and the creation of a single inter-connected database among ASEAN Member States to enhance the Labor Market Information System. They will strengthen support to networks that facilitate the movement of goods, capital, labor, and ideas that reduce overall transaction cost.With respect to the Sharia Law, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program of Brunei Darussalam was also endorsed.

19 August 2015 | Wednesday THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ASEAN Vol. 1 No. 2 | Page 1

Economic Ministers prioritize regional branding, mobility of workers

Socio-cultural Community Ministers fail to adopt declaration on statelessness

The Economic Community Member States deliberate upon the draft declarations on Managing the Mobility of Skilled Labor Within the ASEAN and Sustaining the Growth of Tourism through Effective Regional Branding and Creative Marketing Strategy.

Managing labor migrant workers

PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER—The Republic of the Philippines is committed to deepening economic integration among the regional members, including removing obstacles to trade and mobility of skilled labor. The Philippines, as a labor-sending country, sees the importance of migration management, which will be beneficial to migrant workers. The declaration on tourism stressed the creation of a strong regional identity through

a regional branding tourism campaign, which uses the “ASEAN: Your Home in Asia” tagline. It suggested the creation of a single tourism destination in partnership with private and international organizations through the development of tri-media advertisement. The declaration encouraged the printing of magazines and brochures that will showcase ASEAN tourist destinations to be distributed to airline companies. Member States recommended the establishment of labor migration help centers Continue to Page 2

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The ASEAN Foundation,together with Miriam College,requests the attendance of

Member States in the

at the MMJ Foyer.Thursday,

twentieth of August,two thousand fifteen,

6 o’clock in the evening.

iplomaticightDN

THE DRAFT declaration on statelessness failed to pass during the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the ASEAN socio-cultural community as two Member States abstained from voting. Thedelegates fromIndonesia and Thailand did not support thedraft declarationbecause they identifiedprovisions that were against their national interest. The delegate of Indonesia abstained from voting because of a clause that states that all Member States must increase their registration offices inorder to reduce theduration and the

expenses of travelling and process of birth registration. The delegate mentioned that an increase in the number of registration

by THE JAKARTA POST, MALAYSIAN INSIDER, and BANGKOK POST

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through civil societies and sharing information such as the number of victims, traffickers, and perpetrators.

Preventive measures on trafficking

BRUNEI TIMES—In the Trafficking and Smuggling Order of 2004, Brunei Darussalam aimed to impose fines on the offender as compensation to the trafficked person. Bringing this issue in the ASEAN level, Brunei encouraged other Member States to take preventive steps in ensuring that their states will not be a target area of human trafficking. The same Order of 2004 was recognized during the Senior Officials’ Meeting on the ASEAN Declaration Against Trafficking in Persons.

Continuous exchange of information

THE JAKARTA POST–The Indonesian government has made several transnational initiatives to address the issue of human trafficking, since it is a place of origin for human trafficking. The recommendation that all Member Sates must have a responsible exercise of exchange of information regarding the list of perpetrators, victims, and extradite individuals will strengthen Indonesia’s existing Agreement with Australia since 2004, the Crime Coordination Center. It is an avenue

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Open shelters for animals

MALAYSIAN INSIDER—The delegate from Malaysia shared that the country plans to have sanctuaries for land animals to help the country in protecting its endangered species as part of its tourism campaign. The delegate emphasized that the sanctuaries, supported by private sectors, will be an open environment rather than a zoo where animals are caged and limited to roam. These sanctuaries will hopefully attract more visitors to Malaysia. Two of the highlights in the declaration on sustaining the growth of tourism were the launching of a Muslim-friendly app and the preservation of marine life forms and aquatic environment. The other agenda of the Socio-Economic Community Senior Officials’ Meeting

From Page 1Economic... highlighted the establishment of help centers for migrant workers in each Member State, the development of a single interconnected database that contains domestic regulations and work visa requirements, the development of the Framework for Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Program, and an intra-ASEAN On-The-Job training (OJT).The delegate from Malaysia believes that the TVET program may help address its lack of skilled workers, while the intra-ASEAN OJT will enable undergraduates to have a cross-cultural job training experience.

Workforce enhancement

THE MYANMAR TIMES—The Republic of the Union of Myanmar has considerable support to the draft declarations of the

socio-cultural pillar as they will advance the welfare of migrant workers and will boost the country’s tourism sector. The Member States agreed to equip their workforce by sending workers to training centers within the ASEAN community and by establishing labor migration help centers to protect the rights of migrant workers. With the aim to enhance its workforce by collaborating with Member States in providing various kinds of training for its workforce, Myanmar promoted cross-border On-the-Job Trainings and encouraged its workforce to come back to their home country. Myanmar focused on promoting responsible tourism by protecting the environment, creating a country tag line, and developing stable economy by promoting tourist spots in Myanmar.

Collaborative efforts in eradicating human traffickingThe Semior Officials’ Meeting of the Political-Security Community reiterate on the freedom of the press, collaboration of ASEAN States in abolishing human trafficking, and rehabilitation of the victims. Both the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) adopted a declaration in their repective meetings.

Rehabilitation centers

THE PHNOM PEHN POST—Cambodian delegate urged fellow Member States to implement effective investigation measures against human trafficking perpetrators and for the protection of its victims, especially among children. According to the delegate, children in Cambodia are trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced employment, sometimes in organized begging rings, soliciting, and street vending. Thus she proposed the institutionalizing of a national rehabilitation center to improve the psychosocial being of these children victims. “I deeply felt the sense of gratitude to my

fellow ASEAN Member States for passing this declaration, since this will be helpful for us and for the entire ASEAN community,” the delegate said.

Trafficking penalty

VIENTIANE TIMES–Member States proposed to have a border control agreement to increase the task force of guarding borders. All Member States are urged to adopt the Anti-Trafficking Law that will punish traffickers. With that, Lao PDR supports the Member States in mainstreaming rehabilitation centres

Press freedom ensuesAMIDST differences in beliefs and culture, Member States passed the draft declaration of the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) that focuses on fulfilling the right to freedom of the press, with a complete voting bloc of 10/10 at the Political-Security Senior Officials’ Meetings, August 19.

BRUNEI TIMES— Brunei believes in protecting the right to freedom of the press because of its contributions to the peace and stability of the state as well as its promotion of government priorities. However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam pointed out, “Press Freedom in Brunei Darussalam is anchored in the State’s philosophy Melayu

Islam Beraja (MIB). It states that the citizens should respect the authority of the Royal Family. Therefore, press freedom is expressing ideas without challenging the government.” Following the principle of ASEAN, the honorable ministers respected the sovereignty of Brunei.

THE JAKARTA POST—The Republic of Indonesia recognizes the freedom of the press as top priority of the country. The draft declaration’s emphasis on providing solutions to address press freedom will not contradict the integral exercise of the sovereignty of the State but will help Indonesia in maximizing the limitation of its press situation.

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19 August 2015 | Wednesday Vol. 1 No. 2 | Page 3

ACWC drafts its working paper.policy analysis

offices would mean that there will also be a need to increase the number of labor force and equipment needed, which will entail an increase in spending. Considering the archipelagic state of Indonesia and their lack of funds, it would be difficult to maintain the offices, she said. In Indonesia, people whose birth is unregistered peoples are not included in the total countries official count of its population. The recommendation to establish offices to allow accessible birth registration means a considerable budget allocation, which the country cannot spare. Thailand’s abstention from voting stemmed from a clause on respecting and securing the basic human rights of women and children within the State’s territory including undocumented indigenous peoples, even though the indigenous community is recognized by the state. According to the delegate of Thailand, all indigenous peoples should be the subject of this clause, including indigenous communities not recognized by the State. Thailand mentioned the case of the Rohingya peoples who are recognized as indigenous peoples but are not registered by the State of Myanmar. However, the delegate of Malaysia noted that concerns over non-negotiable clauses had been discussed during caucuses at the committee level and that the resolution passed with no problems or amendments. Thus, at the Senior Officials’ Meeting, the delegate from Malaysia did not expect any difficulty in drafting the declaration. She expressed her surprise at the declaration’s failure. The delegate of Malaysia suspects that a delegate misunderstood the difference between refugees and undocumented indigenous peoples. She added that the problem about the creation of additional birth registration offices was based on not including a stipulation that this plan was not mandatory but will only take effect when necessary. The delegate shared her dismay at the failure of the declaration because there was a serious attempt to make it inclusive and be sensitive to the concerns of all Member States.

From Page 1Socio-cultural...

CNN–Rapporteurs from each committee successfully presented the resolutions although clarifications and questions about its feasibility were raised. The Disaster Management Committee proposedtrainings, workshops and seminars on disaster risk reduction in oder to build a culture of disaster preparedness.Ms. Bianca Reyes, the delegate of Thailand representing the ASEAN Ministerial on Disaster Management (AMMDM) stressed on theneed to train before, what to do during and afterdisaster. But looking on this solution, is this a new idea?People are aware that there aresimilarprograms that are already implemented in even the smallest sectors of a nation. Yet,communitiescontinue to experience massive destruction and casualties when a disaster strikes. The committee should design more effective ways of implementing its programs considering the indigenous

peoples of ASEAN countries. Thailand stated that they are able to ask for assistance from NGOs and ASEAN Member States in times of disasters. However, United States has deepened its socio-cultural cooperation with the ASEAN through sponsoring a disaster management workshop in Bangkok, Thailand in 2012. US has progressed its partnership with the ASEAN since its establisment in 1977. The US.ASEAN-US partnership has great potential in the future, so why end it? The Commission on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Women and Children Committee propsed a mobile birth registration to ensure the right of women and children to nationality. The delegate of Malaysia and the rapporteur of the ACWC, Ms. Jessamine Rasol, explained thatdocuments will be translated into languages and dialects to address the needs of indigenous peoples. Problems about migrants and refugees were raised, however they were not addressed in the

BBC–Committee meetings in the ASEAN Conference were held morning of August 19.Rapporteurs of each pillar presented their resolution, which was afterward debated among the committee members. The rapporteur of the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) committee presented their resolution on how the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, focusing on fulfilling the right to freedom of the press, can be fully implemented. The resolution that has been agreed upon by all members of the committee called for self-censorship. According to the rapporteur, self-censorship encouraged individual journalists to be more cautious and responsible about the information they share because the public may be unduly influenced to pursue action for change. The resolution includes calling for regular round table discussion among Member States to report and update the AICHR on current issues related to the responsible fulfillment

of press freedom and updates on the existing issues in each Member State. In addition, one of the clauses recommended an emphasis on educating the public about the role of the press through workshops, infographics, awareness programs, and public forums. But what does it mean to have self-censorhip? To what extent can and even should members of the media withhold information? Would the importance of self-censorship be prioritized over the importance of the information disclosed to the public? Also, is it not a form of deception, given that they hold back information that may be critical for the knowledge of the civilians? This is not to say that harmful and offensive information should be irresponsibly reported; but would self-censorship not trigger suspicion among civilians because something is held back from them? This begs the questions, “Is self-censorship the ideal resolution for the fulfillment of the right to freedom of the press?”

resolution. To avoid problems such as social imbalance, there should be actions taken to solve the issue. The Tourism Committee dealt with environmental injustices, security, and tourism management. The safety of tourists was considered to ensure that tourism spots in the ASEAN are promoted. The seasonal example for this is the bombing in Bangkok last Monday, August 17. They welcomedthe idea of promoting ASEAN tourist spots as one becauseit will boost the economy of all Member States and will attract possible partnerships with different countries.Member States are encouraged to provide unique establishments and services such as “the biggest swimming pool slide in the world.” The three committees discussed in this article gave good resolutionsyet have flaws that can always be fixed in future ASEAN integrations.

policy analysisResolving resolutions

Bridging the gap

Vol. 1 No. 2 | Page 4 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ASEAN 19 August 2015 | Wednesday

Socio-cultural community highlights minority rightsTHE SENIOR Officials’ Meeting on the Socio-cultural Community focused on the creation of an ASEAN-based birth registration, formation of a community-based planning for indigenous peoples, and inclusive participation of women, children, and minorities in disaster management

Vulnerable sectors’ participation in disaster management

SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDING—Being a country that has minimal problems in calamities and natural disasters, Singapore encouraged fellow Member States to follow and adopt its system on disaster preparedness.During the ASEAN Socio-Economic Community Senior Officials’ Meeting (ASEC SOM), the delegate from Singapore highlighted the community participation of women, children, and vulnerable sectors in disaster management, in response to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) resolution that aims to build a culture of disaster preparedness.The ASEC SOM focused on the following purposes, among others: to lessen the number of stateless individuals and to achieve zero property damage and casualty during a disaster.

Community-based planning for indigenous peoples

GUJARATI—Viet Nam encouraged community-based planning to produce a framework that will be suitable for indigenous peoples. The Sendai Framework of Japan serves as a guide for Viet Nam to have an alarm system to notify the public about an impending natural calamity. Establishments will be built for children experiencing stress due to a natural calamity.Viet Nam is deeply alarmed with the widespread cases of lack of birth certificates and statelessness of women and children. It supported the Member States in enhancing regional and legal frameworks by sharing their practices in the registration and documentation of citizenships.

Birth registration organization

BANGKOK POST—Thailand, together with Malaysia, proposed to have an ASEAN-based birth registration organization that will back-up documents from local census bureaus.Migrants who face the need to prove their nationality may access their documents through this ASEAN-based organization.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Francheska Camille Go, Blessed Kesiah Alvarez

BBC Marie Frances Duca CNN Paola NeyraBRUNEI TIMES Stephanie Faye Ricadel THE PHNOM PEHN POST Blynda Mae Gutang

THE JAKARTA POST Samantha Cinco VIENTIAN TIMES Zandra PerezMALAYSIAN INSIDER Genica Gale Lahoz THE MYANMAR TIMES Kae Tamase

PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER Karen Rose Dilao BANGKOK POST Jiselle SantiagoSINGAPORE PRESS HOLDING Rebecca Salvana GUJARATI Christine Joy Aran

PHOTOGRAPHER Alan Arrogante, Ray Carvajal

ADVISER Ms. Charity Durano

The delegate from Thailand then raised the importance of having a budget plan for the implementation of mobile birth registration system. However, she said that the probable weakness of their declaration is its focus only on children due to the lack of recognition for women in other Member States. “We need to give nationality to women and children but in our resolution and declaration it would be focused on children because we cannot include women,” the delegate stated.The ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) delegate helped craft a statement that involves integrating Disaster Risk Reduction Management into school curricula as well as a clause that would encourage Member States to adopt the United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. She viewed the protection of vulnerable sectors, especially in times of calamities, as the most significant clause of their declaration. With hopes for the declaration to aid the whole ASEAN community, the delegate encouraged all Member States to implement it well and seek support from respective nations.

where both countries exchange information and tactics with regards to transnational crimes. The operative clause that emphasizes a more efficient provision of mutual legal assistance to victims of trafficking on the prosecution of perpetratorsis already apparent in the country because they ask for documents from the country of origin of the citizens who committed the crime. Due to Indonesia’s archipelagic state, the citizens living in the borders are prone to human trafficking. Member States proposed to international organizations to increase the programs dedicated to raise awareness against human trafficking, especially to the most vulnerable sectors.

From Page 2Political...