. Signed at the 47th ASEAN Summit, the document is the Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment. It is the first time ASEAN has collectively affirmed this human right.
Mandatory regional action plan:
The declaration is more than a statement of principle. It includes a clear plan for follow-up action. It mandates a regional plan of action. The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN) bodies must develop this plan. This ensures strong future implementation. The goal is to address the “triple planetary crisis”—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The declaration commits to greater cross-sectoral cooperation.
Focus on vulnerable groups:
The new document applies to all citizens. It specifically acknowledges vulnerable groups, including women, children, and indigenous communities. Environmental harm impacts them the most. Member States commit to ensuring their equal and effective protection, as per an ASEAN statement.
Core rights for justice and participation:
The declaration enshrines key procedural rights, including access to:
• information and public participation
• justice in environmental matters
This strengthens environmental governance across the region.
Accountability:
The private sector is now included in the commitment. The declaration strongly encourages businesses to respect this environmental right. It promotes the use of risk assessment tools. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are specifically emphasized. This is to proactively prevent and mitigate harm. Regional knowledge-sharing to counter environmental threats will also increase.
