Indonesia Encourages AICHR To Be Responsive To Human Rights Issues, Indonesian Foreign Minister: Reject Double Standards

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono while attending AMM AICHR 2025 in Malaysia. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono encouraged ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to be more responsive to urgent human rights issues, affirming the importance of concrete steps in advancing human rights issues in Southeast Asia and daring to reject double standards.

During a meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Minister (AMM) with AICHR in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Sugiono said that the promotion of human rights was not enough just to achieve political commitment.

"Our task now is to translate these commitments into concrete actions," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, July 8.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister said that Indonesia encourages AICHR to be more responsive to urgent human rights issues and ensure that the programs implemented have a direct impact on the community, including vulnerable groups.

Cross-sectoral collaboration is also an important focus, especially in facing common challenges such as human trafficking and environmental damage.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also said that apart from the region, AICHR needs to actively establish dialogue with extrnal partners and voice firm positions against double standards on human rights issues.

"AICHR must dare to reject double human rights standards, including in the Palestinian case," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Foreign Minister Sugiono closed his statement by calling for the importance of strengthening AICHR institutions and strengthening regional cooperation so that human rights values run in line with development.

"HAM is not just a norm, but a foundation for a peaceful, fair and inclusive region," he said.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's representative at AICHR, Anita A. Wahid stated, Indonesia's active contribution reflects the commitment to ground the principles of human rights in ASEAN. He also said that AICHR is currently drafting two new declarations regarding the right to a healthy environment as well as the right to development and peace.

During the meeting, the AICHR 2025 Annual Report was officially submitted to be recorded at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (58th AMM). AICHR in its Annual Report recorded the implementation of 16 programs during the July 2024 period 'June 2025. Indonesia is listed as the most active country, with six activities that include the issue of civil-political human rights, development, and the environment.