Rejecting the Implementation of Double Standards, Foreign Minister Retno: Those Who Often Dictate Us on Human Rights, Now Allow Israel to Violate

Foreign Minister Retno while attending a discussion on the commemoration of International Human Rights Day. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi called for the application of double standards in upholding human rights, saying countries that used to dictate human rights issues, now allow Israel to violate human rights issues.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Retno when she was a panelist at a roundtable event on Human Rights, Peace and Security, on the sidelines of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, December 12.

"When we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we actually witness serious human rights violations occurring in Palestine, especially in Gaza. Israel's actions in killing civilians, destroying hospitals, places of worship and refugee camps, and suppressing basic Palestinian rights are not self-righteous-defense," said Foreign Minister Retno, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday 13 December.

She further said that this could not be justified and clearly violated international humanitarian law.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister Retno also emphasized three important things that the international community needs to pay attention to and need to do.

First, she invited countries to renew their joint commitment regarding the promotion of human rights. He emphasized that anyone who is committed to being a human rights defender must not be silent and must not stop fighting for justice and humanity for Palestine.

Regarding this, Foreign Minister Retno also said that Indonesia deeply regrets the failure of the UN Security Council to pass the humanitarian ceasefire resolution. According to him, this reflects the failure of the outdated multilateral system.

Second, Foreign Minister Retno invited countries to reject the application of double standards in upholding human rights. She said that the application of double standards was the biggest problem in the application of human rights.

"The parties who often dictate to us regarding human rights are the ones who are now allowing Israel to violate human rights," she criticized.

Third, Foreign Minister Retno also emphasized that various human rights violations should be stopped immediately.

"The real peace process must begin immediately, especially towards a two-state solution. And the root causes of the Palestinian issue must be addressed thoroughly," she concluded.

It is known that apart from Foreign Minister Retno, the panelists in this activity included the President of Poland, the President of Senegal and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine. The meeting was chaired by the Vice President of Colombia.