Britain welcomes Indonesian government's new openness<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): British Ambassador Robin Christopher has
\nwelcomed the political openness introduced by the Indonesian
\ngovernment despite the all-encompassing economic crisis, and
\ncalled for discourses on democratization and human rights.<\/p>\n
Christopher told a media conference on Tuesday that in order
\nto ensure the momentum for democratization was not lost, now was
\nthe right to time to discuss human rights protection in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
\"The openness in Indonesia is really a pleasing development,\"
\nhe said as quoted by Antara. \"All friendly countries, including
\nBritain, are watching this process carefully.\"<\/p>\n
He noted the rapid changes that had taked place here since
\nMay, and expressed confidence that they would lead to permanent
\nreform.<\/p>\n
\"For the first time in the last 30 years we have witnessed the
\nrelease of political prisoners, and openness in the mass media
\nand journalism, and freedom of expression,\" Christopher said.<\/p>\n
Christopher announced at the media conference that the British
\nEmbassy and the Representation of the European Commission in
\nJakarta would hold a human rights workshop here on Wednesday and
\nThursday.<\/p>\n
The event is being organized by the National Commission on
\nHuman Rights and is taking up as its theme Indonesia and Europe,
\na cooperative human rights partnership.<\/p>\n
The workshop will be jointly chaired by Marzuki Darusman, the
\ndeputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, and
\nDavid Harris, director of the Human Rights Law Center at
\nBritain's Nottingham University.<\/p>\n
The event brings together 150 Indonesian and European experts
\nin human rights issues. The British embassy said in its statement
\nthat this would be the first event of its kind the European Union
\nhad organized.<\/p>\n
Experts will discuss and debate human rights in four
\ncategories: police and the judiciary; women's and children's
\nrights; human rights education, awareness and institution
\nbuilding; and labor rights.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas hosted a
\nwelcome reception for the participants on Tuesday evening, and
\nwill make a keynote speech at the opening ceremony on Wednesday
\nmorning. (swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/britain-welcomes-indonesian-governments-new-openness-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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