Indonesia Launches Candidacy Member of UN Human Rights Council

Geneva, MINA – The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi on Tuesday launched Indonesia candidacy as the member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period of 2020-2022 in the 40th Session of High Level meeting of UN Human Rights Council (UNHR) in the UN’s Headquarter, Geneva, Switzerland.

“The global human rights situation is currently facing great challenges. Various conflicts and instabilities have increases human rights violations, “the Foreign Minister said in a statement themed” Indonesia is a trusted friend of democracy, development and social justice “.

She stressed, momentary political interests in various parts of the world, have reduced the values of tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness in society, which are important for human rights values.

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Specifically, the Indonesian Foreign Minister stressed that respect for Palestinians’ rights and freedoms has not been obtained.

“In Palestine, the people’s freedom and basic human rights are not fulfilled yet. Therefore ,Indonesia will never stop to fight for Palestinian independence,” said Foreign Minister Retno.

“Facing the world human rights situation like now, there is no choice, besides all countries contribute to make the global human rights situation better,” she said.

In this connection Indonesia nominated itself to become a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2020-2022, whose the election will be held in November 2019.

“As one of the founding members of the UN Human Rights Council, Indonesia will actively contribute to advance human rights, providing new enthusiasm, synergy and energy in promoting global human rights,” said Retno.

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On the sidelines of the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council Session, the Indonesian Foreign Minister also conducted a series of bilateral meetings in order to obtain support for the nomination of Indonesia as a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2020-2022.

Among others, bilateral meetings included the Deputy Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea, the Foreign Minister of Australia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Norway, Myanmar, Poland, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Maldives, Belgium and Sweden. The Indonesian Foreign Minister also met with the Irish Minister of Development and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Macedonia.

Previously, Indonesia became a member of the Human Rights Council 4 times in 2006-2007, 2007-2010, 2012-2014 and 2015-2017.

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The UN Human Rights Council has 47 members elected by the UN General Assembly and convenes at least 3 times a year. There are 5 candidates from the Asia Pacific group coming for Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Marshall Island and Iran, that contest the 4 available seats. (TR/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)