Manila, Feb. 28 -- The Philippines pushed for stronger regional cooperation to advance human rights in Southeast Asia at a high-level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting this week.

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its 42nd Meeting in Manila from Feb. 24 to 27, chaired by the Philippine representative to the AICHR, Severo Catura.

During the meeting, Catura reaffirmed Manila's commitment to lead the AICHR Chairship with "seriousness and purpose, aiming for concrete deliverables," including on strengthening cooperation among states towards the protection of human rights in the region.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste as a full member of AICHR, saying its participation would complete a...