Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi emphasized that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must not ignore human rights issues (HAM) that occur in the region.
As chair of ASEAN this year, Indonesia reminded that differences among ASEAN members should not be an excuse to abandon pressing human rights issues in Southeast Asia.
“Regardless of differences, ASEAN must utilize dialogue to ensure sustainable progress in the field of human rights,” said Retno when delivering the opening speech at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) with representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to Retno, the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue is proof of ASEAN’s maturity to engage in honest and open dialogue without mentioning names and embarrassing anyone—therefore, the dialogue needs to be held regularly.
“We aim to release the Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue,” he said.
Furthermore, in the midst of a growing crisis and competition that exacerbates human rights challenges globally, Retno hopes that ASEAN can set an example of its values globally in prioritizing constructive engagement, instead of accusing each other.
“ASEAN must also unite in rejecting politicization and double standards while proving our ability to solve problems in our own region,” said Retno.
“In this case, it is very important for AICHR to continue to grow and develop.
Her work must go beyond capacity building activities and produce impactful local initiatives,” he said, adding.
With regard to increasing the role of AICHR, Retno hopes that AICHR programs are not limited to capacity building, but can take the form of other initiatives that have a real impact.
In the meeting between the foreign ministers and AICHR representatives, the issue of Myanmar still dominated the discussion. Apart from the Myanmar issue, the meeting also discussed issues regarding human trafficking (TPPO) and the impact of climate change on human rights.
Representatives highlighted concerns over the escalation of violence and the lack of progress on the implementation of the Five Point Consensus (5PC).
Closing the meeting, Foreign Minister Retno said that AICHR must continue to promote human rights values in accordance with the regional context.
AICHR also needs to continue to voice the promotion and protection of human rights in a constructive, objective and proportionate manner in the three Pillars of the ASEAN Community which is in line with the 2021-2025 Action Plan.
“I want to reiterate Indonesia’s readiness to work together in achieving this important effort to promote and protect human rights,” said Retno. (mhn/bbs)
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