Acharya and Acharya, the Joint Communiqué asserted
that “development is an inalienable right and that the
use of human rights as a conditionality for economic
cooperation and development assistance is detrimental
to international cooperation and could undermine an
international consensus on human rights.”9
Aside from the discourse on “Asian Values”,
another discussion point on human rights was how
to promote and protect them under noninterference
and consensus principles. The “ASEAN Way” is a
watchword adopted by a considerable number of
scholars.10 The main principles of the “ASEAN Way” are
decisionmaking
by consensus, and noninterference
in the internal affairs of member countries. Kasira
explains:
The doctrine of noninterference
and non
conduct to the point that it is viewed as one of the core
elements of the ASEAN Way. The ASEAN Way also
includes minimization of strict institutionalism, and
consensus building achieved through a consultative
process.11
It can be observed, however, that ASEAN
engagement to go around the “ASEAN Way.” According
discussion within ASEAN about sensitive political,
economic and social issues, including human rights
problems in troubled states like Myanmar.12 Liann
Thio, a Singaporean law professor, has characterized
constructive engagement as a policy of peer pressure,
ensuring that practical change is induced while
avoiding isolating or condemning some states.13
While the concept of human rights focuses on
the inalienable rights of individuals, the concept of
concept of human security can be traced back to
UNDP’s Human Report of 1994, although at that time
include economic, health and environmental issues