Habibie launches human rights campaign
Habibie launches human rights campaign
JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie officially launched the
country's five-year National Action Plan on Human Rights
yesterday as a part of the new government's ambitious plan to
rehabilitate the country's poor record on human rights
protection.
The President set the ratification of human rights
conventions, the dissemination of information and education on
human rights and the implementation of human rights principles
based on priority as targets to be met by 2003.
"As a member of the international community under the United
Nations, we must respect and abide the internationally recognized
principles of human rights," Habibie said during the launching
ceremony at the State Palace.
Yesterday coincided with the anniversary of the 1993 Vienna
Action Plan Declaration.
The ceremony was also attended by several Cabinet ministers,
including Minister of Justice Muladi and Minister of Defense and
Security Affairs/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto.
The President emphasized that the success of the program would
depend on the massive promotion of legal awareness and the
strengthening of human rights as a part of the nation's culture.
"This effort can be achieved through training and education by
all relevant, concerned and competent parties, either from
government or from the whole society," he said.
Soon after replacing former president Soeharto last month, the
new President demonstrated his strong intention to boost human
rights protection, much criticized a lacking in Soeharto's 32-
year rule.
The President ratified earlier this month the International
Labor Organization (ILO) convention on the Freedom of Association
and Protections of the Rights to Organize.
The government is also scheduled to ratify the UN Convention
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment and the convention on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination.
He has also ordered Muladi to revise the controversial 1963
subversion law and other restrictive decrees.
"It is undeniable that the real meaning of a plan of action
lies in its implementation. On this occasion, I would like to
call on all parties to join hands in implementing this action
plan," he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas described the ceremony
as a historic milestone.
"Today's ceremony proves the Indonesian government's firm
commitment on the promotion and protection of human rights and
fundamental freedoms of the whole Indonesian people regardless of
race, ethnicity, sex, language, religion or political
background," Alatas said in his report to the President. (prb)