Indonesia Calls for Action to End War at UN Human Rights Council

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, called for action to end war and conflict while attending a session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Today's multilateralism body faces a number of challenges that have major consequences for humanity, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the occupation of Palestine by Israel.

During a speech at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Monday, 27th of February 2023, Retno said that respect for human rights is a prerequisite for peace and stability. War and conflict, according to Retno, must end because they only cause destruction and human misery.

"From Afghanistan to Palestine and from Myanmar to Ukraine. A peaceful solution to the conflict must be promoted," said Retno.

The assembly in Geneva coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva will last until April 4.

More than 100 heads of state to ministerial representatives take part in the annual meeting. The global body seeks to address issues ranging from Russia's alleged war crimes in Ukraine to China's treatment of its Muslim minority.

Many countries will seek to extend the mandate of the UN investigative agency set up to investigate the atrocities in Ukraine.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has entered its second year. The West strongly condemned the move by imposing economic sanctions and continued to press Moscow at the United Nations and other international forums to stop its invasion.

Russia denies massacring civilians. Moscow calls the military operation to maintain the existence of its country.

Apart from calling for concrete action to end the conflict, Minister Retno also asked the United Nations to increase efforts to prevent human rights violations. He also suggested that the global organization should strengthen the human rights architecture.

"We must continue to protect the Human Rights Council from politicization and tools of geopolitical rivalry," said Retno.

Retno also alluded to Indonesia's proposed nomination as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 period, as she stated earlier this year.

The Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council is the only body composed of governments to protect human rights worldwide. The body of the organization does not have legally binding powers.

But the debate often increases scrutiny of the matter and can spur investigations that provide evidence to national and international courts.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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