Universal Periodic Review in Southeast Asia: An Evidence-Based Regional Assessment

CONFERENCE CALL

Universal Periodic Review in Southeast Asia: An Evidence-Based Regional Assessment 15 - 17  September  2016 Venue: Asia Centre 128/183  Phayathai Plaza Building (17th Floor), Phayathai Road, Rachatewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand The UPR is a universal mechanism under the Human Rights Council that reviews the human rights situation in all 193 UN Member States once every four and a half years. By May 2016, all Southeast Asian states would have undergone two review cycles of their respective human rights situations under the UPR process. The region is politically diverse with member states varying in their national human rights protection systems, ratification of UN human rights instruments and level of civil society engagement. In relation to the UPR process, a key issue is how it contributes to the advancement of human rights in the region and what role it plays in relation to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). This conference seeks to critically examine the UPR process through evidence-based research to evaluate its impact on Southeast Asian states and societies.

Key themes that will be treated are: 1. Effectiveness of the UPR in addressing human rights protection gaps within Southeast Asia 2. States adherence to UPR recommendations for improving the protection capacities of AICHR 3. States adherence to UPR recommendations for improving the protection capacities of NHRIs. 4. Development of an intra-regional linkage to formally engage with the UPR process 5. Challenges faced by civil society in engaging with the UPR process 6. Other related themes This conference aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Convene researchers working on human rights in Southeast Asia 2. Exchange views among the authors researching the UPR process in Southeast Asia 3. Publish the outcomes in a special issue journal and/or an edited book 4. Contribute to the academic literature on the UPR and human rights in Southeast Asia.

This is a self-funded conference hence a fee of USD$200 will be charged to all participants, this will go towards covering the cost of the venue, equipment and logistics, coffee breaks on all days, certificates for participants, and conference communications. There will be an early bird discount rate of USD$150 for registration and full payment made before 15 August 2016. To Participate researchers are required to submit an abstract of 300 words along with a short biographical paragrap in English to contact@asiacentre.co.th Deadlines Abstract Submission: open now until 30 May 2016 EXTENDED TO JULY 15, 2016 Notification of acceptance of abstracts: 15 June 2016 Payment of conference fees: 20 June 2016 (For Early Bird Discount) 21 June 2016 onward (Regular Rate) Full paper submission: 15 August 2016 Asia Centre is a social enterprise that serves as an independent networking hub for academia and civil society in the region. It provides meeting facilities and services for academic and professional development, communications and out reach, research and publications, and development and technical assistance.