Civil
society organisations gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 7-8 May 2009, to
discuss the draft of Terms of Reference of ASEAN Human Rights Body and
establishment of ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights
of Women and Children (ACWC).

Taking note that establishment of the commission would promote and protect
child rights to "complement other existing mechanisms at national and
international level", their statement issued on 8 May presented detailed
recommendations from the organisations. It also suggested the time frame for
the establishment: October 2010.

"The ACWC must have fiscal autonomy from ASEAN", said the statement.
"Member states of ASEAN shall be responsible for providing funds for the operations
of the ACWC. However, no member state shall have the right to withhold its
funding support for ACWC for any reason".

The organisations are the members of SAPA Task Force on ASEAN and Human Rights
Child Rights Focal Point and representatives of the Regional Child Rights
Coalition in Southeast Asia.

To read the complete statement, please click here.