Fadli Zon Strong Criticism Of Democracy Double Standards At The UN Forum Regarding Gaza Genocide

JAKARTA - The chairman of the BKSAP DPR RI, Fadli Zon, questioned the dual standards in global democracy related to genocide in Gaza, in discussions at the SDG 16 panel at the UN IPU Parliament Forum at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.

"When we talk about strengthening parliament to realize SDG 16, we invest in democracy. How do we talk about democracy if there are dual standards and human rights violations, including the neglect of democratic countries against genocide?" Fadli Zon criticized in a written statement from New York and received by VOI Wednesday, July 17.

This question was asked to panelist the first session of SDG 16 "Investing in Parliament as Key Institutions of Governance", consisting of representatives of UNDP, Senate Chile, and International Budget Partnership.

Fadli highlighted that conflicts such as those in Gaza exacerbated the achievement of SDG 16, especially with the disrespect of international law. "If it is not accommodated, public trust will be eroded," he added.

He emphasized the importance of a strong and inclusive parliament, which can be driven through meaningful public participation. "Transparent parliament needs to be supported by legislation such as the Law on Public Participation and the Law on Information Disclosure," he suggested.

Fadli Zon also said that the Indonesian House of Representatives had initiated the Open Parliament movement since 2018, as well as pushed for changes to the Law on the Formation of Legislation to ensure public participation at every stage of making laws.

"The discussion of the Asset Confiscation Bill can also provide a legal basis to achieve the target of SDG 16.4 related to the recovery of stolen assets," added the Deputy Chairperson of the Gerindra Party.

The BKSAP DPR RI delegation led by Fadli Zon (F Gerindra Party), including Gilang Dhielafararez (F PDIP), Putu Supadma Rudana (F Democrat Party), Sukamta (F PKS), Achmad Hafidz Tohir (F PAN), Agustina Wilujeng (F PDIP), and Kamrussamad (F Gerindra Party), attended the HLPF parliament meeting on Sustainable Development to monitor the achievement of SDGs.

In addition, the BKSAP delegation led by Fadli Zon also paid an honorary visit to the President of the UN General Assembly, HE Dennis Francis, and met with other stakeholders such as UN Water and the International Institute on Sustainable Development (IISD).