PM Najib signs Asean Human Rights Declaration

(The Star) - PHNOM PENH: Asean leaders have adopted the Asean Human Rights Declaration at the 21st Asean Summit here Sunday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak signed on behalf of the Malaysian Government at the Peace Palace where the summit is being held.

The Asean Human Rights Declaration states that every person is entitled to certain rights regardless of race, gender, age, language, religion and political opinions, among others.

The declaration also states that the rights of women, children, elderly and disabled persons and migrant workers are integral and indivisible part of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said the adoption of the declaration is a major development and member states were ready to commit themselves to it.

"Asean shall pursue the protection and promotion of human rights in the region in our own way and also try to maintain the highest standard as expressed in various declarations and instruments of the international community," Surin told a press conference here.