Indonesia's Retno Marsudi Pushes for Human Rights Focus in ASEAN's Future

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi stressed that promoting and protecting human rights is the cornerstone of a brighter future for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She delivered this message during a meeting with representatives of the ASEAN Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos.

“Without a strong commitment to human rights from each member nation, ASEAN's future cannot be truly prosperous,” Retno remarked as quoted from a press statement.

During the meeting, she highlighted two key areas where she believes ASEAN's human rights efforts require focus.

First, Retno underscored the need to bolster the AICHR's role. This necessitates a renewed political commitment to continue the AICHR review process, including revising the AICHR's mandate to ensure its continued relevance and striking a balance between its promotional and protective functions.

Established on October 23, 2009, by ASEAN foreign ministers, the AICHR serves as a human rights body within the region framework. Its 14 mandates primarily focus on promoting and protecting human rights, offering technical advice and assistance, gathering information, and engaging with national, regional, and international institutions.

Retno acknowledged the ongoing challenges hindering the review of the AICHR's mandate. She opined that it requires political commitment from all parties to advance human rights efforts in Southeast Asia.

“The AICHR's mandate and capabilities must be adapted to address the diverse human rights challenges on the ground while strengthening its protective mechanisms,” she stated.

Apart from that, she advocated for ASEAN's active participation in promoting human rights on a global scale. She expressed Indonesia's support for establishing a broader human rights dialogue between ASEAN and its partners.

She further identified two pressing human rights concerns that require the attention of both AICHR and ASEAN. They are the rise of human trafficking in the region which disproportionately affects women and the ongoing human rights violations in the Gaza Strip.

On a final note, Retno announced that Indonesia and Laos will co-chair and host the 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue Meeting in Jakarta next November.

NABIILA AZZAHRA

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