Established back in 2008, the ASEAN Charter is long due for a review. Issues commonly raised include the need to improve institutional efforts for an ASEAN common voice, develop crisis management mechanisms, and review the mandate of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR). More contentious issues like the need for greater protection of human rights have also been raised by civil society groups. Yet, there appears to be little political interest in ASEAN member states to address these gaps in the Charter.
The Centre on Asia and Globalisation held its 5th Counterpoint Southeast Asia public webinar on 25 November 2022, asking: "Should the ASEAN Charter be revised?" Three Southeast Asian analysts to provide their unique perspectives:
Randy Wirasta Nandyatama, PhD., an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, argued that ASEAN should consider revising its Charter, particularly as it relates to regional compliance mechanisms and the ASEAN Secretariat, to maintain its relevance and credibility.
Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator at the ASEAN Studies Centre and the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, noted that revising the ASEAN Charter will not be a panacea to regional problems, but options to make its implementation more people-centric should be considered.
Imelda Deinla, PhD., an Associate Professor at the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), proposed that the ASEAN Charter in its current form did not hinder ASEAN's ability to act, nor its ability to act decisively. What needed to change were the habits and practices in ASEAN..
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Counterpoint Southeast Asia is a webinar and policy brief series that tackles strategic and complex questions facing Southeast Asia by presenting the perspectives of regional academics and policy experts. It is organised by the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, LKYSPP, NUS.