Commission XIII DPR: Human Rights Bill Must Not Disturb the Independence of Komnas HAM

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR Andeas Hugo Pareira said the Draft Law on Amendments to Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights (HAM) must not interfere with the independence of the National Commission (Komnas) HAM.

According to him, the statement from the Chairperson of Komnas HAM Anis Hidayah regarding the weakening of Komnas HAM in the bill needs to be anticipated so that it does not happen. Komnas HAM, he said, must be free from intervention.

"Because independent Komnas HAM must be protected and free from power intervention so that it can carry out its duties well," said Andreas as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, May 28.

He said Komnas HAM must be able to protect and prevent human rights violations.

Andreas Hugo said the draft Human Rights Bill had not been included in Commission XIII of the DPR RI as a commission dealing with human rights affairs. He said the Human Rights Bill had indeed been recorded in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) which was an initiative of the government.

"The possibility is still in the government, cross-KL discussions in the government environment," he said.

Previously, Komnas HAM requested that the revision of Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights be directed to strengthen the mandate and effectiveness of the national human rights institution in the protection and enforcement of human rights.

The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Anis Hidayah, said that this strengthening was important so that the revision of regulations would remain in line with the spirit of reform and the need to handle human rights cases that continue to develop.

In its critical note, Komnas HAM highlighted a number of provisions in the draft Human Rights Bill that were considered to need to be improved, including regarding the function of human rights research and counseling, which has been an important part of efforts to prevent human rights violations.

"This removal clearly weakens the ability of Komnas HAM to monitor the state and build critical awareness of state apparatus," said Anis, Tuesday (26/5).