Indonesia Votes Abstain In Voting On UN Resolution On Russia's Suspension: Investigate First, Remind The General Assembly To Be Careful

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Teuku Faizasyah (Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesia abstained from voting on a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on Russia's suspension from the Human Rights Council, due to its invasion and "reports of grave and systematic violations and human rights violations" in Ukraine.

Together with the majority of ASEAN countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, Indonesia joined the 58 countries that abstained. While the Philippines and Myanmar supported and Laos voted against it.

A total of 193 member states of the General Assembly, as many as 93 countries led by the United States expressed support for the suspension of Russia's resolution from the UN Human Rights Council, 24 countries rejected and 58 countries abstained.

Indonesia has its own considerations as to why it decided to abstain in last night's vote.

"Indonesia has explained the reasons for choosing to abstain, among other things, it is better to conduct an investigation by an independent institution as suggested by the UN Secretary-General," said the spokesman for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah when confirmed by VOI, Friday, April 8.

In a copy of the text of the speech at the UN General Assembly, last night obtained by VOI, Indonesian Ambassador to the UN Arramanatha Nasir said it was very sad to see the unrest in Ukraine continues and the number of civilian casualties continues to rise.

He said Indonesia did not take reports of serious and systematic violations and human rights violations lightly, including the latest report from Bucha.

"For this reason, we believe the Human Rights Council should continue to address this issue, and support the Secretary-General's call for a thorough and independent investigation," he said.

"We also fully support the establishment of an independent international commission of inquiry by the Human Rights Council," he added.

"There is no doubt that those responsible for abuses, and violations of human rights in Ukraine, must be held accountable and brought to justice.|

"The Commission, therefore, must receive the full support and access it needs, to carry out its mandate effectively. Meanwhile, we must give the commission the opportunity to work objectively, and transparently and present its findings and reports. We must allow due diligence, and not prejudiced against the work of the commission."

"The General Assembly must also exercise caution. It is important to accept all the facts before taking any action that deprives its members of the legitimate rights. In addition, the actions of the General Assembly must not set a negative precedent, which could undermine the credibility of this great body. It is for this reason that we abstained. in the resolution," he said.

He also ensured that Indonesia remains steadfast in our commitment to respect and protect human rights for all.

"Our priority now, must be saving lives and protecting civilians in Ukraine. So we have to stop the war. I repeat, we have to stop the war now. Otherwise, we will all suffer," he stressed.

It is known that since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the Assembly has adopted two resolutions condemning Russia with 141 and 140 votes in favor. Moscow said it was carrying out "special operations" to demilitarize Ukraine.

The Human Rights Council cannot make legally binding decisions. His decision sends an important political message, however, and could permit an investigation. Last month the council opened an investigation into allegations of rights violations, including possible war crimes, in Ukraine.