Human rights and governance: The Asia debate

Abstract

This paper draws upon my two previous papers, "Asian Perspectives on Human Rights" (1992) and "Human Rights and Governance in Asia" (1994). The first paper was presented at a conference on human rights of migrant workers organised by the Scalabrini Migration Centre in Manila. It was also tabled at a workshop on human rights and governance in Asia organised by The Asia Foundation in Manila in March 1993. The second paper was written at the request of The Asia Foundation as a record of my reflections on the discussions at the workshop. It was subsequently used as a background paper for an Asia Foundation-sponsored dialogue between Asia scholars and senior officials of the Clinton Administration, the U. S. Congress, and staff of American NGOs in Washington in June 1994. The present paper also reflects on the Washington discussions. I am grateful to the participants of all these meetings for their thoughtful and stimulating contributions. Published with the permission of The Asia Foundation. © 2000 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.