At UN Human Rights Council Session, Indonesian Foreign Minister Highlights Setbacks in Disarmament

Jakarta — Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono affirmed that Indonesia remains committed to multilateral disarmament as a pillar of international peace and security amid rising global tensions.

“We believe this commitment is not idealism. It is a necessity,” Sugiono said at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday (23 February), as quoted in a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release.

He said the current global situation is more dangerous, uncertain and polarised compared to last year, as many countries have shifted towards defensive approaches.

According to Sugiono, international law and multilateral institutions are facing mounting pressure.

He noted that the global disarmament landscape is not only stagnant but has actually regressed.

“More than 12,000 warheads still exist. Modernisation programmes are increasing, arsenals are expanding, and nuclear rhetoric is becoming more frequent and alarming,” he said.

Sugiono added that the expiry of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) — the last nuclear arms limitation agreement between the United States and Russia, the two countries with the world’s largest nuclear arsenals — represents a deeply concerning development.

“For the first time in decades, there are no agreed limits on their strategic nuclear forces,” he said.

He also highlighted emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber capabilities and outer space, which he said add to escalation risks without clear safeguards.

“Multilateral disarmament efforts must keep pace with these realities,” Sugiono said.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council is the first to be presided over by Indonesia, through its Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, since the body was established in 2006. The session runs from 23 February to 31 March.

During Indonesia’s presidency, a number of thematic issues have been raised, including the prevention of female genital mutilation, the promotion of a culture of peace, financing for sustainable development, the rights of persons with disabilities, and children’s rights.