Asean leaders challenged on rights, economy
Southeast Asian leaders yesterday faced renewed pressure to deal with rights abuses in Myanmar on the eve of an annual summit likely to be dominated by the global economic crunch.
International rights watchdogs and the United States both urged Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) leaders gathering here this weekend to push for reform in the military-ruled nation, the 10-member group's black sheep.
Tight security was in place in the Thai beach resort of Hua Hin, amid fears anti-government protesters who have besieged the premier's office in Bangkok could turn their attentions to the three-day summit starting Friday.
Asean ministers are expected to discuss the formation of a regional human rights body on Friday, a day before heads of state formally meet, but Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch expressed concerns.
"To be worthy of its name, the body must be empowered to effectively address human rights in Myanmar," Donna Guest, London-based Amnesty's Asia-Pacific deputy director, said in a statement.
Myanmar, ruled by the military since 1962, is a member of ASEAN but has long been a thorn in its side, with Western nations urging the regional bloc to push the junta towards political reform.
The rights groups said the summit must in particular address the rights of refugees and migrants, in particular Myanmar's Rohingya boat people, whom the military of fellow Asean member Thailand is also accused of abusing.
They also highlighted recent harsh prison terms handed down to pro-democracy activists.
Separately the US ambassador to Asean, Scot Marciel, called on the region to push Myanmar's rulers for "political progress" using their contacts and access to the country.
Asean has not put the issue of the Rohingyas on its agenda for the rigidly organised summit, but Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said it might be discussed at an informal dinner with his colleagues late Wednesday.
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