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AI Press release Asean Regional For



Subject: AI Press release Asean Regional Forum


ASEAN Regional Forum: Protecting human rights, promoting security and
stability

Amnesty International is urging the Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) to place human rights protection high on its agenda during next
week's ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) discussions on security and stability.

	"Human rights protection is the key to conflict prevention and
resolution," Amnesty International said. "Human rights problems in many
parts of Asia will have serious implications for regional security if they
are left unchecked."

	"Security is about much more than high-level diplomatic meetings. The need
for people within the ASEAN region to enjoy basic human rights should be at
the heart of the ASEAN Regional Forum's discussions."	

	Amnesty International pointed to the rapidly deteriorating situation in
the Indonesian province of Aceh, heightened political violence in East
Timor, recent instability in Cambodia and continuing repression in Myanmar
as examples of the relationship between security and human rights. 
	
	East Timor's popular consultation process can only take place successfully
if the Indonesian authorities prevent militia groups from intimidating and
harassing civilians by disarming and disbanding them. They must also ensure
the neutrality of the security forces and that the police are the sole
agency involved in maintaining law and order. All human rights violations
must also be investigated and those found responsible brought to justice.

	ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners can contribute further to
improving the situation in East Timor by preventing the supply to Indonesia
of small arms, light weapons and other types of military, security and
police equipment, including tear gas, likely to be used to commit human
rights violations. 

	In Aceh, dozens of people have been unlawfully killed by the security
forces while others have "disappeared" or been arbitrarily detained during
the last six months. This has already lead to the internal displacement of
thousands of Acehenese and could again cause refugee outflows to
neighbouring countries. 


	The situation in Myanmar also remains acute, despite ASEAN's claims that
admitting the country as a member in July 1997 would encourage the State
Peace and Development Council (SPDC, Myanmar's military government) to
improve its human rights record .

	In fact, the opposite has been true. The SPDC has stepped up its
repression of the opposition party the National League for Democracy and
increased forcible relocation programs of civilians from ethnic minorities.
Forced labour continues at a high level.


	These violations are clearly having a negative impact on neighbouring
countries, particularly Thailand, Bangladesh, and India, which have all
been affected by large refugee flows. Incursions by government troops and
various armed opposition groups into Thai territory have resulted in
several Thai nationals being killed during the last four years.

	Cambodia's political situation remains fragile; the complete failure to
hold anyone responsible for the political killings of recent years may
contribute to renewed problems in the years ahead. The handling of cases
against former Khmer Rouge leaders will be critical to the country's future
stability and development and Cambodia's regional partners should back
calls for them to be tried through an international process.

		Amnesty International has welcomed ASEAN's establishment of a working
group on human rights and discussions on a possible regional human rights
mechanism. But human rights must also find their proper place in core
discussions on security and economic development -- and be addressed
squarely by the ASEAN Regional Forum.

	"The recent bloodshed in Kosovo is a lesson for the international
community on how human rights violations are the source of serious conflict
and instability, and how preventing violations is central to finding
lasting solutions," Amnesty International said.

ENDS.../