Indonesia reaffirms support for Palestine at UNHRC Headquarters

By : M.shaqeel | Tuesday, December 12 2023 - 11:00 IWST

Foreign Minister Retno while attending the commemoration of UN International Human Rights Day. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi reiterated Indonesia's support for Palestine during the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Headquarters, Switzerland, on Monday.

"First, as an elected member of the UNHRC, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening political solidarity and humanitarian support for Palestine, including by boosting its contribution to the UNRWA threefold," she noted in the Foreign Affairs Ministry's written statement here on Tuesday.

UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The minister then stated that Indonesia had committed to continuing the ratification process of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance while adding that Indonesia had already ratified other main international human rights instruments.

Indonesia is also committed to protecting and respecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including by solidifying the role of the National Commission on Disabilities (KND).

Furthermore, the minister echoed Indonesia's commitment to implementing the National Strategies for Business and Human Rights.

In her speech, Marsudi also conveyed the commitment of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Timor-Leste to intensifying regional cooperation in human rights.

"We are committed to enhancing regional cooperation in human rights, including by implementing the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue adopted at the 43rd ASEAN Summit," she remarked.

On the sidelines of her visit to Geneva, Switzerland, Marsudi had the opportunity to discuss about Myanmar issues with Thant Myint-U, Burmese visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge.

The minister and the scholar are scheduled to serve as panelists at the "Round Table: The Future of Human Rights, Peace, and Security" session on Tuesday, the second day of the commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75th Anniversary.

On the same day, Marsudi will also deliver a speech at a high-level event on the human rights situation in Palestine before conveying statements at the Global Refugees Forum on the following day.

A total of 16 heads of state and government and 20 ministerial-level officials participate in the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (ANTARA)