This Discussion Paper analyses the Association of South East Asian Nations Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights’ progress since its establishment by examining the evolution of its relationship with stakeholders, institution-building processes and norm-setting exercises as indispensable elements of community building.

The paper argues that although the Commission has a limited mandate that does not entail protective measures to enforce human rights in the region, it is moving in the right direction in terms of human rights institutionalization and norm building.