Indonesian FM Urges UN Human Rights Council to Address Israeli Violations in Palestine
Geneva, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, during her participation in the High-Level Segment of the 55th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, strongly urged the international community to address the serious human rights violations committed by Israel against Palestinians.
In her statement, Minister Marsudi highlighted the gravity of the situation and stressed the imperative for the UN Human Rights Council to take decisive action in addressing the ongoing violations. This session marked the commencement of Indonesia’s membership in the council for the 2024-2026 period.
“The second thing that I conveyed in the Human Rights Council meeting was the importance of intensifying efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis,” noted Minister Marsudi in a written statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She emphasized the global collaboration and solidarity required to address the refugee crisis triggered by war and conflict, calling for the fulfillment of obligations in the Refugee Convention. Minister Marsudi underscored the need to strengthen humanitarian mechanisms while cautioning against their politicization.
“I conveyed that we must not stay silent about the suspension of funding to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), while funds to support war crimes in Gaza continue to flow,” she remarked.
Furthermore, Minister Marsudi highlighted the collective responsibility of all countries to bolster the human rights ecosystem. In the ASEAN region, Indonesia is actively pushing for the strengthening of the human rights ecosystem through the Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue. In Afghanistan, Indonesia is advocating for the fulfillment of women’s rights.
“I also emphasized the importance of adequate funding for the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights and other important mechanisms, such as the Commission of Inquiry regarding the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” she stated.
Minister Marsudi stressed the significance of supporting the Human Rights Council in providing technical assistance and capacity building to member states. She affirmed that protecting and promoting human rights must be carried out equally, respecting each country’s right to development, and working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Collaborations must also be directed to guarantee the rights of vulnerable people, especially women, people with disabilities, and migrants,” Minister Marsudi concluded.
