Southeast Asia to adopt human rights declaration despite loopholes

By The Associated Press

November 18, 2012

A Cambodian opposition Sam Rainsy’s party member Mu Sochua, left, greets protesters as she walks near ASEAN’s flag at the outside the National Assembly, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Nearly one thousand of protesters gathered on Friday to demand human rights and democracy in ASEAN bloc. Southeast Asian leaders plan to adopt a human rights declaration aimed at fighting torture and illegal arrests in a region notorious for violations, despite criticism that the pact falls short of international standards. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Diplomats say Southeast Asian leaders have decided to launch a human rights declaration despite last-minute calls for a postponement by critics, including Washington, who say the pact contains loopholes that can allow atrocities to continue.

Diplomats say the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will sign a document adopting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration on Sunday in the Cambodian capital of Phnom.

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Southeast Asia to adopt human rights declaration despite loopholes