1. ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint (2009)

(Adopted by the ASEAN Leaders, 1 March 2009)

I. INTRODUCTION

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4. At the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore, the ASEAN Heads of States/Governments signed the ASEAN Charter, which marked ASEAN Member States’ commitment in intensifying community building through enhanced regional cooperation and integration. In line with this, they tasked their Ministers and officials to draft the APSC Blueprint, which would be adopted at the 14th ASEAN Summit.

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II. CHARACTERISTICS AND ELEMENTS OF THE APSC

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7. The APSC shall promote political development in adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for and promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the ASEAN Charter. [...]. In this regard, it promotes a people-oriented ASEAN in which all sectors of society, regardless of gender, race, religion, language, or social and cultural background, are encouraged to participate in, and benefit from, the process of ASEAN integration and community building. In the implementation of the Blueprint, ASEAN should also strive towards promoting and supporting gender mainstreaming, tolerance, respect for diversity, equality and mutual understanding.

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A. A Rules-based Community of Shared Values and Norms

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A.1. Cooperation in Political Development

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15. Efforts are underway in laying the groundwork for an institutional framework to facilitate free flow of information based on each country’s national laws and regulations; preventing and combating corruption; and cooperation to strengthen the rule of law, judiciary systems and legal infrastructure, and good governance. Moreover, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, the ASEAN Charter stipulates the establishment of an ASEAN human rights body.

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A.1.5. Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

Actions:

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vi. Promote education and public awareness on human rights; and

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A.1.8. Promote Principles of Democracy

Actions:

i. Promote understanding of the principles of democracy among ASEAN youth at schools at an appropriate stage of education, bearing in mind the educational system in the respective ASEAN Member States;

ii. Convene seminars, training programmes and other capacity building activities for government officials, think-tanks and relevant civil society organizations to exchange views, sharing experiences and promote democracy and democratic institutions; and

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B.3.2. Implement human resources development and capacity building programmes in post-conflict areas

Actions:

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vi. Work towards the development of a systematic training programme for formal and community educators in the field of peace education and reconciliation, which can be conceptualised and implemented.

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