Criticism

Criticism
Western countries have criticised ASEAN for being too soft in its approach to promoting human rights and democracy in the junta-led Myanmar.[79] Despite global outrage at the military crack-down on peaceful protesters in Yangon, ASEAN has refused to suspend Myanmar as a member and also rejects proposals for economic sanctions.[80] This has caused concern as the European Union, a potential trade partner, has refused to conduct free trade negotiations at a regional level for these political reasons.[81] International observers view it as a "talk shop",[82] which implies that the organisation is "big on words but small on action".[83]

During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, several activist groups staged anti-globalisation and anti-Arroyo rallies.[84] According to the activists, the agenda of economic integration would negatively affect industries in the Philippines and would cause thousands of Filipinos to lose their jobs.[85] They also viewed the organisation as imperialistic that threatens the country's sovereignty.[85] A human rights lawyer from New Zealand was also present to protest about the human rights situation in the region in general.[86]

ASEAN has agreed to an ASEAN human rights body which will come into force in 2009. The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand want this body to have an enforcement capacity, however Singapore, Vietnam, Burma, Laos and Cambodia do not.[citation needed]