JAKARTA - The designation of Indonesia as the sole candidate for President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) by the Asia-Pacific countries reflects support and confidence in Indonesia's role and leadership in advancing the human rights agenda.
The member countries of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) at the UN Human Rights Council agreed to nominate Indonesia as the sole candidate for the council's president for the 2026 period. Later, the post will be held by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the nomination for the President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026 will be determined at the Human Rights Council Meeting on January 8, 2026.
"Indonesia expresses its gratitude and appreciation for the trust of the member countries of the Asia-Pacific Group who have nominated Indonesia as the sole candidate for President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026," said the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, in a video statement, Wednesday (24/12).
"This designation certainly reflects the support and confidence of the Asia Pacific region in Indonesia's role and leadership in advancing the human rights agenda at the global level, including Indonesia's track record as a bridge builder in human rights issues, Indonesia's position as an independent developing country and not affiliated with certain blocs, and Indonesia's consistent commitment to fighting for humanitarian issues in various parts of the world," he said.
Previously, Yvonne told VOI.id, because the president of the council for the 2026 period comes from the Asia-Pacific region, the election is held internally at the APG led by Iran and the results are submitted at the Organizational Session of the Human Rights Council.
"Indonesia is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2024-2026. In accordance with the regional rotation mechanism, APG will take over the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council in the 20th cycle in 2026," said Yvonne.
The diplomat who served at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in New York added that the appointment of the next President of the Human Rights Council would coincide with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council.
"This momentum will be an important opportunity to encourage the strengthening of international human rights governance that is more inclusive, constructive, and oriented towards dialogue and cooperation," said Yvonne.
"The Indonesian government is committed to carrying out this mandate in a professional, transparent and based on the spirit of multilateral cooperation, for the advancement and protection of human rights for all," concluded Yvonne.
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