FM advocates for just, principled human rights approach at HLS meeting

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono reaffirmed the government's commitment to human rights at the 58th High-Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 24.

"My presence here underscores Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to human rights under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, as we continue to champion a just and principled approach amid global challenges," Sugiono stated, as quoted in a press release from the ministry on Tuesday.

In his remarks, the minister emphasized Indonesia's dedication to upholding its constitutional mandate to "establish a world order based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice."

As the world’s fourth most populous nation and the largest Muslim-majority democracy, Indonesia, he noted, has a responsibility to foster a more just and equitable global order.

Amid rising global uncertainty, Sugiono highlighted Indonesia’s increasingly crucial role in addressing unprecedented challenges that threaten global peace and prosperity.

"We are witnessing growing fragility in the international order, where inequality continues to widen, disproportionately burdening developing nations and deepening global disparities. Racism, discrimination, hate speech, and Islamophobia are on the rise, posing serious threats to social cohesion," he asserted.

To address these challenges, Sugiono called for a renewed and unwavering commitment to human rights, justice, and equality, emphasizing that human rights must remain central to national policymaking.

Hence, under the new government led by President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is committed to strengthening social and economic rights to address poverty, inequality, and disparities through initiatives and programs, especially for the Indonesian people.

These programs encompass Free Nutritious Meals for more than 82.9 million students daily, a target of developing 3 million decent housing units for people in need, and free health checks for children under six and adults to increase access to essential health services.

The foreign minister stated that these programs are integral to investing in human resources and enhancing human dignity, aligning with the statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on the importance of the right to adequate food and housing, as well as the right to health.

He affirmed that Indonesia is also progressing towards achieving food, energy, and water independence while developing a resilient green and blue economy.

"We believe that the right to development must be upheld, ensuring every nation utilizes its resources for the well-being of its people," he emphasized.

However, he stressed that human rights must also be safeguarded with justice and equality.

"Human rights should never be weaponized as a political tool to obstruct a nation’s growth and development," he warned.

The High-Level Segment (HLS) is held annually during the first week of the first session of the UN Human Rights Council. This year's HLS was attended by over 128 high-ranking officials at the level of deputy prime ministers, foreign ministers, and others.