Does a regional child rights mechanism exist?
While there are political bodies which strive to promote regional cooperation on political and economic issues in both Asia, no mechanisms exist as yet for vindicating breaches of child rights. Discussions have been initiated by the regional grouping ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) about establishing human rights mechanisms for Southeast Asia. The Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism was set up to establish an inter-governmental human rights commission for ASEAN. The Working Group is a coalition of national working groups from ASEAN States made up of representatives of government institutions, parliamentary human rights committees, academics, and NGOs. The ASEAN Charter was launched on 20 November 2007. It codifies ASEAN norms, rules, and values which include the promotion of democracy, human rights and obligations, transparency and good governance. Article 14 states that ASEAN will establish a human rights body in accordance with terms of reference decided
