Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi emphasized her commitment to upholding human rights, when speaking at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN) in Geneva on Tuesday (27/2).
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In a national statement at the meeting, I said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights aims to make the world more just, equal and inclusive,” said Retno in an online media briefing via the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official YouTube, Wednesday.
For that, he explained three things that need to be done in an effort to uphold human rights.
First, by advancing real action for humanity, bearing in mind that respect for human rights is an absolute requirement for creating peace and stability.
“We must stop wars and conflicts. Peaceful solutions to conflicts must be put forward, including those in Afghanistan, Palestine, Myanmar and Ukraine,” said Retno.
In particular, he stated that the world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people, following the recent incident in Huwara which showed that the human rights and humanitarian situation in Palestine is getting worse.
“I also convey Indonesia’s commitment to helping resolve the Myanmar problem and support the fulfillment of women’s rights in Afghanistan,” he said.
Second, increasing efforts to prevent human rights violations as an important aspect of protecting human rights.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Retno told the United Nations that President Joko Widodo had acknowledged and regretted 12 incidents of past human rights violations.
“Having the courage to admit this mistake is important to prevent the same thing from happening in the future – and Indonesia has the courage to do that,” he said.
Third, strengthening the human rights architecture through the importance of the UN Human Rights Council adapting to the latest human rights challenges.
For this reason, impartiality, transparency and dialogue must become the spirit of the Human Rights Council.
“The Human Rights Council must not be used as a tool for geopolitical rivalries,” he said.
Retno also said that Indonesia continues to strive to strengthen human rights mechanisms in the region, including through the institutionalization of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Human Rights Dialogue.
Finally, at the meeting, he revealed Indonesia’s steps to nominate itself as a Member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 period with the theme “Inclusive Partnership for Humanity”, and asked for support from all countries for this nomination.
According to Retno, the war in Ukraine still colored the debate at the Human Rights Council meeting.
The conflict is considered as the cause of gross human rights violations during 2022.
In addition, non-traditional issues such as climate change, acts of terrorism, and the decline in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including the fulfillment of women’s and children’s rights, as well as restrictions on civil space due to conflict, are also the subject of discussion.
Like Indonesia, other countries have also raised the need for dialogue and cooperation for the promotion of human rights, as well as strengthening the Human Rights Council and all of its mechanisms.
In particular, Indonesia reminded UN member states not to forget the human rights violations and violence that have continued to occur in Palestine amidst the world’s attention focused on other situations. (mhn/bbs)
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