Makarim's diplomacy<\/p>\n
Much has been made of Makarim Wibisono's appointment as chairman
\nof the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR). The honor signifies
\nrecognition of the diplomat's long service to his country and his
\ncontribution to multilateral diplomacy. Given his experience and
\ntenure in various international organizations, Makarim is,
\nwithout doubt, a qualified candidate for the job.<\/p>\n
Despite this relative "success" for Indonesian diplomacy, we
\nshould not make too much of his appointment. Makarim remains
\neffectively a steward of a body that traditionally takes turns
\nannually chairing the commission based on regional groupings.
\nHaving secured the support of the Asia group, it was no surprise
\nthat Makarim was then elected by acclamation for a one-year
\ntenure.<\/p>\n
Established in 1946, the UNCHR was created to help promote and
\nprotect human rights. It promotes guidelines, studies problems
\nand helps codify international norms on human rights.<\/p>\n
Comprised of 53 members elected to three-year terms, the UNCHR
\nmeets annually for six weeks. Makarim is due to chair this year's
\nmeeting in Geneva beginning mid-March.<\/p>\n
While the UNCHR plays an important structural role in the
\npromotion of human rights, it has largely become a diplomatic
\ntalk-fest in recent years. Because of its bureaucratic nature,
\nthe UNCHR has lost much of its appeal to the more high-profile
\nactivities of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. Since 1994,
\nit is this office that has become the focal point of the UN's
\nhuman rights activities.<\/p>\n
It is the Commissioner who is mandated to quickly respond to
\nviolations and prevent rights infractions around the world.<\/p>\n
So with all due respect to Makarim, he has a little something
\nto prove. Otherwise, history will likely judge him simply as an
\nhonorary appointee.<\/p>\n
Since news of his appointment came through the senior diplomat
\nhas become a much-coveted speaker in intellectual circles here at
\nhome. His remarks thus far deserve credit, showing a clear vision
\non what he would like the UNCHR to be.<\/p>\n
He succinctly encapsulated one of the main deficiencies of the
\nbody by noting that the debate in the commission had tended to
\nbecome politicized and aimed at shaming particular countries.<\/p>\n
While his argument is merited, does Makarim not realize that
\nhuman rights is all about politics?<\/p>\n
Human rights is the basic core of the socio-political contract
\nbetween citizens and its government. It cannot be treated in the
\nsame way that diplomats treat particular articles of treaties and
\nnegotiations -- with compromise and trade-offs.<\/p>\n
The same way certain countries insist on highlighting
\nanother's human rights record, those who reject their record to
\ncome under scrutiny do so based on political interests.<\/p>\n
To deliberate on style, rather than substance is an obsolete
\n"New Order" mindset which this country is desperately trying to
\nshed.<\/p>\n
One senior diplomat once described his task during the New
\nOrder as "defending the indefensible". Makarim now has the luxury
\nof not having to do so.<\/p>\n
Others often talk about Makarim's appointment in the context
\nof Indonesia's national interests. The question is whose national
\ninterest?<\/p>\n
For decades, the national interest was defined by a small
\nclique of leaders who did so to perpetuate their political
\nstranglehold. It would not be wise to perceive Makarim's
\nappointment as a way of "overlooking" Indonesia's own outstanding
\nhuman rights cases.<\/p>\n
When warranted, this country should welcome criticism, even
\nthe harshest kind. It is a reminder to put our house in order,
\nthe same way that Makarim's tenure is a wake-up call for domestic
\nactors to act responsibly on issues of human rights.<\/p>\n
He may be an Indonesian, but Makarim's first duty should now
\nbe towards the defense of universal human rights, not merely the
\nnarrow view of some Asian or Western states. That is the best way
\nto make the country proud of his tenure as chairman.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/makarims-diplomacy-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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