Foreign Minister Retno Said UN Human Rights Council Must Adapt To The Latest Challenges And Keep Improving

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during a speech at the UN Human Rights Council Session. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi invited countries in the world to strengthen their commitment to human rights, while attending the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday.

The assembly was held to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be a momentum to strengthen the commitment to upholding human rights, and must not divide attention to the condition of human rights in the world," said Foreign Minister Retno in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday 27 February.

Even though so far the Declaration continues to inspire transformation towards a more just, equal, and inclusive world, Foreign Minister Retno conveyed the importance of close cooperation to make this happen.

"The question now is, what are we going to do? Are we going to be quiet and indifferent? Or… are we going to work hard together... and do even better?" exclaimed Foreign Minister Retno.

On that occasion, Foreign Minister Retno suggested three things that need to be the focus of cooperation to strengthen human rights.

UN Human Rights Council Session. (Source: RI Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

First, take real action for humanity. She explained, wars and conflicts must be stopped because they only harm humanity.

Therefore, continued Foreign Minister Retno, a peaceful solution must continue to be put forward, including in Palestine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Ukraine.

"We must not close our eyes to the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. The incident in Huwara shows that the human rights and humanitarian situation in Palestine is getting worse," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Foreign Minister Retno also said that the rights of women and girls should not be ignored, including in Afghanistan.

Next, Foreign Minister Retno mentioned the importance of increasing efforts to prevent human rights violations. She explained that strengthening the prevention aspect would contribute to stronger protection for human rights.

Therefore, according to her, the state has the responsibility to ensure affirmative policies, equal access to opportunities and resources, as well as mechanisms to seek justice by victims. In this case, she continued, the Human Rights Council can contribute through increasing national capacity and facilitating capacity building.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi giving a speech at the UN Human Rights Council Session. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Foreign Minister Retno also underlined the importance of admitting past mistakes and human rights violations, to prevent the same thing from happening in the future. Indonesia is committed to rehabilitating victims, without setting aside legal settlements.

"This year President Joko Widodo has acknowledged and regretted 12 incidents of past human rights violations," said the Foreign Minister.

Foreign Minister Retno also emphasized that the courage to admit is crucial for better respect for human rights. And, Indonesia has that courage.

Third, Foreign Minister Retno also assessed the importance of strengthening the human rights architecture. She said, the UN Human Rights Council must adapt to the latest human rights challenges and continue to improve itself.

" Impartiality, transparency, and dialogue must be the main spirit of the Human Rights Council. We must continue to protect the Human Rights Council from being politicized and used by the Human Rights Council as a tool of geopolitical rivalry," said Foreign Minister Retno.

According to her, mutual accusations and the application of double standards will not produce a solution. For this reason, the unity of the Human Rights Council must be put forward, not the 'us vs them' mentality.

She added, Indonesia continues to strive to strengthen human rights mechanisms. As Chair of ASEAN, Indonesia will strengthen the mandate of the ASEAN Human Rights Commission, and the ASEAN Commission on the Protection of Women and Children, and institutionalize a regional human rights dialogue.

For your information, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed Indonesia's candidacy as a Member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 period on this occasion, with the theme 'Inclusive Partnership for Humanity'.