Indonesian Human Rights Minister Attends Human Dignity Conference in Oxford

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly attended Civilizational Perspectives on Human Dignity conference organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies of Brigham Young University in cooperation with Notre Dame Law School and Oxford University. Indonesia's participation in the conference is part of its effort to mobilize global support to establish a Human Dignity Day through a UN Resolution.

The conference was attended by more than 150 participants from around the world, including international law experts and international human rights activists. 

As the main speaker, Yasonna explained that human dignity issues can be examined through various perspectives due to cultural differences. However, it does not erase the fact that no person shall be discriminated against, and through a UN Resolution, human dignity will be recognized as a fundamental right. "Different perceptions about human dignity do not erase the fact that every individual shall be respected regardless of their background, race, gender, or social status," said the minister in his statement on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Further, Yasonna said that human dignity is intertwined with social justice and fair treatment. "The concept of human dignity is interconnected with human rights since human rights created a system that honors the dignity of every individual," said Yasonna.

In the conference, Yasonna explained that the Indonesian government has prioritized the human rights protection of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, women, the poor, and disabled persons. One of the programs intended to assist them is free legal support for underprivileged individuals as a form of equal access to justice.

Additionally, said Minister Yasonna, Indonesia also guarantees religious rights for every Indonesian citizen. The right is reflected in Pancasila, Indonesia's ideology, its Constitution, and Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.

After the Oxford conference, Indonesia will host the "International Conference on Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy" in partnership with Brigham Young University Law School, Secretariat of International Religious Freedom, and Templeton Religion Trust, on November 13-14, 2023 in Jakarta. 

AYU CIPTA

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