Opinion | Asean is falling short in duty to protect citizens’ human rights
Asean is increasingly viewed as a rich man’s club that pursues lucrative business opportunities at the expense of human rights and fundamental freedoms
Not only have Asean authorities failed to protect the most vulnerable, they have stayed silent as some leaders use the pandemic to consolidate their power
The latest Asean Summit, the 36th of its kind, was organised under the theme of a “cohesive and responsive Asean”. In a 27-page statement published at the end of the event, this year‘s chair, Vietnam, said the leaders of the 10-member bloc had made commitments to upholding “Asean unity, solidarity and centrality”.
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On the eve of the summit, fishermen off the coast of Aceh, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, rescued about 100 stranded Rohingya refugees. They were driven to intervene after officials said they planned to push the refugees back out to sea. Here was a prime example of Asean citizens displaying unity and solidarity while their leaders’ claims of such rang hollow.
It is not only the Indonesian government that has consistently let down the Rohingya in Asean. Myanmar in particular, as well as Thailand and Malaysia, have directly contributed to the Rohingya’s suffering through various inhumane actions in recent years, and the situation has grown worse during the Covid-19 pandemic. They have pushed back Rohingya boats under the guise of protecting their citizens against the spread of the coronavirus, with Malaysia in particular witnessing a surge in hateful anti-Rohingya rhetoric.
All other Asean member states deserve their fair share of scrutiny for failing to speak up or act on behalf of the Rohingya and other groups in vulnerable situations. With Myanmar still unwilling to take meaningful steps to address the causes of this crisis, the issue has become a regional shame.
It is not only the Rohingya, of course. For many people who call this region home, Asean is increasingly viewed as a rich man’s club. It is one that pursues lucrative business opportunities at the expense of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its people.
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In Indonesia, rescued Rohingya refugees recount tales of being stranded at sea
In Indonesia, rescued Rohingya refugees recount tales of being stranded at sea
The coronavirus pandemic has further strengthened this viewpoint. Although case numbers in Southeast Asia have remained relatively low compared to other parts of the world, the virus has exposed major flaws and inequalities in the region’s governance. Measures introduced by governments to combat the virus have ignored the concerns of those in already vulnerable situations, including informal and migrant workers.
