Advancing Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific: A Focus on Institution Building

Abstract

This research paper, by critically examining the prospects for institutionalizing human rights protection in the Asia-Pacific with special reference to the right to education, aims to contribute to the ongoing debate and provide valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars working towards a more just and equitable region where the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of all individuals are respected and protected.

The Asia-Pacific region grapples with a stark contrast: remarkable economic growth and development juxtaposed with a significant deficit in robust human rights protection mechanisms. This research paper, “Advancing Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific: A Focus on Institution Building,” delves into this complex landscape, critically examining the prospects for strengthening and expanding human rights institutions within the region. While the Asia-Pacific lacks a unified regional human rights framework, the establishment of ASEAN's sub-regional human rights commission in 2009 signals a potential shift. This paper, employing a multidisciplinary approach drawing upon legal scholarship, international relations, and Asian studies, analyses this pivotal moment. It challenges the prevailing skepticism surrounding the region's readiness for stronger human rights mechanisms and explores diverse forms these institutions might take. This research posits that a tailored approach to institutional development, emphasizing context-specific solutions reflecting the region's unique characteristics and challenges, is crucial for advancing human rights protection in the Asia-Pacific.