Consultations on improving the networking capacity of the ASEAN Commission on Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) were discussed at a seminar in the northern province of Quang Ninh on June 17.

The event was held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and UN Women as part of the 2013 Work Plan within the ACWC framework.

Participants at the seminar shared information about ACWC plans and human rights in ASEAN, as well as positive experiences in educational and medical equality and combating violence against women and children.

They discussed the role the ACWC and networks of women and children play in supporting the final conclusions of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

They also gave their opinions on the draft ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children and reference to ACWC articles in Vietnam.

CEDAW and human rights specialist from the UN-Women East and Southeast Asia Sub-Regional office, Amarsanaa Darisuren, and representatives from relevant foreign organizations also presented updated information on children’s rights and the empowerment of women within ASEAN and around the world.

The ACWC now has 20 representatives of women’s and children’s rights from 10 ASEAN member countries and meetings have been held to define the commission’s operational regulations for the 2012-2016 period.

VOV