Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights at UN Human Rights Council
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono reaffirmed the country’s commitment to human rights during the 58th High-Level Segment of the United Nations 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, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
He emphasized Indonesia’s dedication to its constitutional mandate of establishing 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.
Addressing the rising challenges facing the international community, Sugiono highlighted Indonesia’s role in tackling global instability, inequality, and widening disparities that disproportionately affect developing nations. He also underscored the growing threats of racism, discrimination, hate speech, and Islamophobia, which pose serious risks to social cohesion.
To combat these challenges, the minister called for a renewed commitment to human rights, justice, and equality, stressing that these principles must remain central to national policymaking. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia is strengthening social and economic rights to reduce poverty and inequality. Key initiatives include the Free Nutritious Meals program benefiting over 82.9 million students daily, the development of three million decent housing units for low-income citizens, and free health screenings for children under six and adults to improve access to essential health services.
Sugiono affirmed that these programs align with the vision of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, particularly on the right to adequate food, housing, and health. Additionally, Indonesia is advancing food, energy, and water independence while promoting 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 stated, while warning against the misuse of human rights as a political tool to hinder national growth and development.
The High-Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council is held annually during the first week of its first session. This year’s event gathered over 128 high-ranking officials, including deputy prime ministers and foreign ministers, to discuss global human rights priorities.
