The Charter
Principles set out in the charter include:
- Emphasising the centrality of ASEAN in regional cooperation.
- Respect for the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-interference and national identities of ASEAN members.
- Promoting regional peace and identity, peaceful settlements of disputes through dialogue and consultation, and the renunciation of aggression.
- Upholding international law with respect to human rights, social justice and multilateral trade.
- Encouraging regional integration of trade.
- Appointment of a Secretary-General and Permanent Representatives of ASEAN.
- Establishment of a human rights body and an unresolved dispute mechanism, to be decided at ASEAN Summits.
- Development of friendly external relations and a position with the UN (like the EU)
- Increasing the number of ASEAN summits to twice a year and the ability to convene for emergency situations.
- Reiterating the use of the ASEAN flag, anthem, emblem and national ASEAN day on August 8.
| Member State | Government Ratification | Deposit of Instrument of Ratification |
Signed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | December 18, 2007 | January 7, 2008 | Prime Minister |
| Brunei | January 31, 2008 | February 15, 2008 | Sultan |
| Laos | February 14, 2008 | February 20, 2008 | Prime Minister |
| Malaysia | February 14, 2008 | February 20, 2008 | Foreign Minister |
| Vietnam | March 14, 2008 | March 19, 2008 | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Cambodia | February 25, 2008 | April 18, 2008 | National Assembly |
| Burma (Myanmar) | July 21, 2008 | July 21, 2008 | Foreign Minister |
| Philippines | October 7, 2008 | November 12, 2008 | Senate |
| Indonesia | October 21, 2008 | November 13, 2008 | The House of Representatives |
| Thailand | September 16, 2008 | November 14, 2008 | Parliament |
Read more about this topic: ASEAN Charter
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