Indonesia Conveys Efforts to Fulfill and Promote Political, Civilian Rights in Geneva

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government held a Constructive Dialogue with the Human Rights Committee in Geneva from March 11 to 12, 2024.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, during the two-day meeting, the Indonesian government conveyed various accomplishment and challenges in implementing political and civilian rights in the country.

The Human Rights Committee consists of 18 independent experts mandated to monitor the implementation of the International Covenant on Civilian and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Indonesia ratified in 2005.

The Director General of Multilateral Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tri Tharyat, led the Indonesian delegation comprising related ministries and agencies, as well as the Indonesian Permanent Mission in Geneva.

"The Constructive Dialogue is an important process for ICCPR state parties," claim Tri Tharyat. “We reiterated Indonesian government's commitment in the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as actively and constructively participated in the UN human rights mechanism."

Director General Tharyat also highlighted the positive outcome of Indonesia's recent general election, including the increasing participation of women.

"This year 37.07% of 9,917 House of Representative's candidates, or 3,676 are women. This is certainly an encouraging development in terms of women's political rights," he explained.

As reported from kemlu.go.id, the Constructive Dialogue was held in a frank and direct manner. Issues being discussed included Papua and Aceh, the new penal code, death penalty, torture, vulnerable groups, and the settlement of gross violation of human rights. Also present in the Dialogue were representatives of civil society and national human rights institutions.

In general, the Committee appreciated the Indonesian government's endeavors to advance the implementation of civilian and political rights. The Committee also took note of the challenges in Indonesia's efforts in strengthening legal frameworks, policies, and state capacity in implementing the Covenant.

"The Dialogue is not a form of trial, but instead a forum to exchange views on how to enhance the enjoyment of human rights in our country,“ said Tri Tharyat.

The Director General of Human Rights of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Dhahana Putra, who was the alternate Head of Delegation, echoed on the significance of the Constructive Dialogue. He underlined that the Committee's views were part of the sustainable process of Indonesia's efforts in promoting and protecting human rights.

"We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders, both domestic and international ones, to ensure that the outcome of the Constructive Dialogue will make a positive  impact," said Dhahana.

TEMPO.CO | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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