Foreign Minister Retno: Indonesia Consistently Doesn't Want Human Rights Issues To Be Politicized

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Source: Indonesian/Abi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia consistently rejects politicization of human rights issues, as well as the importance of inclusive partnerships for human rights protection.

Indonesia was re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council in the election at General Asembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States on Tuesday, October 10. Winning 186 votes out of a total of 192, Indonesia won the highest votes in this election compared to other candidates.

Foreign Minister Retno said the membership theme carried by Indonesia in the Human Rights Council this time was, "Inclusive Partnership for Humanity". According to her, an inclusive partnership is key.

"Inclusive partnerships are needed for humanity. To advance and protect human rights," Foreign Minister Retno said in a written statement Wednesday, October 11.

"Indonesia consistently does not want human rights issues to be politicized," he said.

Foreign Minister Retno said Indonesia has three priorities in carrying out the membership of the UN Human Rights Council this time.

First, increasing the capacity of countries in promoting and protecting human rights, especially through increased technical cooperation and capacity building.

According to him, Indonesia will continue to consistently ensure that no one is left behind in efforts to accelerate and protect human rights, including developing countries.

"In the country, we will also encourage the strengthening of the implementation of the National Human Rights Plan (RANHAM), including the promotion of important issues such as gender equality, protection of children's and women's rights, as well as the right to health and development," he explained.

Second, continued Foreign Minister Retno, encouraging intensive dialogue between countries and regional groups. This will be done, among others, by synchronizing the mechanism for promoting human rights in areas such as AICHR, with ACWC with a global human rights mechanism. In addition, cooperation with agencies at the regional and global levels will also be strengthened.

"Third, encouraging the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights values. Indonesia will continue to encourage the strengthening of multilateralism with the principles of solidarity, inclusiveness and equality," he said.

Foreign Minister Retno hopes that the success of becoming a member of the UN Human Rights Council this time will not only benefit Indonesia, but also for efforts to accelerate and protect world human rights.