Demand of human rights victims

Demand of human rights victims

From Warta Kota

Human rights violations, particularly in conflict-ridden regions like Maluku and Aceh, have claimed a lot of victims. The victims have pressed their demand with the authorities, who, unfortunately, more often than not, have turned a deaf ear. Obviously, this has aroused the victims' fury. They feel that they have been trifled with and, at the same time, also have an opportunity to witness the truth unfolding that this country is really void of justice.

The weak judicial system necessitates efforts to make people in the regions where conflicts can easily break out realize that the conflicts are only part of orchestration by the political elite. In my opinion, the reconciliation efforts being encouraged by the political elite have not effectively put a lid on social conflicts across the country. I am inclined to believe that all these efforts are just political rhetoric, not really intended to reach people on the lower rungs of the social strata.

Both the political elite and the government must take action to pay heed to the demand lodged by the victims of human rights violations. Among other things, they have demanded that the government ensure there will no longer be any victims of human rights violations. To be treated unfairly really hurts. Finally, I am sorry to have to say that the National Commission on Human Rights has practically done nothing in this respect or, if it has, its efforts have been fruitless.

PENI AMBARWATI

Jakarta