Singapore will be appointing two representatives to the ASEAN Commission on Human Rights for the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children in Asia, said the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made the announcement when he attended the Second Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council in Hua Hin, Thailand on October, 22.

At the meeting, the ASCC Council has endorsed the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC).

The Commission’s role is to promote public awareness and education of the rights of the women and children.

More studies and research will also be done to encourage capacity building and the sharing of experiences and good practices related to the well-being of women and children.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said, “Singapore is supportive of this important initiative and I look forward to the launch of the Commission with our representatives onboard.”

Of the two Singaporean nominated to the Commission, one will represent women’s rights and the other children’s rights.

The ACWC, an initiative endorsed by ASEAN Leaders at the 10th ASEAN Summit in 2004, is an inter-governmental body which looks into the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and children in ASEAN.

The official launch of the Commission will take place in Hanoi when Vietnam takes over the Chairmanship of ASEAN next year.