MANILA, Philippines — The Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia) welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Rights, recognizing it as a milestone in advancing the right of children to live in a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

CRC Asia commends the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group (AERWG) for taking this important step, while emphasizing that real progress depends on effective implementation and the development of a Regional Plan of Action that meaningfully includes children from diverse communities and ensures their safety and protection as they take action for the environment.

“This Declaration affirms that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable,” said Amihan Abueva, Regional Executive Director of CRC Asia. “To make this commitment real, ASEAN must ensure that children — particularly those most affected by the climate crisis — have the opportunity to participate, shape, and monitor the policies that impact their lives and futures.”

Since 2012, CRC Asia has been championing children’s right to a healthy environment — strengthening child rights movements, promoting innovative approaches, and advocating for better policies for and with children in Asia.

“Throughout the years, children have consistently called for stronger action from governments, businesses, and communities,” said Abueva.

Across CRC Asia’s initiatives – including children’s climate actions, the ASEAN Dialogue on Children’s Rights and the Environment, and regional consultations on the UN CRC General Comment No. 26 – children have voiced clear and consistent messages calling for bold action, stronger accountability, and protection of their rights.

“I want the government to just stop talking and just do things to protect the environment. I want them to do the work – to actually work for the environment’s sake,” said Chau, a 12-year-old child advocate from Vietnam.

“The government must support child-led climate actions because children are experiencing the climate crisis firsthand. When it does, we can build a resilient ASEAN community that will end the climate crisis for the children of today and in the future,” said Sofia, an 11th grade child advocate from the Philippines.

CRC Asia also underscores that environmental degradation and violence are deeply connected – from the impacts of climate-related events and pollution to the loss of biodiversity. Children who speak up on issues of environment and climate change should be protected from all forms of threats and harassment. Protecting the environment therefore also means safeguarding children’s safety, dignity, and right to be heard.

CRC Asia urges ASEAN Member States to turn the Declaration into concrete action by ensuring that the Regional Plan of Action is inclusive, participatory, and protective – engaging children from diverse and climate-vulnerable communities, along with their parents, teachers, and youth organizations.

CRC Asia also calls for meaningful public participation – including communities and civil society – in promoting and monitoring the Declaration’s implementation.

“The Declaration must now lead to a Regional Plan of Action that is inclusive, child-centered, and responsive to the realities faced by children in Asia. We stand ready to work with ASEAN, governments, and the whole of society to make this vision a reality – for and with children in Asia,” said Abueva.

The ASEAN Declaration offers a critical opportunity to sustain that momentum and ensure that children are not only recognized but supported and protected as they lead the way in advancing environmental justice across Asia.

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About CRC Asia
Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia) is a strong voice for child rights in Asia, working to ensure that all children live in dignity and fully enjoy their rights. We strengthen child rights movements, promote innovative solutions, and advocate for better policies for and with children in the region.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mica Fernando
Communications Manager, CRC Asia
Email: mfernando@crcasia.org | Website: www.crcasia.org