To collectively reflect on human rights and peace education in their universities, discuss key priorities and explore further collaboration, the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University hosted over 40 university scholars from ASEAN countries, including China and Japan. These university scholars are all involved in human rights and peace education in ASEAN, China and Japan.
Human Rights Education in Southeast and Northeast Asia: challenges and best practices
The network provides a platform for the members to meet and discuss challenges and share best practices in their human rights education and research. Amongst the recurrent issues discussed was the challenges of the shrinking space for human rights education in their national contexts. The discussions emphasized the importance of a holistic and pragmatic approach to human rights education, where human rights perspectives are included not just in law, but across various disciplines.
Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change in Asia
As part of the network meeting, the regional colloquium meeting on human rights, environment and climate change was organized to encourage participants to learn more about these critical issues. The experts discussed emerging issues affecting the human rights situation in this region, especially highlighting how already vulnerable groups are impacted by environmental degradation. The panelists provided valuable insights in the gendered dimension of climate change, the influence by international enterprises in the region and the important role of indigenous peoples in climate change mitigation.
A Neutral Space for Discussing Regional Challenges
The regional network meeting not only provides an opportunity for exchange and network building, but is also an arena for discussing critical regional challenges in a more neutral space. In addition, the student winners of 2023 Youth Essay Writing Competition under the theme of “Imagining Safe, Clean and Sustainable Environment in ASEAN/SEA” were also invited to share their messages for a sustainable future for the next generations in the region.