ASEAN had embraced the concept of the rule of law, especially at the international level, ever since its inception in 1967, and it continues to be a cornerstone of the Association until now. First recognised in ASEAN’s founding document–the Bangkok Declaration–as a means to achieve regional peace and stability, the concept of the rule of law is now enshrined in the ASEAN Charter.
The concept of rule of law in the ASEAN Charter is read in conjunction with ASEAN’s commitment to democracy and good governance, adherence to constitutional government and to the promotion and protection of human rights, said H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN, in Brussels yesterday. Speaking at the Third High Level Meeting of the Inter-Regional Dialogue on Democracy held at the European Commission, SG Minh said that “the importance accorded to the rule of law has been brought to new heights in the ASEAN Charter where the rule of law is embraced officially as both a purpose and a principle”.