Ombudsman Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’ participated in the ASEAN Forum on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, held on July 15-16, 2024, in Banten, Indonesia. Organized by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the forum brought together ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs from ASEAN Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Scholars, and UN bodies.
The objective of the forum was to enhance stakeholders’ capacity in implementing Article 24 of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), which guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. This initiative is part of AICHR’s Priority Programme for 2024, endorsed by the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2023.
Discussions highlighted best practices within ASEAN that facilitate various forms of peaceful assembly, including those empowered by communication technology and social media, benefiting marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities. The forum aimed to establish parameters for implementation aligned with international standards and the AHRD, drawing on member states’ examples of good practices.
During the forum’s first day, Ombudsman Guterres spoke in the third session alongside representatives from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. He shared insights into best practices, lessons learned, and challenges in upholding the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Southeast Asia, focusing specifically on Timor-Leste. He referenced Timor-Leste’s Constitution, highlighting its guarantees of freedom of assembly and related rights. He also emphasized the crucial role of regional cooperation in addressing challenges, including legal and administrative barriers, security concerns, and ensuring inclusivity for all segments of society.
Article 24 of the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights affirms the right to freedom of peaceful assembly as a fundamental human right. This recognition imposes an obligation on member states to ensure this right without discrimination, enabling individuals to express themselves collectively and participate in societal governance.
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