Absolute At The Voting Resolution For The Repatriation Of Ukrainian Children, Indonesia Highlights A Number Of Things

Spokesperson II of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela. (VOI/Fauzi)

JAKARTA - Indonesia has highlighted a number of things related to the United Nations (UN) resolution regarding the repatriation of Ukrainian children, when choosing abstain in the vote, but affirms a strong commitment to child protection in conflicts everywhere.

The UN General Assembly held a vote on the draft resolution of repatriation of Ukrainian children, in an emergency special session (ESS) held on Wednesday, in New York, United States.

The A/ES-11/L.16/Rev.1 resolution was adopted by the panel through a vote with 91 votes in favor, 12 against and 57 abstention votes, quoted from the UN News website.

Indonesia is among countries that choose abstain, including along with Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, to the United Arab Emirates.

"In line with the UN Charter and international law, Indonesia has a strong commitment to child protection in conflict situations, both in Ukraine and in other regions," said Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela to VOI.id, Friday (5/12).

"Indonesia supports the humanitarian goal of this resolution, but chooses abstain because it assesses the need for more balanced text, focuses on the best interests of children, and with an inclusive preparation process," he explained further.

"This approach to inclusiveness and constructive dialogue has always been emphasized by Indonesia in supporting the resolution of the Russian conflict", said Nabyl.

The resolution proposed by Ukraine, Denmark, Britain, Germany to Canada demands that the Russian Federation ensure immediate, safe and unconditional repatriation of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.

The Assembly also urged Moscow to immediately stop these activities, and end family separation practices and "change in personal status (children)" through citizenship, adoption, foster placement, or indoctrination.

Nabyl explained, "Indonesia views that the substantive discussion of this issue is more appropriate to be carried out first at the Security Council under the Children and Armed Conflict agenda."

"The use of the ESS mechanism directly has the potential to weaken the role of UN DK and normalize the use of ESS outside the emergency context," Nabyl stressed.

He added, "Indonesia's position is in line with many other countries, including the majority of ASEAN countries and like-minded countries, which also choose abstain.'

"However, it can be emphasized once again that Indonesia continues to support efforts to fulfill children's rights in general, including in conflict situations," he said.

It is known that the UN General Assembly's resolution is non-binding, but weighs as a reflection of global views.

Ukraine itself accuses Russia of kidnapping at least 19,000 children into Russia or occupied territory of Russia without the consent of its family or guardians after invading Ukraine in February 2022.

On the other hand, Russia has repeatedly denied kidnapping Ukrainian children, saying the action was taken to keep them safe from fighting.