Engaging with the Philippines’ Representative to AICHR The ten-member AICHR holds two regular meetings per year, with additional meetings convened as required. Decisions made by AICHR are based on consultation and consensus. As part of its mandate to develop guidance on human rights issues in the ASEAN region, AICHR is currently considering the development of a regional framework on environmental rights. To support this process, the CHRP held meetings – in person and via Zoom – with H.E Aileen Mendiola-Rau in November and December 2022, as well as in February 2023.These meetings were an opportunity for information exchange, including for the CHR to better understand the mandate and functions of the Philippines’ Representative to AICHR with respect to the development of the proposed regional framework on environmental rights. Another key area of exchange was on potential areas for support and collaboration between the CHRP and the Philippines Representative. It is important to note, however, that H.E Mendiola-Rau was subsequently appointed as the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs in March 2023. From 30 March 2023, the Philippines’ Representative to AICHR is H.E. Hans Mohaimin L. Siriban. The CHRP conducted a courtesy meeting with H.E. Siriban in May 2023 to share about this project and discuss other possible entry points for collaboration. Learning session and workshop for national stakeholders From 16-18 November 2022, the CHRP hosted a dialogue with key national stakeholders to share the findings and recommendations of the NICC report and discuss the linkages between the environment, climate change and business and human rights. The three-day program included a focus on the gender dimensions of climate change and the right to a healthy environment. Recognising the urgent need to promote coordinated action on climate change, the program was designed to engage with and gather insights from different sectors: ● ● ● Day 1 was for representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, and business and professional schools Day 2 was for representatives from civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, and vulnerable and marginalised sectors most affected by climate change Day 3 was for representatives from relevant national government agencies. The ‘learning session’ component of the program explored the many ways that climate change is impacting on the human rights of Filipinos. This was followed by a ‘workshop’ component to: take stock of best practices and challenges in the context of the environment, climate change and business and human rights; explore opportunities for collaboration; and gather recommendations for priority actions. A total of 83 participants attended the three-day program, which was held in Manila and via Zoom. Among the attendees, 46 were cisgender women, 30 were cisgender men, four identified as gender queer or non-conforming, and three preferred not to disclose. A sign language interpreter was also present for Deaf participants who joined via Zoom. Writeshop on a regional framework on the environment In February 2023, the CHRP brought together 81 participants from national government agencies, the private sector, civil society and academia for two days to gather and synthesise input on the proposed framework on environmental rights in the ASEAN region. Among the attendees, 44 were cisgender women, 36 were cisgender men, and one preferred not to disclose. - 19 -