THE IMPACT OF ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) NON-INTERFERENCE PRINCIPLE TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ASEAN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (AICHR) IN ENFORCING HUMAN RIGHTS: A STUDY ON ROHINGYA HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

Abstract

The Rohingya issue is a very prominent human rights issue at the moment. The Government of Myanmar has been accused of systematic human rights abuses against Rohingyas. The impact of the conflict was also felt by neighboring countries, due to the large-scale exodus of Rohingya refugees. Although the Burmese government denies allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing, the facts on the ground and the stories brought by Rohingya refugees to the camp say otherwise. Criticism from the international communities flows towards the Myanmar government as well as ASEAN as a regional organization that overshadowed Myanmar. ASEAN is considered ignorant of the human rights issue that is happening in front of its door. The role of AICHR as a promoter and protector of human rights for the people of ASEAN is constrained by various limitations in carrying out its mandate. The non-interference principle adopted by ASEAN does not support regional conflict resolution; instead, it facilitates ASEAN members to act as if they ‘see no evil, hear no evil’ to cases of human rights violations against Rohingyas. Different responses and statements from ASEAN members on Rohingyas case also complicate ASEAN in determining its next step. By using qualitative analysis method, this research is aimed to know the impact of the principle of non-interference on the implementation of AICHR in enforcing human rights particularly in Rohingya case. The results of this study are expected to provide a clear picture of the non-interference principle relations to human rights enforcement especially in Southeast Asia.