ASEAN launches Women, Children’s Rights Commission

VGP – The inauguration of the ASEAN Commission on Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) marks a historical development of the bloc in boosting social welfare and strengthening human rights for regional women and children.

April 07, 2010 11:38 AM GMT+7

The debut of the ASEAN Commission on Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children marks a historical progress of ASEAN development, Hà Nội, April 7, 2010 – Photo: VGP/Nhật Bắc

The ACWC made debut at the third session of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council on April 7 in Hà Nội.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng, the President of ASEAN 2010, assessed the inauguration of ACWC would help to put the aspiration of ASEAN leaders in the Vientiane Action Program (VAP) in reality.

The ACWC will serve as an important instrument for the bloc to strengthen social welfare; ensure human rights of women and children, and encourage their participation into the ASEAN community building process.

The Vietnamese Government chief hoped that the ACWC would strengthen the performance of the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission for Human Rights (AICHR) in order to improve conditions for women and children who make up 50% of ASEAN.

The Vietnamese top government leader also stressed that in 40 years of development, ASEAN has become an imperative political entity and common house for regional countries.

At the 16^th ASAN Summit slated for April 8-9, ASEAN leaders will discuss and speed up regional integration on the basis of the ASEAN Charter.

By Khánh Phương