~Editorial: RIGHTS BODY'S PROFESSIONALISM

~Editorial: RIGHTS BODY'S PROFESSIONALISM

Waging a war and protecting human rights at the same time are
two difficult works -- difficult because they are by nature
contradictory.

The government has decided to launch a military operation in
Aceh province. This decision is full of risks in terms of human
rights protection, the focus of the country's National Commission
on Human Rights.

Clashes of interests between the military and the human rights
body are unavoidable because the two have different purposes.

The commission's professionalism is being questioned by the
military. The root of the problem is the commission's findings on
extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and sexual harassment
during the military operation.

The war in Aceh will continue and the number of victims would
increase. Thus the human rights body's professionalism and
credibility are vital in putting the military operation in check.

Professionalism and credibility however are not enough if the
two factors are based only on verbal reports.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta