Editorial

Asean?s soft spot

The summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations over the weekend introduced a new anthem and a new flag showing 10 rice stalks grouped together.

The summit was the first after the Asean Charter came into force last December. According to the declaration, the association aims to be a rules-based, effective, people-centered organization, its members forming One World by 2015.

The global economic crisis made this year?s meetings more significant. Member-states renewed their commitment to coordinate their economic policies and stand firm against protectionism. The belief is that a strong, self-sufficient region, less dependent on the West for exports, would better weather the global downturn.

Up to this point, Asean is right on track. Sound economics means better quality of life for the 570 million people in the region. Doesn?t ?people-centered? mean just this?

Unfortunately, this is not the sole measure of success. To this day, human rights has been a thorny issue for the Asean as it has thus far failed to do anything about the abuses in Myanmar.

The association insists it is trying. This year?s chairman said in his statement: ?We encourage the Myanmar Government to facilitate the national reconciliation process to be more inclusive so as to strengthen national unity, thereby contributing to peace and prosperity?? But encouragement is not the word to use when dealing with a bully.

Already, Myanmar has made it known that dealing with it would not be easy. Its leaders (and those of Cambodia) blocked their own human rights activists from meeting with other countries? civil society representatives.

The Asean?s lofty goals will remain unrealized unless it acts more decisively on Myanmar?s human rights violations. The human rights body that will be established in October should assume a more uncompromising stance. The long-suffering people of Myanmar are part of the people of Asean, too. This breakthrough will be worth showcasing, more than a new flag or anthem.