Foreign Minister Sugiono Affirms Every Country Must Put Human Rights As The Heart Of National Policy

Foreign Minister Sugiono. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that every country must place human rights (HAM) as the heart of its national policy while attending a UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday.

Speaking at the High-Level Segment Meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 58th Session, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized Indonesia's commitment under the leadership of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to play an active role in global human rights promotion and protection efforts.

"Indonesia will remain steadfast in advancing its constitutional mandate, namely creating a world order based on independence, eternal peace and social justice," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, February 25.

In the midst of the current dynamics of the world which is colored by development gaps, increased discrimination and Islamophobia, as well as problems in Palestine, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed Indonesia's view in advancing the human rights agenda at the global level.

"Indonesia underlines the importance of rights to development, ensuring that the state manages its natural resources for the welfare of its people," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono.

"Every country must place human rights as the heart of its national policy," he stressed, describing various priority policies of President Prabowo's administration in order to fulfill human rights in Indonesia, including the Free Nutrition Food program, the construction of public housing and free health check services for the community.

On the same occasion, the Indonesian Foreign Minister also emphasized that the UN Human Rights Council must return to its mandate, namely protecting human rights, and not becoming a political tool in inter-state relations.

"HAM cooperation must be based on a sincere commitment and equal partnership. No country has the moral authority to judge other countries," he stressed.

Foreign Minister Sugiono underlined Indonesia's commitment to always put forward the principles of justice, equality and real solutions.

It is known that the High-Level Segment (HLS) will be held in the first week of the first session of the UN Human Rights Council every year. HLS this time was followed by more than 128 by high-ranking officials at the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and others.

Indonesia is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the sixth time, namely for the period 2024-2026. Indonesia is actively raising a number of important issues in the UN Human Rights Council, including regarding Palestine, Rohingya Muslims, religious-based intolerance and hatred, the right to development to capacity building in the field of human rights.