Manila, July 20 -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed on Monday the Philippines' commitment to an "ASEAN-owned and ASEAN-led" approach to the promotion and protection of human rights as the bloc begins implementing the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Five-Year Work Plan (2026-2030).

During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' interface with the AICHR, Lazaro lauded the commission's continuous efforts and its role in fostering a deeper understanding of human rights across the region.

"A significant number of ambitious priority programs and activities across several thematic areas have been (implemented) since its inception. (This) provides us with a profound understanding of how human rights might...