The Indonesian Red Crescent (BSMI), as a humanitarian organisation\ncommitted to protecting human rights, has expressed deep concern over\nthe prohibition and closure of mosques as places of worship for Muslims\nin certain countries, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine.<\/p>\n
The Chairman of the National Board of BSMI, Djazuli Ambari,\nemphasised that Israel\u2019s actions constitute a limitation on religious\nfreedom as guaranteed by international law, particularly as stated in\nArticle 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and\nArticle 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights\n(ICCPR). These provisions affirm that every individual has the right to\nfreedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to\nmanifest their religion or belief either individually or in community\nwith others, in public or private.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque without a lawful, proportionate,\nand non-discriminatory basis also contravenes the fundamental principles\nof non-discrimination and minority protection as recognised in various\ninternational human rights instruments,\u201d Djazuli told Republika on\nTuesday (31\/3\/2026).<\/p>\n
He added that in relation to this matter, BSMI declares its rejection\nof all forms of prohibition and closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque carried\nout arbitrarily, discriminatorily, or without clear and lawful legal\nbasis. BSMI also urges the UN to act immediately to reopen access to the\nAl-Aqsa Mosque as a place of worship for Muslims and to ensure\nprotection of religious freedom.<\/p>\n
BSMI calls on the international community, including the United\nNations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to take concrete\nsteps to ensure respect for the right to religious freedom. BSMI also\ninvites all parties to uphold tolerance, respect diversity, and prevent\nactions that could exacerbate social tensions or religion-based\nconflicts.<\/p>\n
BSMI also recommends strategic steps for the Indonesian government.\nFirst, to raise the issue in multilateral forums. Indonesia can bring\nthis matter to international forums such as the United Nations Human\nRights Council (UNHRC) to encourage discussion and resolution, and the\nUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to gain broader global\nattention.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoordination with Islamic World Organisations. Indonesia needs to\nactively promote collective action through the Organization of Islamic\nCooperation (OIC), including: joint position statements, fact-finding\nmissions, and coordinated international advocacy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Third, Djazuli added that BSMI encourages the Indonesian government\nto utilise special UN mechanisms. Indonesia can submit a request to the\nSpecial Rapporteur, particularly the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of\nReligion or Belief under the UN, to conduct an investigation and report\nviolations independently.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndonesia must also strengthen coalitions with like-minded\ncountries. Building alliances with nations committed to pluralism and\nreligious freedom to issue joint statements and increase collective\ndiplomatic pressure,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/closure-of-al-aqsa-mosque-deemed-violation-of-religious-freedom-bsmi-urges-un-to-act-1774972312", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }