61st UN Human Rights Council Session Next Week to Be First Chaired by Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Indonesia will lead the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council from 23 February to 31 March 2026, making it the first session presided over by Indonesia since the body was established in 2006.
According to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia (PTRI) in Geneva, the session will open with a high-level segment on 23–25 February 2026, during which Foreign Minister Sugiono is scheduled to deliver a national statement on the first day.
“Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, serving as President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, will open the High-Level Segment,” PTRI Geneva said in a written statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday.
The mission noted that the session, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council’s establishment, takes place amid an increasingly complex global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and financial pressures on the UN ecosystem.
Under Indonesia’s leadership, the UN Human Rights Council will remain steadfast in carrying out its mandate, maintaining an inclusive space for dialogue, and strengthening cooperation for the equal advancement of human rights for all, according to PTRI Geneva.
As President of the UN Human Rights Council, Indonesia is promoting the theme “A Presidency for All” as a commitment to ensuring an inclusive human rights body capable of bridging differences through constructive dialogue and reinforcing cooperation as the primary foundation for human rights protection.
Indonesia will also promote the strengthening of children’s access to nutritious food, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s agenda, affirming that the fulfilment of food rights and children’s rights is an essential component of human rights protection and a strategic investment in sustainable human resource development.
Throughout Indonesia’s leadership of the UN Human Rights Council, thematic issues to be raised include the prevention of female genital mutilation, the promotion of a culture of peace, sustainable development financing, the rights of persons with disabilities, and children’s rights, PTRI Geneva said.
The UN Human Rights Council will also discuss technical cooperation and capacity building with partner countries such as Ukraine, Haiti, and the Central African Republic, as well as human rights developments in several countries including Afghanistan, Sudan, and Palestine.
PTRI Geneva said more than 100 state officials have been confirmed to attend the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, with heads of state attending in person including Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.